Formerly known as “The Scrub”, Central Park is an important historic neighborhood in Tampa’s Downtown that can be traced back to just after the Civil War. This neighborhood was aligned along historic Central Avenue where the creativity of many Black musicians and artists flourished. While creativity thrived, creative spaces alone didn’t make up this neighborhood’s environment at the time. Central Ave. housed schools, churches, a library, medical offices, barbershops, restaurants, a hotel, and movie theaters amongst a slew of other businesses frequented by the Black community. This neighborhood has been referred to as “The Harlem of the South” – legend has it, Hank Ballard’s “The Twist” was written while seeing kids dance on Central Ave.
The neighborhood has been revitalized and woven into the cultural fabric of Tampa’s Downtown ecosystem. Central Park plays a key role in recognizing Black history as a part of Tampa’s history.
Sitting on top of what used to be Central Avenue lies Perry Harvey Sr. Park. The park is decorated with over $6,000,000 of Black artistry including memorials, paintings, murals, and sculptures that capture the essence of Black resilience, triumph, and leadership. Take a stroll today to learn more about Downtown’s history!
Boasting over 26,000 square feet and two stories, the library’s highlights include a recording studio filled with historical recounts from Hillsborough County’s Black community, an interactive digital display that expounds on Black historical figures and moments, a children’s room, and a genealogy center amongst other key facets.
The Tampa Bay History Center holds Central Avenue Walking Tours on Saturday’s at 10a.m. where tourists and residents alike can learn about life in Tampa’s Black community from the 1890’s-1060’s. The tour includes stops at the Robert W. Saunders Sr. Public Library, Jackson House, and Perry Harvey Sr. Park.
