THEA Launches Public Survey for Park Ideas

January 4, 2023 (Tampa, Fla.) – The Tampa Hillsborough Expressway Authority (THEA) is launching a public survey to help determine features that should be included in the design plan for green space underneath the Selmon Expressway at Bay to Bay Boulevard and MacDill Avenue. A few years back, THEA worked with neighborhood associations to activate the space with dog park. However, the agency realized that this area could accommodate more than just a dog park.

Since the South Selmon Capacity Project will take several years, THEA – with the community’s help – is able to design a more robust area and to make it a true community gathering space.

The survey offers voting options for “Flexible Space” and the “Active Space.” Flexible spaces are for community-organized events and don’t have permanent physical features. For example, a flexible space could support farmer’s markets, group fitness classes, food truck events, concerts, and more. In contrast, an active space will be dedicated to physical activity, such as a ball court or a playground. This survey ensures that our community and neighbors are a part of the design process so that we can create a space that welcomes and connects our Tampa residents.

Voting opens today, January 4, 2023, and will close on January 27, 2023, at 11:59 PM. The voting information will be shared with the design-build firm so they can work to incorporate the public’s wishes into the design before the commencement of construction of the South Selmon Capacity Project. The public can vote by visiting www.southselmoncapacity.com/survey/ and following the page prompts. 

In addition to receiving information on the community space options, THEA will construct sound walls along the entire route. Construction to increase the capacity of the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway by one lane in each direction is expected to begin in 2024. The reimagined green space at the Bay to Bay underpass will be completed at the end of the capacity project in 2028.