Temple Terrace reviews updated Riverside Park plan: boardwalks, kayak launch, observation tower and security among features discussed

City of Temple Terrace officials and Halff Associates presented an updated concept design for Riverside Park at the April 1 council meeting, laying out proposed walkways, a waterfront boardwalk, kayak access, an observation tower and amenities intended to activate the riverfront while preserving sight lines and wetland function.

The consultant team led by Joe Loretta (Halff Associates) summarized survey responses and design priorities from an earlier community meeting: respondents ranked exercise trails, water access and places to gather as top uses. The updated concept includes a roughly 16,000-square-foot central grass "grand lawn," a loop trail around Springdale Pond, two new raised crosswalks across Riverhills Drive, a one-way 20-space parking lot screened from the road, additional picnic pavilions and a waterfront boardwalk that ties to a floating kayak launch. An observation tower approximately 20 feet high is shown conceptually near the pond.

Stormwater and wetlands: Springdale Pond is a permitted stormwater/wetland mitigation feature. Loretta told council the pond was designed and permitted as a wetland feature during prior mitigation work and that converting it to a conventional ornamental pond would require additional mitigation or payment into a mitigation bank. He said the project team will coordinate with the city engineer and environmental staff to remove noxious weeds and improve aesthetics while preserving the pond’s permitted stormwater function.

Vegetation and trees: Staff identified about 200 canopy trees and recommended removing one 14-inch laurel oak (declared poor health), four palms and three golden-rain trees; the plan would add roughly 39 new trees, with the consultant projecting net canopy enhancement after construction.

Boardwalk, materials and cost trade-offs: Loretta described surfacing and railing options for the waterfront boardwalk and railings and reported a cost trade-off for more durable materials: "It's gonna be about a 4 to $500 upcharge of the $500,000 upcharge of the overall project, in a costing perspective," he said (transcript). The design team presented three surfacing choices—treated timber, HDPE/structural plastic and semi-affordable hardwood—and several railing styles; choice of higher-durability materials would increase project cost but lower long-term maintenance.

Restrooms and security: The design team recommended upgrading the existing restroom and discussed the pros and cons of adding a second restroom at the park’s northeast corner; several council members said a second small restroom would improve convenience but acknowledged added construction and maintenance costs. Staff also proposed open sight lines, improved nighttime illumination, security cameras and potentially emergency call boxes; council members asked staff to coordinate CPTED (crime-prevention-through-environmental-design) standards to balance screening/landscaping and visibility.

Kayak vendor and floating launch: Karl Langfeld (Leisure Services) described a private vendor model for kayak/canoe/paddle-board rentals: the vendor would place self-contained, solar-powered rental racks on a city-provided concrete pad, supply equipment and manage maintenance. Langfeld advised the vendor model he discussed uses stacked racks of four units; two such stacks (eight craft) would likely meet demand for the park. The vendor reported a roughly $30,000 upfront pad/rack cost (paid up front by the city in the presentation), a five-year lease, a revenue-share arrangement (vendor receives ~70%, city ~30%) and vendor-held liability insurance (presented as $2 million coverage by the vendor). Council discussed whether the launch should support larger crew shells; staff said the location and walk distance make the site best suited to single- and two-person craft (kayaks, canoes, paddle boards).

Next steps and schedule: Loretta said the team will take council feedback and return with a final concept within four to six weeks, with construction plans developed in late second quarter through year-end and bidding targeted for mid–first quarter 2026, assuming council direction. Staff also opened the design for continued community input, and council members asked for a future public engagement step focused on neighbors and nearby property owners.

Why it matters: the Riverside Park update is a multi-year, capital-scale project intended to improve river access, pedestrian connectivity from downtown and neighborhood recreation assets. Council debate emphasized maintenance funding, public safety and the need to preserve the stormwater/wetland functions while making the park more attractive and usable.