A new park in Tampa's Channel District provides welcome respite from urban life

Washington Street Park

As one of the projects identified in the Channel District Strategic Action Plan, Washington Street Park is a solution to the area’s need for increased public open space. 

Once a greyfield site, this new urban park utilized extensive public involvement to create a place where residents can socialize. The most desired component of the park, the dog run, gives dogs in this dense urban neighborhood a place to exercise while affording their owners a secure, quiet place to gather.  Highlights include a larger-than-life sea grass sculpture as alternative play, a large sail pavilion, shell-like columns and blue glass paving.

This park not only fulfilled the need for more park acreage in the City of Tampa (especially in urban areas), it helps foster economic development by creating a more desirable, secure neighborhood. Adjacent retail shops have opened in response to the popularity of the new park space.