By The Numbers: Westchase Recreation Center Expansion

For the past two years talk of expanding the Westchase Recreation Center has circled the community and county. Now those discussions are becoming a reality as Hillsborough County begins the early phases of construction on expanding the gymnasium portion of the recreation center, located at 9791 Westchase Drive, next to Westchase Elementary School.

The gym would serve the community as well as Westchase Elementary's after school program, which has a hefty wait-list. Construction is expected to begin in July.

"I do know that there are a lot of happy parents and teachers with the additional parking the expansion has provided for Westchase Elementary," said Andrea Piacitelli, President of Westchase Elementary PTA.  "I also know that several parents and children love what the recreation center offers -- it is quite the popular hang out for kids after school."

Here's a breakdown of the Westchase Recreation Center by the numbers:

10,000 

The square footage of the new multi-purpose gymnasium.

200-250

Number of peoplw who will be accomodated by the new gym.

2013

Summer 2013 is the expected completion date for the expansion.

40-50

Number of extra parking spaces added to accomodate the expanded gymnasium.

$2-million

The expected cost of the new gymnasium