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Photos Capture Spirit Of Community Center

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By LAURA KINSLER, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 24, 2008

TAMPA PALMS - The New Tampa Community Center's opening is weeks away, but anyone passing by knows it will be a center for gymnastics and dance.

Images of grinning girls in toeshoes and leotards float in each of the center's highest windows. The transparent photos were installed last week by photographer Matt May.

"We wanted to show these young gymnasts doing their thing," May said. "They are some of the most determined, disciplined athletes I've been around."

May speaks from experience: He has worked as the official photographer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Each photo was printed on transparent film, adhered to acrylic and mounted in one of the 17 highest windows in the center at the New Tampa Community Park. At night, they will be visible from the outside when the building's lights are on.

"Someone driving down the road will instantly know what the center is all about," May said.

Two images of skateboarders taken at downtown Tampa's Perry Harvey Park adorn the back windows that eventually will overlook a new skate park.

"We wanted to use the real kids to give the project authenticity," May said.

All city buildings contain some public art component. Project coordinator Melissa LeBaron said the $27,000 commission represented 1 percent of the center's construction budget.

May took thousands of photos last spring and summer. Narrowing it down to 19 iconic images was one of the toughest challenges. The project evolved over time.

"We originally were going to do them in color," May said, "but we wanted to get a warm feeling. We fell in love with the sepia because it felt nostalgic - like we captured a moment in time - and it bathes everyone in this warm, orange tone."

The 12,500-square-foot gym will allow expansion of the city's popular gymnastics program. The center also is designed to accommodate everything from hip-hop classes to mom-and-tot exercise sessions and fitness instruction. There will be a snack bar and two large rooms for public meetings, parties and other functions.

Construction of the $500,000 skate park will start after the last public meeting, scheduled for March 7 at Tampa Palms' Compton Park Recreation Center.

Reporter Laura Kinsler can be reached at (813) 865-4844 or lkinsler@tampatrib.com.

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