Hillsborough seeks input on park and roundabout

TAMPA — If you’ve got something to say, Hillsborough County wants to hear it.

The topic is the new Riverview/Alafia Conservation Park and road Improvements and the county is seeking public input virtually and by telephone since traditional in-person public forums are suspended because of COVID-19.

In front of the conservation park, a proposed new roundabout will direct traffic on Riverview Drive and provide access to the park. The Riverview Drive intersection improvement keeps the Vision Zero principles of designing safer roads.

The new park will be a passive park with most of its natural features left undisturbed. Park amenities will include a wooded picnic area with shelters and restrooms, paved parking, a walking trail, and an observation tower to provide scenic views of the Alafia River. A vegetative buffer with trees will be planted along the western edge of the property between the park and nearby residences. Open areas will be planted with native species. The park will be open sunrise to sunset.

Additionally, the Hillsborough County Commission approved two public art projects for the location — one within the park and the other at the center of the Riverview Drive roundabout. The art will consist of sculptures with historical/cultural significance.

The public has the opportunity to review project details and offer input via a digital comment submission. Public comment closes just prior to midnight, Oct. 13. The public engagement link is HCFLGov.net/HCEngage. The public also can provide comment via telephone by calling Hillsborough County Public Works at (813) 635-5400 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations to participate in this meeting, and those seeking an interpreter, are asked to contact the ADA coordinator at (813) 276-8401 or by calling 711, or by e-mail at lobuec@hcflgov.net at least three three business days in advance of the needed accommodation. This meeting is closed captioned for the deaf and hard of hearing.