Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Reopens a Transformed Cross Creek Park to the Community

Hillsborough County officially welcomed residents back to Cross Creek Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of an $8.6 million transformation that turned the long-time neighborhood park into a premier recreation destination for the New Tampa community.

The project adds a new recreation center, upgraded amenities, and expanded opportunities for residents of all ages to stay active, connect with neighbors, and enjoy the outdoors.

County leaders, community members, and local families gathered to celebrate the reopening of the nearly 15-acre park. The space now features a 16,000-square-foot recreation building with a gymnasium, fitness room, multipurpose room, and classrooms.

The renovation includes a state-of-the-art playground, renovated basketball courts, pickleball courts, a walking trail, and more. Outside the facility, guests can enjoy a pavilion, improved landscaping, and plenty of parking.

The investment provides New Tampa families with expanded recreational opportunities close to home and creates a central gathering place for youth programs, fitness classes, community events, and year-round activities.

For Hillsborough County resident Nikita Dera, the renovated Cross Creek Park is everything a community needs.

"This is exactly what the people of New Tampa needed," Dera said. "Whether it's spending time outside or experiencing nature, having the ability to share these things with our neighbors is what community is all about."

The new recreation center will host after-school programs, summer camps, and community programming designed to serve residents of all ages, helping meet the recreational needs of one of Hillsborough County's fastest-growing communities. In addition to creating new spaces for recreation, the project improves accessibility, safety, and comfort throughout the park with upgraded pathways, additional seating, shade, and gathering spaces.
"It's been a breath of fresh air to see how families can raise children together when they have facilities like this," Dera said.

Cross Creek Park joins a growing network of Hillsborough County parks that provide residents with spaces to play, exercise, and learn. Located near the New Tampa Performing Arts Center, John B. Sargeant Sr. Park, and Flatwoods Park, the renovated facility further expands recreational opportunities available to residents throughout the area.

The reopening marks the completion of months of construction and years of planning to create a destination park that will serve New Tampa families.

Cross Creek Park and all its amenities are open to the public from sunrise to sunset at 19019 Basset Creek Dr., Tampa, FL 33647. Learn more about the Parks & Recreation Wellness Access Pass, which provides access to fitness centers, open gyms, programs, and more.