TAMPA, Fla. – Neighbors are trying to get the old walking bridge fixed up in Sulphur Springs Park.
What You Need To Know
Neighbors are petitioning Tampa to fix the old Sulphur Springs Park bridge
The city of Tampa closed the bridge in 2018 after inspections found structural issues
The city is working on getting bids to replace the bridge, but there is no current timeline to start work
This bridge may be in disrepair now, but it holds a lot of memories for Charlie Adams.
Adams is a third-generation resident of Sulphur Springs. He remembers the bridge over the Hillsborough River being the heart of his community, connecting two sides of the park.
“I taught my daughter how to fish off the bridge. As well as my grandfather taught me,” Adams said. “There are great memories. Having access to the river and exploring nature. That’s an asset we have that other communities may not have.”
The city of Tampa closed the bridge in 2018 after inspections found structural issues. Over the past 7 years, its condition has worsened.
Now Adams is trying to get it reopened.
“It will give us access to therapy. Give us access to a sense of peace and calm,” Adams said.
He has gathered neighbors and started a petition to the city. So far, he has more than 300 signatures to get the bridge fixed.
One reason he wants to get it fixed now is the recently announced Green Artery, a 22-mile network of trails around central Tampa.
“Arguably, Sulphur Springs has the most gorgeous green space in Tampa,” Adams said. “I think making it part of the Green Artery is an opportunity for the city of Tampa to support the community but also put us on the map for our natural resources.”
The condition of the bridge and Sulphur Springs Park has been discussed during recent city council meetings.
The city approved $2 million in repairs to the neighborhood pool there and is working on getting bids to replace the bridge, but there is no current timeline to start work.