Parks & Recreation
Fricker Resource Center to Close for Major Renovations Beginning This Month
Nearly $9.5 million in grant funding will transform the Fricker Center into a modernized community hub—with a planned reopening in June 2027.
The City of Pensacola Parks and Recreation Department is preparing to launch long-anticipated renovations at the Fricker Resource Center. Neighbors can expect to see site work begin in early May, marking the start of a project more than two years in the making.
Transition Timeline
The department has released a detailed schedule for the closure and transition of services:
- May 18 — Senior Programming moves to Bayview Senior Center
- May 22 — After School Programming ends; summer campers will be accommodated at Woodland Heights
- May 23 — Fricker Center officially closes
- May 26 — Center staff relocate to other facilities
- After May 26 — Interior demolition work begins
- June 2027 — Center reopens with full services
“We’re building more than just a facility — we’re building a space that reflects the heart of this community. Our goal is to maintain what we already have and make it resilient enough to endure for many more years to come.”
— Mayor D.C. Reeves
What’s Driving the Project
Grant funding secured in 2023 is the backbone of the renovation. With nearly $9.5 million in grant awards supplemented by Local Option Sales Tax funds, the project will allow Fricker to expand its offerings in leisure, cultural programming, fitness, and education services.
The full list of grant sources is available on the City’s project grants page.
What the Renovated Center Will Include
The redesigned facility is planned to feature:
- A career lab
- A senior center
- A STEM Lab for students
- Health and wellness access
- Increased weather resiliency, including expanded stormwater treatment
- Increased parking
- ADA-compliant playground updates
- A multipurpose field and green space
- Renovations to restrooms, entryways, the kitchen, social hall, library, and more
The Fricker renovation is part of the City’s Direction 25 initiative — a nearly $22 million investment to revitalize parks and public recreation spaces across Pensacola.
For updates and more information, visit the project website at www.frcrenovation.com.