Riverwalk Project Frequently Asked Questions

1. General Questions
2. The Project Plan
3. Project Costs and Funding
4. Project Progress
5. Commercial and Retail
6. Transportation on the Riverwalk
7. Who is the Riverwalk for?

GENERAL QUESTIONS

1. What is the Riverwalk?

The Tampa Riverwalk is a project that will create a 15-foot walkway and bike path along the east banks of the Hillsborough River and the Garrison Channel. The pedestrian friendly walkway will be 2.2 miles and will integrate the various activities and destinations found in the downtown area by linking them with an attractive promenade with vibrant public art.

2. Why is the Riverwalk a city priority?

The Riverwalk is an opportunity to open the waterfront to the people by providing a wonderful environment to enjoy events along the water. The walkway will link various destinations along the river and will be a catalyst for economic development and tourism. This project is key to revitalizing downtown Tampa as an enjoyable place to live, learn, work and play.

3. Why has it taken the City so long to construct a Riverwalk?

The city understands the value of the waterfront and has been working to develop a Riverwalk since the mid 1970s. The project has often been sidetracked because of other competing demands on the City. The Riverwalk is one of Mayor Pam Iorio’s highest priorities as it fits her vision to revitalize the downtown area and establish downtown as a residential neighborhood.

4. How can I get to the Riverwalk? Where do I park? Will more parking be added to accommodate Riverwalk visitors?

Based on what is in place now, you can park in the lot next to the St. Pete Times Forum and walk to the water to enjoy Cotanchobee Park and the area behind the Marriott and Convention Center. There is also the MacDill Park on the Riverwalk segment at the end of Whiting Street and the USF Park on the Riverwalk segment between the Platt Street bridge and the Crosstown Expressway. See the link for “Parking” on the bottom of each web page. An interactive map will open showing parking garages and lots through out the downtown area. As the downtown continues to develop, parking is a key consideration in every decision.

5. Is it okay to walk behind the Marriott Hotel, Convention Center or Performing Arts Center?

Absolutely. This is public right-of-way meant for the enjoyment of all.

6. Where can I get more information on the Riverwalk?

Check out the Riverwalk website (http://www.tampariverwalk.net/) often or send an email to Riverwalk@tampagov.net.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROJECT PLAN

1. How long is the planned walkway? Will it be continuous or cross streets?

The walkway will ultimately stretch from North Boulevard Bridge down the Hillsborough River along Garrison Channel to the Channelside District. There are 24 segments that stretch approximately 2.4 miles. The Tampa Riverwalk 2010 Plan includes 21 of the 24 segments spanning the 2.2 mile area from the North Boulevard Bridge to the Beneficial Drive Bridge. The City would like the Riverwalk to cross under all of the 12 bridges along the 2 1/2-mile walkway to avoid crossing busy city streets. The Cass Street Bridge is a difficult portion of the Riverwalk because of the low clearance of the CSX Railroad bridge. As a result, the City is considering an overpass for that segment.

2. Is the Riverwalk only on the east side of the river?

3. What are the start and competition dates for the project?

The project was started in 1975, however plans for the walkway were delayed over the years. The Riverwalk became a top priority in earnest with Mayor Pam Iorio’s administration and is scheduled to be completed in October 2010.

4. Can the current infrastructure accommodate the increased traffic to the area?

Increasing the amount of people in the downtown area will require planning in many areas including transportation, pedestrian safety, parking, and way finding. Commercial and retail space will also be critical to meet the needs of the Riverwalk visitors.

5. Will the Riverwalk connect to Bayshore?

Yes, the Platt Street Bridge will connect the walkway to Bayshore Blvd. The Master Plan will evaluate and recommend the proper access points from Platt Street to the Riverwalk. A pedestrian bridge to link the two is part of the future Riverwalk plan.

6. What types of amenities will be along the Riverwalk?

Commercial space, retail, restaurants, nightlife and watercraft access will be key components to make the waterfront a place people want to be. The public input forums held in 2005 were key in shaping the amenities to be provided.

7. What are the security precautions set in place for pedestrians walking the area at night?

As safety is a critical factor to the success of the Riverwalk, the Master Plan incorporates the proper lighting and design to make the Riverwalk safe. Further security measures will be determined by the Tampa Police Department.

8. Can the Riverwalk accommodate special events and festivals?

Currently, there are five parks along the Riverwalk that can be used for events and festivals and two additional parks are included in the Master Plan. The walkway along the river will offer excellent viewing areas for river and portside events.

9. What are trail construction plans for the West side of the Hillsborough River?

The City of Tampa Parks & Recreation Department recently completed construction of a 12 foot wide 0.5 mile concrete section of the Hillsborough River Greenway: Blake Trail in Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. A 1.0 mile concrete trail section exists behind Blake High School. This trail is part of Tampa's Ross J. Ferlita Greenways & Trails System and is planned to extend from Columbus Drive south by the Martin Luther King Recreation Center, along the riverfront behind Stewart Middle School and will run southward to tie into the Bayshore Boulevard Greenway Trail. Status reports on development of the Hillsborough River Greenway may be found at: http://www.tampagov.net/dept_parks_and_recreation/programs_and_services/Greenways_and_trails/trail_maps/Blake_Trail.asp

QUESTIONS ABOUT PROJECT COSTS AND FUNDING

1. What is the total cost of the project?

The City hired EDAW, an international planning, landscape architecture and urban design firm to complete a Riverwalk 2010 Master Plan for the 2.2 mile walkway. The plan was unveiled on March 14, 2006 and preliminary cost estimates for construction total $40 million. Learn more about the Master Plan and view graphics.

2. How will the project be funded?

The City will continue to earmark funds in the budget to continue toward our completion goal. However, City money will not be enough. Planners are pursuing every source of funding to include grants, state funds, federal funds and private donations through a capital campaign. Private donations will constitute approximately $20 million of the project, $16 million will be raised through public funding requests and the remaining $4 million will come from developers. A breakdown of the project funding is found below:

• Private Fundraising ($20 million)
• Public Sources ($16 million)
  • City: $4.6 million
  • State: $5.5 million
  • Federal: $3 million
  • Other: $2.9 million
• Private developers ($4 million)

The Friends of the Riverwalk launched a capital campaign to raise the $20 million in private donations. Please consider making a donation to the Friends of the Riverwalk, as even the smallest donation helps. Learn how to make a donation.

3. What is the greatest need for the project? How can I help make the Riverwalk a reality?

The project will move as fast as there is funding to design and build the segments. Fundraising is the greatest need to get the Riverwalk built, but community involvement and support is critical in making it successful. Contribute your time or money to the project. See the “Get Involved” and "Riverwalk Donors" sections on the Riverwalk site.

QUESTIONS ABOUT PROJECT PROGRESS

1. How much of the Riverwalk is complete?

Five segments are complete - Cotanchobee Park, the walkway behind the Marriott hotel, MacDill Park on the Riverwalk, University of South Florida Park on the Riverwalk and the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.

2. What are the next segments to be built?

The segment that goes under the Platt Street Bridge is already designed and we expect to go to bid for construction in Fall 2006. The next priorities is the segment between Cotanchobee Park and Beneficial Drive, where the Tampa Bay History Center will be built, and the Tampa Convention Center.

QUESTIONS ABOUT COMMERCIAL AND RETAIL

1. Will the Riverwalk connect to Channelside shops and restaurants?

The City plans to extend the Riverwalk to the Channelside complex through a path along the west side of Beneficial Drive Bridge to Channelside Drive allowing easy access to the shopping district. The goal is to also extend access to the docks following the completion of the Riverwalk 2010 Plan but Port Authority issues must first be addressed.

2. Will new businesses be attracted to the Riverwalk?

As more and more people come to enjoy the Riverwalk, businesses will come to meet their needs. The City will encourage the development of these businesses as they are important to the success of the Riverwalk.

3. I am interested in retail opportunities on the Riverwalk. Who do I contact for more information?

Please contact Paul Ayres with the Tampa Downtown Partnership by email at payres@tpadowntown.com or by phone at 813-221-3686 ext. 104.

QUESTIONS ABOUT TRANSPORTATION ON THE RIVERWALK

1. Is transportation along the Riverwalk being considered?

The City is currently planning to accommodate transportation needs as more and more people come downtown to enjoy the Riverwalk. Options under consideration include water taxis and rubber wheel trolley routes.

2. Will water taxis be available some time in the future?

There once was a water taxi along the Hillsborough River and we expect that increased activity in the area will bring some form of the taxi back.

WHO IS THE RIVERWALK FOR

1. Is the Riverwalk only for the downtown community?

The Riverwalk is a community asset. Residents and workers in the downtown area will be able to take advantage of all the walkway has to offer, because of its close proximity to the downtown core. Programmed events should draw people from across our entire community. The Riverwalk is for everyone, whether you live in South Tampa, New Tampa or outside the local area!

2. Is the goal of the Riverwalk to attract families, young professionals, art district people or other people?

The Riverwalk design and all programmed activities will be planned to attract all citizens from every age group. Public input is critical to this end result. The architects creating the Riverwalk 2010 Master Plan held two public input meetings in September and November of 2005 to gather ideas from all segments of our community that were considered in the conceptual and schematic design options thus creating a Riverwalk that appeals to everyone.