Davis Islands Dog Beach is undergoing a major renovation to enhance the dog-friendly playground.
City of Tampa Parks and Recreation will begin work on the $273,082 project on Monday, June 10th. When completed in December, plans call for new sand, utilities, seating, fencing and an artificial reef. The Davis Islands dry dog park will remain open during the renovations.
“Waves from passing ships have eroded the beach and shoreline at the popular dog beach, exposing rubble and making it unsafe for dogs and their owners,” says Linda Carlo, the City's superintendent at the Office of Special Events.
Just months ago, two local Davis Islands business owners, Carolyn Bigley of
Davis Islands Pet Care and Jenn Fadal of
Wag Natural Pet Market and Bathhouse, teamed up to create the nonprofit
Friends of Davis Islands Dog Parks -- an on-going, long-term community effort in partnership with
Friends of Tampa Recreation, Inc.
Assisting City of Tampa Parks and Recreation in maintaining and improving both the Davis Islands Dog Beach and Dog Park,
Friends supports the city's decision in improving the beach -- despite the six-month inconvenience of closing during renovations.
“When it reopens, it will be safer, cleaner and better than ever. This is an opportunity for a fresh start and to, hopefully, keep it maintained and looking beautiful,” the group said in a statement. “Once we realized the scope of the project, we are excited about the long-term benefits to our dog beach.”
As part of the beach renovation, the City will repair and repave the boat ramp located at the dog beach and will spruce up the shoreline by adding Florida-friendly landscaping.
Funds for the project will come from Community Investment Tax (CIT).
Writer:
Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Sources: Linda Carlo,
City of Tampa; Carolyn Bigley and Jenn Fadal,
Friends of Davis Islands Dog Parks
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