Florida Construction News staff writer

A new multipurpose sports field is planned for Forest Hills Park in North Tampa. City council approved $4.2 million in upgrades that also include an all-abilities fitness trail, tennis and pickleball courts.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held yesterday (Nov. 30). Construction on the project is already underway and is expected to be completed in Fall 2023.

The new multipurpose sports field, with bleachers and goals, will accommodate lacrosse, soccer, and football games and provide several ADA access improvements to the bleachers and courts. The project also includes a 0.6-mile paved fitness trail with seven universally accessible exercise stations for people with and without disabilities.

“This improvement project is just another example of how Tampa Parks & Recreation is listening to what amenities community members want in their parks and recreation facilities,” Castor said. “Through projects like these, we will continue to provide the highest level of customer service to our parkgoers.”

The Forest Hills Park Renovation and Recreation Trail Improvement Project also will create new multipurpose courts for basketball, tennis, and pickleball, a sport growing in popularity across Tampa and the United States.

Several stormwater improvements are include and crews plan to construct the multipurpose sports field and new courts at a higher elevation to help alleviate flooding and drainage issues.

“By creating a multipurpose field, Forest Hills Park will be able to host several different kinds of sporting events, ensuring more of our community can access the City’s amazing facilities,” said Councilman Luis Viera of Tampa City Council District 7. “Tampa Parks & Recreation can host practices, tournaments, and all sorts of events that bring people in Forest Hills together through a love of sports.”