When Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan tossed his shovel of dirt at the groundbreaking of the new and improved Branchton Regional Park last month, he did so with one thing in mind โ this is going to be more than just a park. Itโs going to be a destination.
Work has begun on the areaโs latest county park project, bringing a host of activities to 43 acres just off the southwest corner of Morris Bridge Rd. and Cross Creek Blvd.
The current Branchton Park โ a large patch of nature with a trail, basketball court and small playground โ is being re-created just south of its current location.
โCurrently, itโs a very beautiful, picturesque park,โ Hagan said, โbut really, it only has a small playground and basketball court, with a shelter. Weโre going to turn it into a destination.โ
That will involve a larger playground, four pickleball courts, all-sports courts for basketball, volleyball and other sports, a splash pad and walking trails, to name a few of the amenities.
And, thatโs just the start.
โIt gets even better, because thatโs only Phase 1,โ Hagan said. โThe next phase will have a dog park for both large and small dogs, an event pavilion, additional walking trails with a boardwalk, and a really coolโฆzipline, which will be the first one in Hillsborough County.โ
The zipline is expected to be a private-public venture, and Hagan said he hopes to add more private-backed amenities in the future.
Hagan also has broached the idea of adding a Hillsborough County Sheriffโs office substation to the area. He says he has already secured the $6 million needed to complete the first phase of the parkโs upgrades, which could be completed by sometime in 2023.
Two years ago, the county polled local residents about their preferred amenities. More than 500 people responded online to the survey, and the county has incorporated many of those requests into the new parkโs design.
โWhen we build this park, there will be something here for everyone,โ said Rick Valdez, director of the countyโs Parks & Recreation Department. โFrom birth to 90 years old, thereโs going to be something that you can come out and enjoy at this park.โ