The Tampa Riverwalk was nominated for the best in the country for USA Today’s 10Best list.
People can vote for the riverwalk once a day until April 7 at noon, and the 10 winners will be announced on April 16.
The publication describes it as a “central spot for performances, art, leisure and fitness activities.”
Tampa’s 2.6-mile path stretches from the Tampa Heights District to Channelside and has a variety of activities for people of all ages including parks, museums and restaurants. USA Today also mentions the scenic views as a highlight when people stroll down the path.
Tampa Riverwalk was nominated for the same competition in 2024 and placed fourth.
The riverwalk was built in the 1970s out of wood that was eventually replaced with granite pavers. Since then, numerous parks have been opened around the path, according to Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk.
In 2014, a span of riverwalk was built under Kennedy Boulevard to connect all the parts of downtown Tampa that had riverfront walkways.
In January, Tampa leaders approved dedicating $10 million of Community Redevelopment Agency funds to work on the $56 million expansion of the West Riverwalk. The city of Tampa announced in February 2023 that the riverwalk would be expanded to be about six miles long to connect more neighborhoods like West Tampa, Bayshore Boulevard, Hyde Park and North Franklin Street.
When complete, the city said it will feature better sidewalks, bike lanes and crossing features to connect the neighborhoods. The U.S. Department of Transportation approved a $24 million grant in 2020 to partially fund this project.
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