After many years of anticipation, North Tampa residents will soon have a brand-new, state-of-the-art multipurpose sports field at Forest Hills Park. The City of Tampa, Mayor Jane Castor, and Tampa City Council Members approved nearly $4.2M in upgrades that also include an all-abilities fitness trail, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and much more.
The new multipurpose sports field, complete with bleachers and goals, will be able to accommodate lacrosse, soccer, football, and much more. The project will include several ADA access improvements to the bleachers and courts. The project also includes a 0.6-mile paved fitness trail with seven universally accessible exercise stations for people with and without disabilities.
Project Fact Sheet and Contract
“This improvement project is just another example of how Tampa Parks & Recreation is listening to what amenities community members want in their parks and recreation facilities,” Mayor Jane Castor said. “Through projects like these, we will continue to provide the highest level of customer service to our park-goers. I extend my deepest thanks to Tampa City Council for moving forward with the approval of this important project for our Forest Hills neighbors."
“By creating a multipurpose field, Forest Hills Park will be able to host several different kinds of sporting events, ensuring more of our community can access the City’s amazing facilities,” said Councilman Luis Viera of Tampa City Council District 7. “Tampa Parks & Recreation can host practices, tournaments, and all sorts of events that bring people in Forest Hills together through a love of sports.”
The Forest Hills Park Renovation & Recreation Trail Improvement Project also will create new multipurpose courts for basketball, tennis, and pickleball, a sport growing in popularity across Tampa and the United States.
Residents will also see several stormwater improvements in Forest Hills Park. Crews plan to construct the multipurpose sports field and new courts at a higher elevation to help alleviate flooding and drainage issues.
Community members are invited to join Mayor Castor, Councilman Luis Viera and Tampa City Council Members, and the Tampa Parks & Recreation Department in celebrating the upcoming park improvements with a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at 10:30 AM at Forest Hills Park, located at 724 W. 109th Avenue.
Construction on the project is already underway and is expected to be completed in Fall 2023.