TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Riverwalk is one of 20 waterfront pathways from around the country competing in USA Today's readers' choice contest in the best riverwalk category.

As of late Thursday, it was in the lead, ahead of riverwalks in cities like New York, Chicago and Philadelphia.

"Having Tampa's riverwalk be the best in the country is going to solidify something that we, as Tampanians, already know," said Tampa Infrastructure and Mobility Program coordinator Brandie Miklus. "But it will also send a message that Tampa is a mid-sized city making big-city moves." 

The 2.6 mile riverwalk runs between Sparkman Wharf and Armature Works, with the section closest to the latter neighborhood the most recent to open in 2020.

"I think the riverwalk serves as such a connector," said MaryBeth Williams, executive director of the nonprofit Friends of the Riverwalk. "You can go from the heights to Sparkman Wharf, and you've got parks, you've got restaurants, you have museums. There's a little bit of something for everyone, and it's connecting the different neighborhoods along the way."

Williams said the riverwalk was talked about in Tampa for decades but the plan struggled when it came to funding. She said Friends of the Riverwalk helped raise money for the project through the years.

Coming out on top in the USA Today contest, she said, would mean more than just bragging rights.

"You look at all of the conventions, the sporting events, everything — the economic impact," Williams said. "We know that the Tampa Riverwalk is fantastic, residents know, but we want the rest of the world to know."

The city is currently working to expand the Tampa Riverwalk on the west side of the river. Benefits are expected to include improving safety for pedestrians and bicyclists as part of the Vision Zero project. 

"This project is a great example of giving folks that want to walk, want to bike and take transit, so that they can do it more comfortably," said Miklus. 

Voting in the USA Today contest runs until noon on Feb. 6.