Salcines Park Improvement
This project is to design and construct extensive improvements to Salcines Park, located at 1705 N. Howard Avenue. The project will also include the surrounding streetscape to the back of curb on Ysolina Street, Main Street, and Howard Avenue. The park parcel is +/-3,750 SF; the addition of the streetscape area increases the project size to +/-6,100 SF (0.14 acres). The site is mostly paved and includes a small shelter, seat walls, steps, and trees in various conditions. The “Faces of West Tampa” mural on the adjacent building, depicting Tampa trailblazers who fought for civil rights, broke racial barriers and were instrumental in the development of the West Tampa community, will be protected throughout construction.
Conceptual improvements to this passive urban park include pergolas, fencing, columns, lighting, furnishings, pavement, curbs, planting, irrigation, and other amenities to provide a safe and inviting gathering place for the community.
- Amount budgeted by CRA: $1 million
- Current status: Awaiting City Council approval of Services Agreement with Phinazee Construction & Consulting Services, Inc. and Notice to Proceed (tentatively April 2023)
- Next steps: The contractor will provide an initial presentation at the April 25, 2023 CAC meeting.
Rey Park Improvement
This project is to design and construct extensive improvements to Rey Park, located at 2301 N. Howard Avenue. This park is operated by the City of Tampa Parks & Recreation Department and is approximately 1.25 acres including a one-story community center (+/-4,000 SF). The park currently provides several active and passive recreation opportunities including programmed after school and summer activities at the community center.
Conceptual improvements to this park site may include but may not be limited to: accessible routes; new play equipment with shade structures; new or renovated shelter; court resurfacing; site furniture; decorative fencing and column; site lighting; planting and irrigation, renovations to the community center which may include extensive interior renovation and reorganization; electrical, lighting, and life safety improvements; HVAC and plumbing renovation or replacements; new finishes and furnishing; entry and façade improvements; new doors; window modifications.
- Amount budgeted by CRA: $2 million
- Current status: Awaiting City Council approval of Services Agreement with Phinazee Construction & Consulting Services, Inc. and Notice to Proceed (tentatively April 2023)
- Next steps: Contractor will provide an initial presentation at the April 25, 2023 CAC meeting.
Freedom Park at 2101 W. Main Street
The West Tampa Community Advisory Committee recommended preserving green space within the West Main Street commercial corridor by purchasing the private property located at 2101 W. Main Street. The property was purchased by the City of Tampa using CRA funds in 2022 with the intent to be designated and designed as a public park.
- Amount budgeted by CRA: $200,000 (site remediation)
- Current status: The site is scheduled to undergo environmental remediation starting in early 2023. All the existing trees, concrete, and benches will be removed during remediation, leaving a fenced green space with grass until a final park design is decided in consultation with the community.
- Next steps: Once a remediation start date is known, a public meeting with the surrounding residential and business community will be scheduled to discuss the project information, contacts, and schedule of work.
West Main Street Area Clean Team
Starting in 2022, the West Tampa CRA began using private contractors to augment existing city landscape maintenance and litter/trash removal services in the public spaces along the six-block West Main Street commercial corridor, bordered by Armenia Avenue on the west, Fremont Avenue on the east, Green Street on the south and Union Street on the north.
- Amount budgeted by CRA: $100,000
- Current status: This is an ongoing annual budgeted service, which may change in frequency and scope depending on budget conditions and feedback from the surrounding business owners, residents, and the Community Advisory Committee.
- Next steps: A one-time pressure washing of the public rights of way and Salcines Park is being scheduled along Main Street between Howard and Albany Avenues for mid to late March 2023.
West Tampa Parking Study
This study will provide an examination of current parking conditions in the West Tampa CRA and will identify potential improvements to enhance the parking experience for CRA residents, visitors, and businesses. The study will include a parking occupancy study of select areas where parking is understood to be the most challenging. Recommendations will include specific operational changes and broader policy changes that can be made to improve parking for all users.
Amount budgeted by CRA: $140,000
- Current status: Community listening meetings were held in Oct. 2022 and the contractor Pond & Company Corporation is developing recommendations. More community engagement is planned before the final report is expected in mid-2023.
- Next Steps: A community open house meeting on preliminary study recommendations is scheduled at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 23 at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Complex, 2200 N. Oregon Avenue.