Perry Harvey Sr. Park was created not only to honor Tampa’s rich Black heritage and one of its most formidable African American leaders. It was also envisioned as a magnet for redeveloping the east side of downtown and for bridging the city center with historic Ybor City. That transformation is underway, but many complain the park is underperforming its potential, thanks in part to lagging .
As part of downtown’s major makeover, Tampa has created big city parks with bona fide bragging rights. On the east bank of the Hillsborough River sprawls Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, busy with concerts, holiday ice skating and festivals including the yearly St. Patrick’s Day dyeing of the river green. If graffiti appears on the Riverwalk at the park’s edge, it does not stay long. Across the .