Cuscaden Park

Urban Oasis

Tucked away in the heart of Tampa, Florida, Cuscaden Park spreads across 8.6 acres of green space that offers a welcome break from the city bustle. This public recreational area includes various amenities for cooling off, playing sports, or simply enjoying a peaceful afternoon outdoors.

Situated in the V.M. Ybor neighborhood, the park provides a green space for locals and visitors alike. While you might hear mixed things about the surrounding area, the park itself tends to be well-kept and clean.

Historic Swimming Pool

If you're a fan of unique architectural parks, you'll appreciate the park's historic swimming pool. Dating back to 1937, this pool was built during the Works Progress Administration under President Franklin Roosevelt and stands as one of the few Bintz pools still around in the country.

The pool facility is pretty distinctive - a two-story red-brick building with lockers and classrooms downstairs and the actual pool on the upper level. The promenade offers nice views of the surrounding neighborhood.

Over the years, the pool has seen several renovations, including a major facelift in the early 2000s. It's generally kept clean and its unique design makes it a favorite spot to beat the Tampa heat.

Recreational Facilities

Cuscaden Park isn't just about the pool, though. The sports fields here host everything from soccer matches to little league football games, giving local teams a place to practice and play.

If you've got kids in tow, the playground offers a dedicated space where the little ones can burn off some energy on equipment designed specifically for them.

Looking for some hoops action? The basketball courts typically aren't too crowded, giving you plenty of room for a pickup game. Baseball fans haven't been forgotten either - the park's baseball fields are home to local little league teams, including the West Tampa Spartans.

Pickleball Courts

The park also features six pickleball courts. They're popular in the early mornings when players of all skill levels gather for friendly matches.

The courts come with lighting for evening play, and when things get busy, there's usually a friendly rotation system in place. While you might notice some cracks in the courts (they could use a little TLC), what really makes these courts special is the welcoming community of players you'll discover there.

Community Hub

Beyond sports and recreation, Cuscaden Park is a genuine community center. The recreation center provides indoor space for various community events and activities year-round.

From time to time, the park hosts special events, including parades like the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, bringing neighbors together and highlighting the park's importance as a gathering place.

The park also includes dog-friendly areas and picnic spaces for family outings, serving the needs of nearby residents and visitors.