Tampa’s Riverwalk will soon welcome two new dog parks, giving small and large breeds their own dedicated spaces to play. The project is a collaboration between the City of Tampa, the Parks and Recreation Department, the Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency, and the Tampa Museum of Art, which is also undergoing a major renovation.
As part of the $24.75 million reimbursement grant approved by the Community Redevelopment Agency for the museum’s expansion, $1.4 million is earmarked for the new dog parks and other park upgrades.
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New dog parks and room for a Tampa museum to grow
Once the dog parks are complete, additional work will include construction of a four-story, 55,000-square-foot glass pier on the Hillsborough River, upgrades to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, elevator access to the Poe Parking Garage, and more.
“This is an especially beautiful collaborative project,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “Tampa’s dogs and their owners get two new dog parks. The wonderful Tampa Museum gets space to expand. And the Riverwalk, a true signature element of our city, will be even more engaging and beautiful. It’s a win-win-win.”
The 1,980-square-foot small-breed park will be integrated into the terraced landscaping beds near the palms and Four Green Fields. The 4,900-square-foot large-breed park will sit closer to the Hillsborough River on a lower elevation, replacing a landscaped seating area.
More space for recreation in the heart of Tampa
“The new split space is about 1,000 square feet larger than the existing one,” said Parks and Recreation Special Events Superintendent Shawnta Price. “Couple that with custom shade structures and preserved oak trees, and you see that this project is a significant improvement.”
The current dog park behind the museum will remain open until the new parks are ready. Once they open, the existing park will be turned over to the Tampa Museum of Art to support its expansion, adding even more to the Riverwalk experience.
Looking to adopt in Tampa? Check out these shelter dogs looking for forever homes at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.
