Florida Construction News staff writer
The City of Tampa opened Jim Walter Park yesterday, honoring veterans and families from WWII who established the first modern homes for African Americans. The area’s first military veterans and families that in 1948, at the urging of MacDill Field Base Housing, developed the first planned Black subdivision, “Lincoln Gardens” in the Carver City area.
“This veterans plaza and memorial is a steadfast reminder of the City of Tampa’s commitment to equity and education to help honor our history,” said Mayor Jane Castor. “I am grateful for the support of City Council, Tampa Parks & Recreation staff and the neighborhood associations who helped spearhead project. We hope this park serves as a space for our community to pause and reflect on where we have been and where we have the potential to go.”
The plaza and memorial were designed and improved by city staff and contractors. The plaza improvements also brought water and electricity to the park, which can now support future improvements.
In addition to renovations, sculpture artist Steven Dickey will be contributing bronze statues for the Veterans Memorial. Dickey has completed other works throughout the city including, “Two on a Swing” near the Hunt Community Center as well as the Tony Pizzo and Nick Nuccio, Immigrant Statues at Centennial Park.
