Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful renovates portion of Hyde Park | Community Spirit

Tampa, FL -- On Saturday morning, June 18, over 75 Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful (KTBB) volunteers arrived to assist with renovating what was once known as Luna Park, now Bern’s Park - renamed in honor of the owner of Bern’s Steakhouse who died in 2003.  

KTBB, in partnership with Historic Hyde Park Neighborhood Association and the City of Tampa, planted over 4,500 plants and trees, laid Bermuda Grass sod and spread over 93 cubic yards of mulch, all in effort to restore and beautify the triangular half acre park located between Howard, West Hills and Desoto Avenue-Tampa.  

KTBB engages citizens and communities through environmental service and education.  They identify a “need” whether it be a beautification project, cleanup endeavor, restoration venture or community garden development; partner with their local city and county parks and public works departments, sponsors and community members to coordinate or support project objectives. 

“Great things can be accomplished by bringing people together," Debra Evenson, Executive Director ssid in a release.  "Our role is to mesh the goals of all involved to build neighborhood pride and cooperation.”

The beautification project began with volunteers working side by side with City of Tampa employees, members of the Historic Hyde Park Neighborhood Association and KTBB staff, prepping the land for planting.  

The hustle of the volunteers intrigued additional community residents to join in on the project.     

Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful, is a newly merged organization.  Tampa Bay Beautification became “one” with the local Keep America Beautiful Affiliate, Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful. Both non-profit organizations have provided Tampa area residents with family friendly environmental volunteer opportunities for over 20 years in the City of Tampa and Hillsborough County.  

Their missions were similar, to make and keep the Tampa Bay vicinity beautiful, environmentally healthy and safe. They’ll have even more volunteer opportunities and an even greater impact in our community! KTBB provided the volunteers, various supplies as well as the “I will Keep America Beautiful” spirit to assist with the coordination and completion of the Bern’s Park planting.

For more information on how you can Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful call (813) 221-8733.