Plant Park

Henry B. Plant Park is a historic urban oasis located on the University of Tampa campus in Tampa, Florida. Originally part of the grounds of the Tampa Bay Hotel, which was built by railroad magnate Henry B. Plant in 1891, the park now serves as a public space and a testament to Tampa's Gilded Age history.

The park spans 6 acres along the Hillsborough River, offering visitors a tranquil retreat in the heart of downtown Tampa. Its lush landscape features a variety of native and exotic plants, including towering palm trees, creating a picturesque setting that reflects Florida's tropical beauty.

At the entrance of the park stands the Henry Bradley Plant Memorial Fountain, commissioned by Margaret Plant in 1899 after her husband's death. The fountain, carved from solid stone by George Grey Barnard, is titled "Transportation" and showcases carved representations of Plant's system of trains and ships. It is considered the oldest public art in Tampa.

The park also houses two historic cannons from Fort Brooke, an early 19th-century military post around which Tampa developed. These model 1819 iron 24-pounder seacoast guns bear visible damage from the Civil War, offering visitors a tangible link to the area's military history.

Throughout the year, Henry B. Plant Park hosts various events and serves as a popular spot for picnics, leisurely strolls, and outdoor studying for university students. Its historical significance, coupled with its natural beauty, makes it a cherished green space in Tampa's urban landscape.