The Tierra Verde community identified a recreation center as a high priority project when the County was planning use of the Penny for Pinellas funds for the 2010-2019 period. The construction of the facility could not be fully funded at that time but is funded in the current Penny funding cycle (2020-2029).
Funding for the operation and programming of the new recreation center is not included as part of the Penny funding. To build the recreation center, a funding source for operational programming needs to be established.
If a funding source for operating the recreation center is not established, the recreation center will likely not be built, and the Penny funds dedicated to the community may be applied elsewhere.
Current State
The project is on hold until the County can find an organization to operate and program the space. The County does not operate and program recreation facilities as a part of county services.
Future State
If Tierra Verde residents desire a new Recreation Center, the County will build a facility if a long-term funding source for operations has been identified. One potential option to fund the operations is the Municipal Services Taxing Unit (MSTU). The MSTU Board (made up of 7 Tierra Verde residents) could accept responsibility for operating the facility.
