Why Tampa should expand its Riverwalk

The Hillsboro River, which winds through downtown Tampa, is only about 90 feet wide. It might be the same as the Grand Canyon. This bay has long separated two distinct parts of town. One is where you’re already going, and the other is where you’re about to start.

That history was recalled recently after the Tampa City Council moved forward with plans to extend the popular Riverwalk from the downtown side to the river’s west bank. The City Council voted 5-2 to spend $10 million over three years from the West Tampa Taxing District to subsidize pedestrian walkways that further connect neighborhoods to the vibrant city center. The project is a long-awaited project that will create new residential and retail opportunities while providing a new linear waterfront destination for residents and visitors alike.

Given its potential to change West Tampa for the better, I’ve heard critics describe the expansion as Mayor Jane Castor’s “vanity” project and argue it doesn’t rank as a civic priority. It was a surprise. Before the project rolls out over the next several years, it’s worth clearing up some misconceptions about the Riverwalk and the role major urban park investments can play in meeting a city’s various needs.

First, not all big projects are vanity projects, and this is not something that the now-terminated Castor administration is pursuing alone. Then-Mayor Bill Poe first envisioned the Riverwalk in 1975, and all six of his successors over the next half century built on that goal. Mayor Pam Iorio really hit the ground running in the 2000s, creating a corridor on the downtown side that is familiar to today’s users. Her successor, Bob Buckhorn, laid the groundwork for remaking Riverfront Park and extending the Riverwalk westward. Rather, Castor is sticking to the vision shared by previous mayors who made the right decision to revitalize their waterfronts. That continuity stimulates private investment and helps maintain public amenities.

Second, cities can (and should) have multiple priorities pursued simultaneously. And as seen in every Gulf Coast community amid the housing crisis and the aftermath of last year’s hurricanes, priorities change over time. Cities have understandably put more emphasis on affordable housing and strengthening storm protection systems and other infrastructure. But other daily needs don’t evaporate. It is also false to claim that Tampa can solve its housing and flooding problems by cutting parks and other everyday services. Additionally, most of the $52 million price tag will be covered by federal and other grants, thanks (again) to Tampa Democratic U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor. Outside money is here, so take advantage of it. Why are you crying?

It’s also worth recognizing how linear parks are unique in that they serve multiple purposes. These public spaces connect people to work, school, offices, homes, business centers, and other destinations. The West Riverwalk will provide a safer pathway for children to ride and play, a more affordable option for commuters to walk or bike to work, and residents to feel more connected in their community. Create an environment for building. Currently, there are only two parks and one restaurant on the west side, compared to dozens of restaurants and parks along the Riverwalk on the other side. Tampa’s investment could easily quadruple if the West Riverwalk opens and new housing and retail follows. This is good for the city’s tax base and Tampa’s economic climate.

And don’t overlook the intangible benefits. For too long, the West Side has been riddled with dilapidated housing, overgrown lots, crime, bad schools, and ugly, anemic shopping streets. Why do people who wake up and sleep here feel part of Tampa’s renaissance? City Councilman Charlie Miranda captures the situation perfectly, explaining how, after the war, Ybor City’s Cascaden Park became the home of many… He recalled how he shaped children from struggling families and inspired them to become doctors, lawyers and civic leaders. “You see hope,” Miranda said in support of the Riverwalk expansion. “Hope has no price.”

This is a great project. Let’s get started.