122-Acre Nature Park Opening in New Tampa

Residents of New Tampa and beyond now have one more option when they want to enjoy the outdoors.

The city of Tampa will hold a grand opening for New Tampa Nature Park on Monday (Nov. 26). Consisting of 122 acres, New Tampa Nature Park — just east of I-75 and south of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard — connects to the county's Flatwoods Park trail system.

"The New Tampa Nature Park is a great, active park. Children can explore nature and learn play on the zipline. The park also connects residents with miles of existing trails where they can walk, hike, and bike safely," Mayor Bob Buckhorn said in a news release. 

According to the city, the park includes an elevated boardwalk "nature walk," a shorter elevated "marsh walk," a rock and rope playground climber, and a zip line play element. There are also picnic areas.

The address for New Tampa Nature Park is 17001 Dona Michelle Drive.

The city's news release also states that:

• Land for this project was acquired through assistance with the Florida Communities Trust Preservation 2000 program and the Hillsborough County Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program.
• The general contractor for Phase I was QGS Development, Inc. The total cost of Phase I improvements was $927,469 and was funded through the Community Investment Tax funding.

See also:

• The city's map of the park.

What do you think of this addition to New Tampa? Tell us in the comments section below.