Sulphur Springs Park
713 E Bird St, Tampa, Florida 33604(813) 931-2156
The first place I want to tell you about is not even in Seminole Heights proper. But it is an oasis: a combination of what is beautiful about the Hillsborough River, civic pride, and a testament to a community efforts to be healthy.
That’s Sulphur Springs Park & Pool. You’ve driven by it and you may even remember it. That big gush of water shooting out of the pipe? Those slides? The promise of manatee visits in December?… Just this week I was given a tour of the pristine pool and park by Zumba teacher Kristoffer (Kris) Navarro.
Do you know about the Nov 16th Zumba Fest at the Sulphur Springs Pool with food catered by Heights restaurant favorite Ella’s? More info here
The City is seeking historical designation for the park complex after investing in various renovations to the structures and landscape in recent years. The park’s most visually prominent feature is a two-story concrete gazebo, built in the 1920s by Grover Poole for developer Josiah T. Richardson as part of a resort. The gazebo has been restored and is open to the public. The park is bordered to the west by Interstate 275. On the opposite side is River Tower Park, with a 210-foot gothic cement water tower that also was constructed for Richardson’s resort. Sulphur Springs Pool is heated and is open year-round. A glass mosaic by artist Bruce Marsh showcases some of the history of Sulphur Springs. (Seminole Heights Patch, 2011)
Here’s the specs:
- 7,300 square feet of surface water
- lap time
- swim classes
- river side park with historic landscape
- shelters with picnic tables
- walking trails
- fishing pier
- foot bridges crossing the river
- manatee observation deck
- playground and ball fields
Resources and More Info on Sulphur Springs
Sulphur Springs Oral History Project.
Sulphur Springs Heritage Trail Self-Guided Tour
Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center
