Ballast Point Park is a park in the Ballast Point neighborhood in Tampa, Florida, located at 5300 Interbay Blvd., Tampa, Florida, 33611. Ballast Point Park was formerly named Jules Verne Park and had its beginnings in the 1800s. The historical marker placed at the park by the Hillsborough County Historical Commission reads:
"FORMERLY Jules Verne Park
Mrs. Chester W. Chapin controlling owner of the company which operated the city's first electric trolley cars, purchased these acres and in 1894 developed this site into a tropical park as a terminal for her line. She named it for the French writer Jules Verne (1814-1905) who in his famous novel "From the Earth to the Moon" first published in 1865 chose Tampa town as his launching site for the imaginary shot of his rocket to that planet near one hundred years ago."
Recent upgrades to Ballast Point Park include the addition of an interactive water play area for children.
The sections of the park that are open from sunrise to sunset include the playground, water play area and shelters for picnics and parties. The park is not gated. Alcohol is not allowed in this City of Tampa Park. Animals must be leashed and under the control of the owners at all times.
There is a 600-foot pier in the park that is open 24 hours. A new boat dock was added recently and there is a boat ramp that is also accessible 24 hours a day. There is lighted parking. Public restrooms are available. There is a small, informal concession at the pier, Taste of Boston, which serves seafood, ice cream and American food.
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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