Much of Tampa’s waterfront, back in the 1970’s, was older warehouses and commercial properties that dealt with the Port of Tampa. William Poe, the mayor at that time, envisioned a walkway and park behind the city’s civic center. Originally, this was supposed to have been a short boardwalk on the east side of the Hillsborough River. Disinterest in the project by subsequent administrations and a lack of funding, stalled it for a long time.
In 2002, then mayoral candidate, Pam Lorio decided she wanted to re-jumpstart the project. Following her election, construction began behind the Amalie Arena, along with a fund-raising campaign to complete the project.
By 2014, a Federal Transportation Grant was awarded in order to connect all the existing segments into one 2.6 mile long continuous park. Completed in 2016, the new Riverwalk extended past the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. During the course of construction, a total of 18 bronze busts of prominent figures in Tampa’s history were installed along the walkway.
Today, in addition to connecting several waterfront parks, the Riverwalk passes a number of Tampa’s museums, making this a family treasure.
In 2002, then mayoral candidate, Pam Lorio decided she wanted to re-jumpstart the project. Following her election, construction began behind the Amalie Arena, along with a fund-raising campaign to complete the project.
By 2014, a Federal Transportation Grant was awarded in order to connect all the existing segments into one 2.6 mile long continuous park. Completed in 2016, the new Riverwalk extended past the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. During the course of construction, a total of 18 bronze busts of prominent figures in Tampa’s history were installed along the walkway.
Today, in addition to connecting several waterfront parks, the Riverwalk passes a number of Tampa’s museums, making this a family treasure.
Tampa’s three year old Riverwalk is a treasure worth exploring.
It follows the Hillsborough River through the center of town.
While exploring the Riverwalk, we came across this pavilion sponsored by the city’s National Football League team ...
......but.... it’s a ice skating rink? Football and ice skating...now that’s a combination!
What a beautiful day! Who would guess that this is mid-December?
Water taxis can transport folks to various locations along the River.
Connecting various parks along its route, the Riverwalk provides everyone with something to do...
...including children.
Is this for real?... in the middle of the city?
Along the walkway are 18 bronze statues of prominent citizens in Tampa’s history, including this one of Civil Rights attorney Frangiago Rodriguez Jr.
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