Ballast Point

Ballast Point is located on the west side of Hillsborough Bay, just north of MacDill Air Force Base.

Ballast Point Park dates back to Tampa's earliest days and offers spectacular views of downtown Tampa. It has walkways along the water, is full of shady trees, and has quick access to Bayshore Boulevard for jogging, walking or rollerblading. A historical marker is placed at the park reflecting its previous name of Jules Verne Park. The marker reads as follows: "Mrs. Chester W. Chapin owner of the company which operated the city's first electric trolley cars, purchased these acres and in 1894 developed this site as a tropical park as a terminal for her line. She named it for the French writer Jules Verne (1814-1905) who in his novel "From the Earth to the Moon" first published in 1865, chose Tampa as his launching site for the imaginary shot of his rocket to that planet near one hundred years ago.

The community was annexed by Tampa in 1953, and with the construction of MacDill Field in the 1950's, the area also experienced economic and industrial growth. The community has both elegant historic homes and amazing renovations. Homes in Ballast Point feature large porches reminiscent of old Florida, and residents enjoy easy access to downtown Tampa.