Tampa's Riverwalk will soon offer its furry residents new dedicated parks where small and large breeds of dogs can have their own spaces to play.
The City of Tampa, the Parks and Recreation Department, the Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency, and the Tampa Museum of Art are collaborating on the construction of two new dog parks at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, where the museum is also undergoing a transformative renovation.
As part of the $24.75 million reimbursement grant the Community Redevelopment Agency approved for the museum's overall expansion project, $1.4 million will go toward the two thoughtfully designed dog parks and other park improvements.
After completion of the dog parks, construction will include a four-story, 55,000-square-foot glass pier on the Hillsborough River, improvements to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, elevator access to the Poe Parking Garage, and more.
"This is an especially beautiful collaborative project," Mayor Jane Castor said. "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 sq. ft. small-breed dog park will be carved into the terraced landscaping beds adjacent to the palms and Four Green Fields. The 4,900 sq. ft. large-breed dog park will be located on the lower elevation, closer to the Hillsborough River, and will replace a landscaped seating area.
"The new split space is about 1,000 square feet larger than the existing one," Parks and Recreation Special Events Superintendent Shawnta Price said. "Couple that with custom shade structures and preserved oak trees, and you see that this project is a significant improvement."
The existing dog park, behind the museum will remain open until the new ones are operating. The old park will then be given to the Tampa Museum of Art, accommodating an expansion to further enhance the Riverwalk.