Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex opens; county says impact fees funded facility

Pasco County officials and parks staff celebrated the opening of the new Wesley Chapel Recreation Complex, the county said is the largest indoor park facility built in Pasco County in 30 years. County parks staff described the facility’s features and programming: a gymnasium with a regulation basketball court and side courts, six pickleball courts, two volleyball courts, multi-purpose rooms for fitness, toddler-time and dance, and an inclusive playground. “This is for the entire community,” a parks official said. Officials said park impact fees collected from development funded the project. “The project is funded by park impact fees, which is driven by, obviously, development,” a parks staff member said, explaining that a fee is charged per new single-family home and those fees finance park projects. Staff urged the public to tour the facility and sign up for programs. County leaders said they expect the complex to expand recreation and programming opportunities in Wesley Chapel and highlighted the operations team’s readiness to begin activities at the new site.