Long Center Foundation | CFY Pinellas

HISTORY TIMELINE

CFY's Collaboration with The Long Center Foundation

1965 - CFY was founded by Dick Wachtler, Ted Johnson, Don McFarland, & Fred Fisher

Clearwater for Youth (CFY) was built on the mission to keep children active in sports. Through the years, the vision grew, and an idea was born to expand sports programs to include a recreational facility to provide a safe space for Pinellas County children. An endowment fund has insured perpetuity.

CFY History - 1965-1

1986-1990 - Building the Long Center Foundation Complex

In 1987, a lease was received for 16 acres on Belcher Rd. Was originally part of “Bicycle Trail to Bay." From 1987- 1990 the Capital Campaign raised funds to develop and build a 150,000 square feet recreational and educational facility now known as the Long Center Foundation.

Long Center Complex - 1974 Article-1

1990 - Opening Day Ceremonies

On July 1, 1990, the doors of the Long Center opened for the first time to the community. Governor Bob Graham and Olympic Gold Medalist Tracy Caulkins were among the many who attended the opening ceremony. Harris E. "Zip" Long provided $1 Million to the construction of the Long Center to foresee the naming rights to the center.

Long Center Opening Day-1

1990-2003 - Long Center, Inc. Managed the Long Center

Operations at the Long Center Foundation facility served citizens of the community over one million hours each year and hosted over 150 organizations each year. It is one of only three facilities in Florida with an indoor Olympic-sized swimming pool.

CFY History_4-1

2003-Present - Long Center Foundation and City of Clearwater partner on operations

In 2003, ownership of the Long Center was turned over to the city of Clearwater. The Long Center Foundation provides annual support of $200,000 per year towards the operation of the facility. The City of Clearwater has invested $20 million in Capital improvements over the term of the partnership and it continues today.

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MEANING BEHIND THE NAME

Why It's Called "The Long Center"

The Long Center is named after Mr. H.E. “Zip” Long. Mr. Long was a well-known banker, a dedicated husband and father, who donated $1.5 million towards the building of the Long Center. Throughout his life he continued to provide monetary support for the facility and its programs, working alongside his good friend, golf buddy and co-founder of the Long Center, Fred Fisher. “Zip always has a persistent and caring need for kids and the less advantaged – he was alert to helping others.”

IN RECOGNITION

Fred Fisher's Impact

The City of Clearwater gratefully acknowledges the many community leaders who helped make the Long Center a reality. Special recognition goes out to founding member & Chariman Emeritus, Mr. Fredrick E. Fisher (1931-2023) for his vision of providing athletic opportunities for all children and his 50+ years of dedication to the youth of Pinellas County.

Check out this documentary as Fred Fisher recounts the intertwined history of Clearwater For Youth and the building of The Long Center.