New Dog Parks for Downtown Tampa

View from the Hillsborough River looking toward the dog park site and Tampa’s cultural core. The reimagined greenspace enhances public use and complements the Museum’s expansion footprint.

Museum and Curtis Hixon Park View from Hillsborough River

View of the Tampa Museum of Art next to the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park from the Hillsborough River looking toward the dog park site and Tampa’s cultural core. The reimagined greenspace enhances public use and complements the Museum’s expansion footprint.

Aerial rendering of the Tampa Museum of Art’s future campus. The new museum expansion and dual dog parks are designed to coexist as active and accessible public spaces.

TMA Expansion Aerial Architect’s Rendering with Dog Parks Diagram

Aerial rendering of the Tampa Museum of Art’s future campus. The new museum expansion and dual dog parks are designed to coexist as active and accessible public spaces.

Aerial view showing the future site of the dual dog parks at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. The new design improves access and offers more space for downtown Tampa’s growing pet-friendly community.

Dog Parks Overhead View

Aerial birds-eye view showing the future site of the dual dog parks at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. The new design improves access and offers more space for downtown Tampa’s growing pet-friendly community.

Designed with comfort and safety in mind, the small dog park offers a welcoming and shaded area tailored to Tampa’s littlest four-legged residents.

Small Dog Park Architect’s Rendering

Designed with comfort and safety in mind, the small dog park offers a welcoming and shaded area tailored to Tampa’s littlest four-legged residents.

Rendering of the large dog park, featuring ample open space, shade elements, and playful structures designed for energetic pups and their companions.

Large Dog Park Architect’s Rendering

Rendering of the large dog park, featuring ample open space for active play, shade elements, and playful structures designed for energetic pups and their companions.

Architectural rendering from above Ashley Drive reveals the layout and landscape features of the future dog parks, thoughtfully integrated into the city’s River Arts District.

Architect’s Rendering from Ashley Drive Aerial View

Architectural rendering from above Ashley Drive reveals the layout and landscape features of the future dog parks, thoughtfully integrated into the city’s River Arts District.

Future dog park site as viewed from Ashley Drive. This new location will offer easier access for pedestrians and visitors from downtown.

Dog Parks Site View from Ashley Drive

Future dog park site as viewed from Ashley Drive. This new location will offer easier access for pedestrians and visitors from downtown.

Tampa Museum of Art expansion rendering night time view from the Hillsborough River.

TMA Expansion from River Night View

Nighttime rendering of the Tampa Museum of Art expansion from the riverfront. The transformation includes expanded galleries, outdoor sculpture space, and nearby dog parks enhancing the urban landscape.

As the Tampa Museum of Art prepares to reimagine the future of art in Tampa through its Centennial Expansion project, the Museum is working closely with the City of Tampa’s Parks and Recreation Department to ensure that the dog-owning residents and visitors of downtown Tampa have a new and improved place to play and spend leisure time with their beloved dogs.

The Museum’s Centennial Expansion will transform 80,000 square feet of space surrounding the west (riverside) Museum campus, adjacent to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and the Tampa Riverwalk. To support continued access to this amenity for downtown residents and visitors with dogs, the Museum and the City of Tampa, with support from the Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), are constructing two new dog parks between Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Kiley Gardens.

The upgraded parks, designed by internationally recognized architecture firm Weiss/Manfredi, will offer a welcoming and refreshed space for dogs and their humans. The firm is also the creative force behind the Museum’s Centennial Renovation and Expansion and has designed other urban park spaces like Hunter’s Point South Waterfront Park in New York City.

Together, these improvements reflect a shared commitment to enriching public spaces, advancing the Museum’s vision for the future, and maintaining the quality of life for those who call downtown Tampa home.

Quick Facts

Project Overview

  • Two new dog parks replacing the existing Tampa Dog Run

  • Located between Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and Kiley Gardens

  • Designed by Weiss/Manfredi as part of the Tampa Museum of Art’s sitewide transformation

New Dog Park Features

  • Separate parks for small and large dogs

  • Small-Dog Park: 1,980 sq. ft.

  • Large-Dog Park: 4,500 sq. ft.

  • Tree canopies and shaded seating

  • Dog play elements and water fountains

  • Waste stations and improved access from Ashley Drive

Timeline & Construction

  • Project kickoff: August 2025

  • Estimated construction period: 4–5 months

  • Existing dog park to remain open until the new parks are complete

  • Construction will not affect access to the Tampa Riverwalk or public restrooms

Centennial Expansion

Learn more about the Tampa Museum of Art’s Centennial Expansion Project!

Construction Est. 2025-2027

Support the Campaign

Reimagine the Future of Art in Tampa by supporting the Museum’s Centennial Expansion.

Contact Us

Contact the Museum’s development team to ask questions or find out how you can support!