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Riverwalk concepts appeal to viewers

The preliminary ideas divide the walkway into five distinct areas, each with a theme focused on specifics about Tampa.

By JANET ZINK
Published November 16, 2005

TAMPA - John and Julie Hartman pondered displays of what Tampa's proposed Riverwalk might look like, and imagined themselves one day strolling along the shady walkways.

The pair plan to move from their home in New Tampa to a condominium in the Channel District. They say they'd love to see a convenient spot for daily walks in their new urban neighborhood.

"We are really impressed," Julie Hartman said.

The Hartmans were among about 100 people to get glimpses of design concepts during a public meeting at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center Tuesday night.

Mayor Pam Iorio has made the 2.5-mile walkway along the Hillsborough River from Tampa Heights to the Florida Aquarium a priority. She wants as much as possible done before the city hosts the Super Bowl in 2009.

Members of the design team headed by EDAW Inc., a San Francisco company, on Tuesday showed images of a Riverwalk divided into five distinct areas.

The northernmost end would have native plants and interactive exhibits with an environmental focus. The cultural district, around Curtis Hixon Park, could have performance spaces. The downtown district, south of Kennedy Boulevard, could have art elements showcasing important people in Tampa's past and present. The gateway portion, around the Tampa Convention Center, might have maps that explore the area's geology. And the Channel District could have scale models showing the types of boats that come through the Port of Tampa.

All along the way, there would be parks, cafes, shade, fountains and art, said Steve Hanson, a member of the design team. Portions would curve away from the shoreline and out onto the water.

The concepts are preliminary.

"What we have is a ball of clay,and we're trying to shape that ball of clay," said Lee Hoffman, who is spearheading the project for the city.

There are no cost estimates yet for constructing the Riverwalk, and not much money has been budgeted for the project.

This year's city budget includes $1.7-million to build a small strip beside the Platt Street bridge.

Jennifer Willman, a planner who lives in Seffner and works downtown, said she's considering moving to Tampa. Something like the Riverwalk might influence her decision about where to buy.

The details, she said, matter less to her than the concept.

"I've just been waiting for downtown to have a centralized feature to look to as a gathering space," she said. "That's the most exciting thing for me."

[Last modified November 16, 2005, 01:08:07]