Tampa’s created a community garden outside the Whiting Street parking garage (City of Tampa)

When you think of a parking lot, lush garden beds and buzzing pollinators are probably not the first things that come to mind. But the City of Tampa’s Parking Division has flipped that expectation with its new Parking Community Garden (PCG), a green oasis transforming underutilized land into a hub for connection, sustainability, and growth.

Planting seeds of change

During his three-and-a-half years with the city, Tampa’s Parking and Micromobility Planning Coordinator Austin Britt has seen innovation flourish in unexpected places.

Now, it’s happening on the east side of the city’s Whiting Street garage, where Britt says the city has developed underutilized space into an “asset for the community benefit.” It’s the first time the Parking Division has completely developed and implemented a community garden on existing property, he says.

A year in the making, the project is already turning heads. With 54 raised garden beds, rain barrels, a gazebo and seating area, compost bin, and even pollinator plots, the garden makes the most of every inch of its 70-by-20-foot space. 

Community grows here

Now that the area is set up to be a community garden, Britt says the city wants to open it to the public. Tampa is accepting applications for gardening beds online and in person at the city’s parking offices in the Fort Brooke garage through 5 p.m. on November 5th.

Already, the community response has been overwhelmingly positive.“

Austin Britt in the garden (City of Tampa)

Britt says many community members are asking for more parking gardens around the city. That enthusiasm underscores a growing desire for shared green spaces in urban areas, places where residents can grow food, build relationships, and reconnect with nature.

Cultivating skills and sustainability

Beyond beautifying the city, the Parking Community Garden is designed to cultivate essential life skills.

“This program encourages City of Tampa residents to spend time outside and build skills for gardening and growing vegetables and other plants for their home personal use,” Britt explains. “Many Tampa residents do not have access to land for gardening or the opportunity to learn how to garden. We are excited to bring this program to the community to serve that purpose.”

Tampa Parking Division Manager Fed Revolte (City of Tampa)

City officials hope the first cohort of gardeners will be planting their inaugural crops by late winter or early spring 2026. Plans are in the works to partner with local organizations for educational workshops on everything from cooking with harvested produce to composting and plant propagation.

What’s growing, who’s involved

Of the 54 garden beds, 41 are open to city residents 18 and up. Nine are reserved for individuals needing ADA accommodations, ensuring accessibility for all. Two plots are dedicated to pollinator gardens, while the remaining beds are set aside for City of Tampa employees.

The Parking Division is funding and managing the project, a testament to the city’s commitment to creative, sustainable urban development. For residents eager to dig in, a Parking Community Garden information packet includes a full seasonal planting guide.

 “Some of the best things to plant now include herbs, eggplant, cucumbers, peppers, and Florida native flowers,” Britt says.

Looking ahead

As the garden takes root, Britt and his team are focused on the bigger picture: growing a stronger, greener community. 

“We are incredibly excited to be able to bring this opportunity to City of Tampa residents and can’t wait to see what all is grown in the garden’s first year,” he says.

The Parking Community Garden stands as a reminder that innovation doesn’t always require a new space. Sometimes, it’s about reimagining the spaces we already have. And in Tampa, those spaces are about to get a lot greener.

For more information, go to Parking Community Garden and garden information packet