Tampa Republic

The City of Tampa is set to unveil its latest public park, MacDill 48 Park, on Tuesday, November 12. The new 48-acre park serves multiple purposes: it helps manage stormwater runoff to reduce flooding, improves water quality in Hillsborough Bay by treating and removing pollutants from the runoff, and offers a passive recreational space with natural scenery.

The park features a one-mile walking and bicycling trail that winds through a forested area surrounding a 10-acre stormwater pond. Visitors can enjoy picnic tables, benches by the pond, and a boardwalk over wetlands. The park is home to various wildlife species including native fish, gopher tortoises, and bald eagles. Access is limited to pedestrians and cyclists from sunrise to sunset.

MacDill 48 Park plays a crucial role in flood relief for the southeast portion of the Lower Peninsula Watershed. The project includes extensive infrastructure such as box culverts and drainage systems designed to minimize nutrient discharge into Hillsborough Bay. This initiative has earned recognition with an Excellence in Engineering and Public Works award from several engineering organizations.

“MacDill 48 Park seamlessly combines form with function, bringing much-needed stormwater infrastructure to the surrounding community while also providing a beautiful space for all to enjoy,” stated Mayor Jane Castor. “Thanks to the tireless work of our team members, and regional and community partners, we are ecstatic to include this extraordinary place in our award-winning park system.”

The land for MacDill 48 was acquired from Hillsborough County in September 2003 under the Environmental Lands Acquisition Protection Program (ELAPP). The $51.4 million project received funding from grants such as a $25 million Resilient Florida Grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and $12.5 million from the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The City of Tampa contributed $13.9 million.

This collaborative effort underscores the significance of multi-benefit sites like MacDill 48 Park in advancing regional sustainability goals.