Washington Street Park in Tampa is on a roll: The Channel District park recently received yet another award praising its design.
Last month, the public green space was
among three parks in Tampa to receive excellence awards for design and public participation at the
Hillsborough County Planning Commission's 30th Anniversary Community Design Awards. Now, the park is being honored by a Landscape Architecture Award from the
Florida Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (FLASLA).
Recognizing the transformation of an empty urban space into a now useable public green space, Washington Street Park, designed by Lea Del Tosto of
WilsonMiller/Stantec, is the first public open air space in the
Channel District, providing recreation opportunities for the more than 2,000 residents living in the neighborhood.
“It's a green oasis in what is becoming a densely developed and populated neighborhood,” says Bob McDonaugh, manager of the
Channel District and Downtown Community Redevelopment Areas (CRA)
According to McDonaugh, the park's design came about after a series of meetings with neighborhood residents, encouraging public participation during the design process of the approximately $815,000 nautical-themed park.
Including a lawn area, large canvas shade structure and non-traditional play area, the half-acre space was designed to allow for flexible use of its plaza and lawn areas, which can accommodate gatherings of various sizes. The park also includes a
fenced dog area complete with artificial turf designed specifically for pet areas, pet water fixtures and seating for dog owners.
Writer:
Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Bob McDonaugh,
City of Tampa
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