Huge MacDill 48 Park is our new favorite green space in Tampa

Tampa’s newest green space, MacDill 48 Park (6415 S. MacDill Ave.), has officially opened to the public. This unique 48-acre escape is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. I’m hoping for cooler winter temperatures so I can truly enjoy this new running spot.

The park features a scenic one-mile trail that winds through a lush, forested canopy. The trail leads visitors around a 10-acre stormwater pond that holds a remarkable 25 million gallons of water. MacDill 48 Park’s innovative stormwater management system not only enhances the park’s beauty but also serves a crucial environmental function.

Explore a wide boardwalk at MacDill 48 Park

Accessible through three entrances, the park offers a variety of amenities, including covered picnic tables, pond-side benches, and a 14-foot-wide boardwalk that stretches over a natural wetland. Pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy the tranquil environment from sunrise to sunset, while cars are prohibited from entering.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to observe, from native fish and gopher tortoises to large birds such as bald eagles. These are just a few of the Florida species that call MacDill 48 Park home. Two additional park entrances are planned for future development, expanding access to this vibrant urban sanctuary.

But MacDill 48 Park isn’t just about recreation. Its centerpiece, the expansive stormwater pond, plays a crucial role in enhancing flood relief for the southeast portion of Tampa’s Lower Peninsula Watershed, which includes areas south of El Prado Boulevard.

Park wins excellence in engineering and public works award

The park also includes more than 12,000 linear feet of box culverts, pipes, and drainage inlets to help manage stormwater. In addition, green infrastructure throughout the park will reduce the discharge of pollutants—such as oils, nutrients, and debris—into Hillsborough Bay, ensuring a safer and cleaner environment for all.

This thoughtful combination of recreation and environmental stewardship earned MacDill 48 Park an excellence in engineering and public works award from the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Public Works Association, and the American Council of Engineering Companies. This recognition is a testament to the park’s commitment to excellence and its contribution to the community.