Tampa, Florida – On September 18 of 2014 Tampa, Mayor Bob Buckhorn unveiled a brand-new park named in honor of a local civil rights leader. The Clarence Fort Freedom Trail, on Osborne Avenue near Middleton High School, is now open for all to enjoy.  Clarence Fort joined Mayor Buckhorn at the park’s opening ceremony. 

Fort has spent more than 50 years fighting injustices and working to make Tampa a more equal city. “It’s important that we as a community know and understand our history, particularly during the 50-year anniversary of the Civil Rights Act being signed into law.   I am honored to be able to dedicate this park in name after my friend Clarence Fort but also to the ideas that he fought for,” said Mayor Bob Buckhorn.   “The park area itself is truly something special, and I think the residents will be proud of what it has become.”

Courtesy: Creative Loafing. Clarence Fort Freedom Trail. September 18, 2014.

The half-mile-long trail encircles an existing retention pond, and features eight fitness stations in four different locations for adults and seniors.  The park also features three boardwalk sections that will allow visitors to walk out around the water’s edge. More than 110 trees, including palms and cypress trees,have been planted to provide shade and for aesthetics. The trail connects with adjacent sidewalks along Osborne Avenue, North 29th Street, North 30th Street, and East Cayuga Street.  Construction began in December 2013, and cost approximately $500,000 that was paid for through Community Investment Tax funding.