Rowe Architects Incorporated
Water Works Park is notable in location, history and purpose, with an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities seldom assembled within a single, urban park. A truly multi-functional public space, the park contains a playground for both wet and dry play, an events lawn with a Special Event Pavilion for performances; as well as a dog park, a period gazebo, and a healing garden. The project encompasses approximately four acres along a particularly picturesque section of the Hillsborough River at the current terminus of Tampa’s Riverwalk, just north of the city’s downtown core. The north edge of the park features the newly restored Ulele Spring, a natural spring that once served as the City of Tampa’s drinking water supply.
The park is unique in that it functions as much as an urban commons as it does a neighborhood park: it is an event venue destination as well as a delightful green space for spontaneous evening strolls. If ever an urban park sought to offer something for everyone, Water Works Park does not disappoint. Visitors of all ages will discover a broad range of elements within the park landscape from which to observe and engage the built environment.
From a distance, Water Works Park is impressive in both scale and material, and the visual contrast of angular architectural forms and curvilinear landscape elements is both immediate and stunning. A Special Event Pavilion, Small and Large Picnic Pavilions, a Period Gazebo and a Restroom / Pump Building are all inspired by the existing 7:12 roof slope of the adjacent historic Water Works Building. Together they are related to one another as in the simple, pure, repetitive forms of Japanese origami to create a consistent architectural vocabulary that weaves its way throughout the park. Once inside the park, it becomes quickly apparent that there is an array of discoveries for the senses to explore. The Florida-friendly plant palette with an emphasis on native plant species refers to the site’s historical value and also supports the City’s desire to provide inspiring and sustainable landscapes in public spaces. Extra care was taken by the Design-Build team to preserve as many viable existing trees as possible and other elements within the irreplaceable, natural landscape for future generations.
