Tampa Riverwalk named 2nd best Riverwalk in America

The Tampa Riverwalk nominated as one of the top Riverwalk in America, and after several weeks of voting the pedestrian and cyclist path was voted the second best in the country. Detroit’s International Riverwalk came in first for the third year in a row, and Louisville’s Riverwalk came in third. Our beautiful Riverwalk is set to expand over the next three years, so its profile is only going to grow.

Here’s what USA Today has to say about our waterfront trail: “The Tampa Riverwalk was created to connect the businesses, parks and museums along the riverfront in Tampa, Florida. It also serves as a central spot for performances, art, leisure and fitness activities. At 2.6 miles long, there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy along the way, from restaurants to museums, not to mention the scenery.” This is all the hype we need as we prepare for Riverfest this May.

Tampa Riverwalk receives national acclaim

Tampa City Council executed an agreement back in July 2022 with the U.S. Department of Transportation to take a $24 million grant from 2020 that will extend Tampa’s iconic Riverwalk.

An RFP (request for proposal) for this expansion should be put out very soon. Contracts will not only be bid out for design-build and administrative consulting services but also for new green infrastructure in the form of resilient shorelines.

If all goes according to plan, then the project could be completed by December 2026. The Riverwalk Extension will provide a major boost to West Tampa, and North Hyde Park.

Expanding the Riverwalk system

Officials have stated that the Tampa Riverwalk Project begins at Platt Street and Bayshore Boulevard, across the Publix (243 Bayshore Boulevard). The system then proceeds under the Brorein Street Bridge, moves along the Hillsborough River and connects to the University Tampa.

This new system is also expected to connect with the new Rome Yard Development. The mixed-use redevelopment will include 17,000 sq. ft. of commercial space, a job training center, and over 30,000 sq. ft. of amenity spaces.

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