Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park | Tampa

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is a prominent and well-loved public space located along the banks of the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa, Florida. Known for its stunning river views and vibrant community atmosphere, the park offers a variety of attractions and amenities, making it a central hub for both locals and tourists. It has become one of Tampa's most popular green spaces, playing host to numerous events, outdoor activities, and public gatherings. Here's a more detailed look at the park's features and its role in the community:

History and Development

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park was established in its current form in 2010 after a substantial redevelopment project transformed the space from a parking lot into an urban park. The park is named after Curtis Hixon, a well-known civic leader who served as the city manager of Tampa during the 1950s. The park's design integrates elements of nature, art, and culture, making it an essential part of Tampa's downtown revitalization efforts.

Since its opening, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park has become a vibrant part of the city's urban landscape, with green lawns, interactive fountains, and access to the scenic Tampa Riverwalk, creating a welcoming environment for people of all ages. It has also become a popular gathering place for various cultural and recreational activities.

Park Features

1. Great Lawn & Sloped Terraces

The park’s centerpiece is its Great Lawn, a large, open green space that is perfect for outdoor gatherings, picnics, and events. The lawn gently slopes down toward the river, creating an amphitheater-like effect that provides excellent views for outdoor performances, concerts, and festivals. The sloped terraces surrounding the lawn add to the park’s unique aesthetic, providing additional seating and areas for relaxation.

2. Interactive Fountains

One of the standout features of Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is its interactive fountains. These splash pads are perfect for families with children, offering a refreshing way to cool off during the hot Florida days. The fountains are designed to be playful and interactive, with water jets that shoot up from the ground, creating a dynamic water feature that visitors can walk through, providing fun for all ages.

3. Playground

A shaded playground area within the park caters to children ages 2 to 12. The playground is designed with safety in mind, offering modern play equipment like climbing structures, slides, and swings. The park also provides ample seating for parents, making it a comfortable spot for families to relax and enjoy time together while the kids play.

4. Dog Park

For dog owners, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park offers a fenced-in dog park where pets can play off-leash. The dog park is divided into separate areas for small and large dogs, ensuring a safe environment for dogs of all sizes. The park provides ample space for dogs to run and socialize, making it a popular destination for pet owners in the area.

5. Boat Dock & Water Taxi Stop

The park features a public boat dock that allows visitors to easily access the park by water. The Pirate Water Taxi, a popular water transportation service in Tampa, has a stop at the park, providing a scenic and fun way to reach Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park while cruising along the Hillsborough River. The dock offers picturesque views of the river and the surrounding cityscape, adding a unique aspect to the park's accessibility.

6. Cultural Institutions

The park is situated near several of Tampa's most significant cultural landmarks, providing easy access to institutions that celebrate the arts and history of the area. These include:

The Glazer Children's Museum: A hands-on, interactive museum dedicated to learning through play and exploration, ideal for families and young children.

The Tampa Museum of Art: A premier museum that features both contemporary and classical art exhibits.

The Straz Center for the Performing Arts: One of the largest performing arts complexes in the Southeast U.S., offering a wide range of theater, opera, and ballet performances.

The proximity to these cultural institutions makes the park an ideal starting point for exploring Tampa’s vibrant arts scene.

Events and Activities

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is a popular venue for various events and festivals throughout the year, making it a key location for community and cultural activities. Some of the notable events held at the park include:

Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival: This event celebrates African American culture with performances, food, music, and art.

Riverfest: An annual festival that features live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities, celebrating Tampa’s vibrant riverfront.

Gasparilla Pirate Festival: One of Tampa’s most famous festivals, this annual event features a mock pirate invasion of the city, with a parade, music, and numerous activities that draw large crowds to the waterfront.

Tampa Downtown Market: A farmers' market offering local produce, arts and crafts, and artisanal products, often held on weekends at the park.

The park's great lawn serves as a prime location for concerts, outdoor movie nights, food festivals, and community celebrations, allowing it to cater to a wide variety of events year-round.

Recreation and Relaxation

Aside from events, the park is also a popular spot for everyday leisure activities. Visitors can enjoy a stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk, a scenic pathway that follows the river and connects Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park to other parts of downtown Tampa. The park’s open spaces are ideal for relaxing, reading, or enjoying a quiet lunch in the heart of the city.

With its ample green space and relaxed atmosphere, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of downtown Tampa. It’s a perfect location for both relaxation and recreation, catering to individuals, families, and groups alike.

Location and Access

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is located at 600 N Ashley Drive, Tampa, FL 33602, and is easily accessible by foot, bike, or public transportation. It is situated in downtown Tampa, within walking distance of other major attractions like the Amalie Arena and the Tampa Bay History Center. The park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, making it accessible for both early risers and evening visitors.

For those driving, there are several nearby parking options, including metered street parking and parking garages, though the park’s central location makes it easy to visit on foot from various nearby hotels and businesses.

Conclusion

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park stands as a prime example of an urban park that combines natural beauty, recreation, culture, and community. Whether you’re looking to relax in the green spaces, enjoy a family outing, or attend one of the many events that take place throughout the year, the park offers something for everyone. Its central location in downtown Tampa and its connection to nearby cultural institutions make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city.