Tampa’s Riverwalk is set to add two new dog parks, offering separate spaces for small and large breeds. The initiative is a collaboration between the City of Tampa, the Parks and Recreation Department, the Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency, and the Tampa Museum of Art.
The project forms part of a larger expansion at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, where the Tampa Museum of Art is undergoing significant renovations. Funding includes $1.4 million from a $24.75 million reimbursement grant approved by the Community Redevelopment Agency for improvements to both the museum and surrounding park areas.
Additional upgrades following completion of the dog parks will include construction of a four-story, 55,000-square-foot glass pier on the Hillsborough River, enhancements to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, elevator access to Poe Parking Garage, and other features.
“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 small-breed dog park will measure 1,980 square feet and be located in terraced landscaping beds near Four Green Fields. The large-breed park will cover 4,900 square feet on lower ground closer to the river and will replace an existing 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 current dog park behind the museum will stay open until the new facilities are operational. Afterward, that space will be transferred to the Tampa Museum of Art for its expansion plans along the Riverwalk.
