A $5.5 million funding request to renovate Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park is scheduled for consideration by Tampa’s Community Redevelopment Agency board at its January 15 meeting.
According to CRA agenda materials, the City of Tampa’s Parks & Recreation Department is seeking CRA Special Projects funding for infrastructure upgrades at the downtown waterfront park.
The park functions both as a neighborhood green space and as one of the city’s primary large-event venues.
What is being proposed
Public records show the request focuses on capital improvements addressing wear, drainage and long-term durability following years of heavy use.
The scope outlined in CRA documents includes:
- Site preparation and demolition of select existing elements
- Reinforced concrete pavement designed for light- and heavy-duty vehicle loads
- Event lawn and terrace drainage improvements
- Irrigation and soil upgrades with new sod
- Additional canopy trees, palms and understory planting
- New and relocated bollards for access management
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.
Why the project is under review
In written materials submitted to the CRA, Parks & Recreation staff describe Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park as one of the city’s most heavily used special-event parks.
Much of that increase followed the completion of the Tampa Riverwalk in 2014.
Documents cite frequent use for festivals, parades, boat events and large public gatherings.
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Staff note that repeated vehicle access and sustained foot traffic have placed increasing strain on pavement, lawn areas and drainage systems.
The proposed work is structured as a design-build project.
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.
CRA review process
CRA staff reviewed the application in September 2025 and determined it met eligibility requirements under Florida’s Community Redevelopment Act of 1969.
According to CRA records, the request aligns with goals in the downtown Tampa Community Redevelopment Plan related to:
- Improving existing city parks within the Downtown CRA
- Enhancing public safety and quality of life
- Supporting infrastructure that improves access to community amenities, cultural venues and the Riverwalk
Because the funding request exceeds $1 million, it qualified for an RFP waiver under the CRA’s Commercial Grants Policy.
CRA staff recommended the waiver, allowing the project to proceed without a traditional competitive request-for-proposals process.
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The Downtown Community Advisory Committee reviewed the proposal in October 2025 and unanimously supported both the funding request and the waiver.
CRA documents show the proposed funding would be split across fiscal years, with $3 million programmed in FY 2026 and $2.5 million planned for FY 2027, subject to board approval.
What happens next
The CRA board first reviewed the request in November 2025 and voted to continue the item to allow Parks & Recreation staff to provide additional information.
According to the January 15 agenda memo, Parks & Recreation representatives are expected to attend the meeting to answer questions and present additional detail on the scope and need for the improvements.
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If approved, CRA staff indicate a separate item to reprogram FY 2026 funds would return for consideration at a future meeting.
No construction timeline has been finalized.
Planning documents outline a potential schedule that includes design procurement, permitting and up to 12 months of construction following contract execution.
