Long Center renovation, tennis grants and median landscaping among CIP updates; solar panels expanding at rec centers

During the director’s report on July 22, Parks staff summarized several capital projects and grant awards affecting Clearwater parks and recreation facilities.
Long Center natatorium and pool: Staff reported steel work is complete and roofing, HVAC enclosure and pool renovation work are underway. The department said it hopes the Long Center natatorium will open in spring 2026, subject to weather and construction progress. The Arc of Tampa Bay is undertaking a small classroom-to-cafe conversion at the Long Center at the same time.
Henry L. McMullen Tennis Complex: Parks staff said the city secured a $46,000 USDA facilities grant to cover hurricane-related damages including fence work. Staff also said a separate $9,000 grant was awarded to support wheelchair tennis programming; Parks staff are coordinating with USTA representatives and local community members to plan a possible tournament in November.
Countryside medians landscaping: Staff described median improvements along Countryside Boulevard involving 31 trees (25 white crepe myrtle, one pine, two live oaks), about 46,000 square feet of Bahia sod and roughly 6,400 square feet of perennial peanut plantings. Staff said no irrigation will be added and that watering will rely on rainfall supplemented by a city water truck.
Solar panels: The Morningside Recreation Center recently celebrated a solar installation. Staff said several other city buildings are under consideration for solar and that the Long Center renovation includes anchors to permit future solar-panel installation. Parks staff said they would provide more specific updates on additional solar installations when available.
Discussion vs. decision: These were informational capital-project updates and grant announcements. No advisory-board votes were recorded. Staff indicated design and procurement phases are advancing and that some projects (Long Center and CBRC work) are moving toward contractor procurement.
Ending: Staff said they will continue reporting project timelines and budgetary details as projects progress and as procurement and construction schedules firm up.