With 90 truckloads of white sand, the shore at E.G. Simmons Park has been transformed into a real beach, one with handicapped access and a bird sanctuary within sight.
By MICHELLE JONES
Published May 16, 2003
There's a 469-acre oasis nestled along the eastern shore of Tampa Bay.
Wildlife is abundant. Birds frolic in the mangroves. Manatees frequent the shallow waters of the bay. People flock to the tiny beach, playground and campgrounds, all of which recently underwent a facelift.
The beach reaches into Tampa Bay, providing a watery recreational area for visitors to the park. Palm trees have been added and sea oats will be planted soon. The view from the shoreline offers a glimpse of Tampa and St. Petersburg skylines as well as Tropicana Field.
White sand, 90 truckloads of the grainy stuff, has transformed E.G. Simmons Park into a real beach, says park manager Paul Caldorni.
Federal Emergency Management Agency funds paid for the sand, which cost between $8,000 and $9,000, Caldorni said. "It came from a mine in Turkey Creek."
Another new addition: a handicapped accessible deck to the beach.
Swimming, fishing, a boat ramp, picnicking and overnight camping are also available.
Lifeguards are on duty weekends, holidays and during the summer months.
The park was developed from 258 acres of native mangrove with open land areas intertwined with waterways. An additional 200 acres of mangrove swamp has been set aside for a bird and wildlife sanctuary.
It is popular among bird enthusiasts for viewing roseate spoonbills and the occasional bald eagle.
But bring insect repellent, the "no-see-ums' are fierce when there is no breeze.
"It would be paradise here, without the bugs," said Caldorni.
- MICHELLE JONES
E.G. Simmons Park
WHERE: 2401 19th Ave. N.W., Ruskin 671-7655 .
HOURS: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
COST: Free admission. Campsites available at $10 per night without electricity, or $12 with.
