TAMPA, Fla — Input is still being sought for the Sulphur Springs Neighborhood Action Plan.

The revitalization effort is personal for many who grew up in the community and wish to see a resurgence.

What You Need To Know

  • Input is still being sought for the Sulphur Springs Neighborhood Action Plan

  • Sulphur Springs Neighborhood Association President Charlie Adams shared his vision for restoring Sulphur Springs to its former glory

  • The historic Sulphur Springs was founded in the 1920s and was once regarded as a national tourist attraction

  • A survey is available online to participate in the Sulphur Springs Neighborhood Action Plan

Charlie Adams is a community leader who shared his vision for restoring Sulphur Springs to its former glory.

“My family has been here for 80 years,” said Adams.

Five generations of Charlie Adams’s family grew up in Tampa and eventually called Sulphur Springs home.

The historic Sulphur Springs was founded in the 1920s and was once regarded as a national tourist attraction.

However, residents claim that the area has been experiencing urban decay for years.

The president of the Sulphur Springs Neighbourhood Association wants others to rediscover the hidden natural beauty in Sulphur Springs along the Hillsborough River.

“This is something that is really untapped,” said Adams. “The community should consider highlighting as a key mark destination in the city of tamp; with the green artery, we could be a tremendous asset.“

Adams says he’d like to improve Sulphur Springs’ access to the green artery’s network of trails. Addressing issues like blight and homelessness is a priority as the neighborhood action plan is developed.

“It's not just something that's just isolated to us, right? But so we don't want to be stamped or labelled as the community that, you know, faces homelessness, and that's it. And it brings fear to the visitors and residents. And we don't want that,” he said.

What he wants is solutions, such as incentivising the homeless to help keep Sulphur Springs beautiful.

“Let’s find a way to employ them to help keep the community clean,” said Adams.

He also says events like the inaugural Springs Market, which will be hosted in May, are key to engaging the community in spaces it is known for.

Meantime, the Sulphur Springs pool has experienced two decades of wear and tear and needs to be replaced.

The goal now is to replace it with a splash pad.

“I actually learned how to swim at Sulphur Springs pool, it’s a shame that it won’t be re-opening,” he said.

Adams adds that while revitalizing the community will come with some changes, its legacy will be honored.

“(We will) begin to make that turn for a community that is seen for the positive, for the good,” he said.

A community meeting for Sulphur Springs is scheduled for Thursday at Spring Hill Park at 6:30 p.m. It is being hosted by the Sulphur Springs Neighborhood Association.

A survey is available online to participate in the Sulphur Springs Neighborhood Action Plan.