Cutler Associates

Architect:

Kimley-Horn

Scope Of Work

We were selected by the City of Tampa to renovate and reconfigure the existing Perry Harvey Sr. Park. Named for the civil rights pioneer and longtime head of Tampa’s longshoreman’s union, the park was transformed into a public space honoring the city’s rich,150-year-old African American history - and celebrating the individual men and women who played a critical role in developing the culture and vibrancy of the community.

The new park, which stretches over 12 city blocks, has a “history walk” along Central Avenue, memorializing historically significant places and events that took place there. Prominently featured is a statue of Harvey, and a “leaders row” walking path with silhouettes of well-known community figures such as Georgette Gardner, Christina Meacham, Robert Sanders, Garfield Rogers, Henry Joyner and Moses White. 

An interactive exhibit of fountains, statues and a sound system honors entertainers like James Brown, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald and B.B. King. One of the colorful sculptures is of a couple dancing “The Twist” next to an oversized working jukebox. Hank Ballard wrote 'The Twist', made famous by Cubby Checker, after watching children dance on Central Avenue. There is a play  and large lawn  for concerts, art shows and other events.

Also part of the revitalized park is a new-and-improved “Bro Bowl” - famous as one of the last 1970s-era skateparks in the world. It is the first public skatepark in Florida and an iconic part of the neighborhood.