Grant To Be Used To Rebuild Winter Haven Recreational, Cultural Center

WINTER HAVEN, FL — The Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center will soon take on a whole new look as Polk County and the city of Winter Haven enter into an agreement that provides Winter Haven with $863,974, courtesy of a Community Development Block Grant, to redesign and redevelop the center.

CDBG grants provide federal dollars to states, cities and counties to develop urban communities by providing housing and a suitable living environment, principally for low- and moderate-income persons.

“This grant will allow the city of Winter Haven to turn the recreation and cultural center into a facility the city’s residents will be proud of,” said George Lindsey, chairman of Polk County’s Board of County Commissioners. “Winter Haven’s northeast community deserves a modern place to enjoy sports, after-school activities and community events. When the redevelopment is complete, this will be a wonderful new recreational home for Winter Haven’s residents.”

The existing center that includes 3,134 square feet of general space and a 7,160-square-foot gymnasium was built in 1974.

It will be demolished, and new amenities will be constructed. The new 37,000-square-foot center will contain a double gymnasium, a fitness center, community/activities area, a library/technology area, a business area and a kitchen. Exterior amenities will include a swimming pool, splash pad, playground, outdoor sports court, pavilions, landscaping and open space.

The CDBG grant will be used on the design, permitting and engineering that will emphasize modernization and accessibility enhancements. The project’s total budget is $14.3 million. Construction is scheduled to begin in February 2024, and the estimated completion date is February 2025.

“These are dollars that will be well spent,” Lindsey said. “The new Winter Haven Recreational and Cultural Center will have a positive impact on an entire community.”