A $5.5 million funding request to renovate Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is scheduled for consideration by Tampa\u2019s Community Redevelopment Agency board at its January 15 meeting.<\/p>\n
According to CRA agenda materials, the City of Tampa\u2019s Parks & Recreation Department is seeking CRA Special Projects funding for infrastructure upgrades at the downtown<\/a> waterfront park.<\/p>\n The park functions both as a neighborhood green space and as one of the city\u2019s primary large-event venues.<\/p>\n What is being proposed<\/p>\n Public records show the request focuses on capital improvements addressing wear, drainage and long-term durability following years of heavy use.<\/p>\n The scope outlined in CRA documents includes:<\/p>\n Site preparation and demolition of select existing elements<\/p>\n Reinforced concrete pavement designed for light- and heavy-duty vehicle loads<\/p>\n Event lawn and terrace drainage improvements<\/p>\n Irrigation and soil upgrades with new sod<\/p>\n Additional canopy trees, palms and understory planting<\/p>\n New and relocated bollards for access management<\/p>\n CRA materials note that secondary elements such as benches, bike racks and shade structures could be added if final project costs come in below the approved budget.<\/p>\n Why the project is under review<\/p>\n In written materials submitted to the CRA, Parks & Recreation staff describe Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park as one of the city\u2019s most heavily used special-event parks.<\/p>\n Much of that increase followed the completion of the Tampa Riverwalk in 2014.<\/p>\n Documents cite frequent use for festivals, parades, boat events and large public gatherings.<\/p>\n READ: DOWNTOWN TAMPA DEVELOPMENT & REAL ESTATE NEWS<\/a><\/p>\n Staff note that repeated vehicle access and sustained foot traffic have placed increasing strain on pavement, lawn areas and drainage systems.<\/p>\n The proposed work is structured as a design-build project.<\/p>\n Under this approach, the city would select a firm to handle both design and construction, with a guaranteed maximum price negotiated following design development and permitting.<\/p>\n CRA review process<\/p>\n CRA staff reviewed the application in September 2025 and determined it met eligibility requirements under Florida\u2019s Community Redevelopment Act of 1969.<\/p>\n According to CRA records, the request aligns with goals in the downtown Tampa Community Redevelopment Plan related to:<\/p>\n Improving existing city parks within the Downtown CRA<\/p>\n Enhancing public safety and quality of life<\/p>\n Supporting infrastructure that improves access to community amenities, cultural venues and the Riverwalk<\/p>\n Because the funding request exceeds $1 million, it qualified for an RFP waiver under the CRA\u2019s Commercial Grants Policy.<\/p>\n CRA staff recommended the waiver, allowing the project to proceed without a traditional competitive request-for-proposals process.<\/p>\n