Plant Park on the University of Tampa Campus Emerges as a Key Challenge in West Riverwalk Expansion Plans

A city park located on the University of Tampa’s waterfront campus has become a key point of discussion in the ongoing efforts to expand the West Riverwalk. Although situated on UT's campus, Plant Park is owned by the city and has been leased to the university for over 50 years. On September 5, city staff presented a proposal to the Tampa City Council to renew the lease for another 25 years. However, Abbye Feeley, interim director of economic development, noted that negotiations are more complex than they appear, given the plans to expand the West Riverwalk.

"Only a portion of the [west] riverfront falls within Plant Park, which is a historically designated area. The other section is on the University of Tampa's property," said Feeley. "We require an easement from the university—one larger than the current one—to proceed with the BUILD grant and finalize the design for the West Riverwalk. These were key priorities in the discussions."

In 2020, the city of Tampa was awarded a $24 million federal grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s BUILD program to extend the Riverwalk northward. However, the project’s cost has since escalated, and in July, the city council approved an additional $27 million for the expansion. The original Tampa Riverwalk, completed during Mayor Bob Buckhorn’s tenure, is widely celebrated as a cornerstone of the city’s urban renewal efforts.

Councilmember Lynn Hurtak raised concerns after researching the lease agreement for Plant Park. She discovered that the University of Tampa plans to close sections of the expanded Riverwalk from midnight to 5 a.m. Additionally, Hurtak learned that Miami-based Related Group's upcoming Riverwalk district also intends to restrict access to the Riverwalk near its property during certain hours.

"I found out this is not the only section that will close along the West Riverwalk," Hurtak said. "Can you clarify which other properties plan to restrict public access along this $54 million expansion?"

Feeley confirmed that easement negotiations are still ongoing. The University of Tampa did not provide a comment.

Hurtak expressed that she would like public input on the lease and park usage before agreeing to a 25-year renewal. As a result, the council voted to hold an informational session on January 30, 2025, for a public hearing on the matter.

"With the West Riverwalk expansion, this park will become even more essential to the city," Hurtak said. "I am not comfortable approving a long-term lease without more transparency and public engagement."