Council approves first reading to name New Tampa all-abilities park for Harrison Boonstoppel

The Tampa City Council on March 27 voted to approve a first-reading motion to name the new All Abilities Park at New Tampa Community Park in honor of Harrison Boonstoppel.

Michelle Van Loan and Brucey Boonstoppel, Harrison’s mother, addressed council members to describe Harrison’s life and the family’s support for an honorary naming. Brucey Boonstoppel told the council: “Harrison was 20 years old when he was taken from us by gun violence.” She described Harrison’s lifelong medical and developmental challenges, his cochlear implant, therapies and schooling at Pepin Academy, and his community involvement.

Van Loan presented the naming request and said the Tampa Palms Owners Association supported the proposal because Harrison’s name would “serve as a beacon to the purpose for which this park was created, that of celebrating and advancing the development of all abilities of all peoples.”

Council member Viera moved the first-reading ordinance to name the park; Council member Henderson seconded the motion. Viera also proposed that staff work with the family on a plaque and photograph for the park and install signage both at the entrance near the New Tampa Recreation Center and again at the park. The motion passed by voice vote with members saying “Aye.” No roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript for the first-reading motion.

Council members offered personal condolences and praised Harrison’s resilience and the family’s public advocacy. The council’s action on March 27 was a motion for first reading; final adoption would require subsequent readings or an administrative ordinance process as prescribed by city code.