The Robert L. Taylor Community Complex grew from the "Colored Service Men's Club" building that had served black soldiers during World War II. Newtown resident John Floyd supervised construction of the wood frame structure. After Ken Thompson became Manager for the City of Sarasota in 1950, he expanded the traditional park program to include recreation and hired Robert L. Taylor to develop and run a recreation program at the Newton Community Center in the wartime "USO," as residents knew it. Supported by Robert "Bud" Thomas, a former semi-pro baseball player, local barber, and community leader, Taylor planned programs, taught classes, and remained on site from opening to closing, with only a part-time janitor as other paid staff. Without a gym, basketball began on an outdoor court and became especially important for weeknight pickup games, where fans, aspiring players, and experienced players gathered for fun, skill-building, and self-confidence. In 1957, a swimming pool was added in an effort to end demands for desegregating Sarasota beaches, and senior boys at Booker High School became the first volunteer lifeguards. As adult swimming classes were added in the evening, the staff expanded to include a lifeguard and water instructor. Continuing Newtown's baseball tradition, semi-pro player Adair Ford was hired to develop an athletic program for children and youth. The original building was replaced in 1969 by a large auditorium, and the center increasingly became a true community center. A gymnasium was added in 1986, marking the climax of Taylor's 36-year career. After Taylor retired, Carl East was promoted from assistant supervisor to director following a short interim period. As the community grew, programming at the Rec changed, with a senior adult program beginning in the 1980s and later augmented by the Senior Friendship Center, while volunteers began providing year-round tutoring for students of all ages. The center was rededicated as the Robert L. Taylor Community Complex on February 15, 2005.