Tampa, Fla. – University Area CDC (Community Development Corporation) facilities and properties, including the University Area Community Center, Harvest Hope Park, University Area Computer Lab and Mort Park, will reopen – while following new safety procedures – on Monday, Aug. 10. The parks and other facilities have been closed since March, due to safety concerns regarding the coronavirus. While re-opening to the public on August 10th, in-person programming will not resume until the week of August 24th.
“We know the past several months have not been easy, and we continue to navigate these unprecedented waters, but we feel that we can carefully re-open to the public following established safety protocols for staff and guests,” said Sarah Combs, executive director and CEO of University Area CDC. “We will continue to act thoughtfully and adjust as needed, as we’ve done since first closing our doors to the public in mid-March. But I believe that together, we can move forward towards some sense of normalcy, albeit ‘the new normal’.”
An exciting feature added to Harvest Hope Park during the closure is the colorful HOPE statue, created by Artist Junior Polo and filled with messages of hope written by community members. Additionally, staff members have planted new trees and have installed hand sanitizer stations.
Realizing the importance that University Area CDC programs play in the lives of many of the area’s residents, the organization developed and provided free Prodigy® virtual classes and online tutorials to help ease the burden through this uncertain time. More than 40 free video tutorials are available online on the following topics: life skills, painting, drawing, dancing, bass guitar, the shaker and more. They are available at uacdc.org/prodigyonline.
In addition, free, live virtual Prodigy® classes are ongoing. Prodigy® in-person programming will begin August 24, and some virtual classes will continue to be available.
University Area CDC has also developed numerous Get Moving! exercise videos in the areas of body sculpting, yoga, nutrition for children and dancing for senior citizens and more, free for the public, posted here: uacdc.org/getmovingonline. In-person Get Moving! Free in-person classes will resume August 24; details available at uacdc.org/getmoving.
Serving the community for more than 20 years, University Area CDC provides support for thousands of Tampa residents through holistic programming, adult education and resource assistance. Its primary mission is the redevelopment and sustainability of at-risk neighborhoods in the Uptown/University area, surrounding University of South Florida’s Tampa campus. More information about University Area CDC, a 501(c)(3) public/private partnership, is available by calling 813.558.5212 and by visiting uacdc.org.