The District Magazine Volume 1 Issue 1, 2016 | Page 8

Perry Harvey Sr. Park
The Central Park community, better known as “The Scrub,” located
just north of downtown and originally settled in the 1800’s by freed
slaves. The historic area became a vibrant business, entertainment
and cultural district for iconic African American musicians like Cab
Calloway, Ray Charles and Ella Fitzgerald in the 50’s. It’s rumored
that Hank Ballard picked up a timeless dance on Central Ave. and
went on to write and record “The Twist.”
By the early 70’s the vibrant music community had dissipated
and in 1979 the area became the location of the Perry Harvey Sr.
Park, named after a local civil rights leader and president of the
International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1402. In the late
90’s the surrounding community and the park had seen better days
and was due for a makeover. Collaboration between the City of Tampa,
Tampa Housing Authority and private stakeholders put together a
restoration plan in early 2000 which resulted in the development of
the Encore Project and the concept to recreate the park.
Fast forward to today, the planning is being executed and scheduled
to be completed this year. The new park will be filled with modern
amenities and a new state of the art skate park while honoring
the history and culture of the historic Central Park community
and leaders with an interactive exhibit to include large statues
throughout “History Walk” and “Leaders Row”.

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