In 2002, then mayoral candidate, Pam Lorio decided she wanted to re-jumpstart the project. Following her election, construction began behind the Amalie Arena, along with a fund-raising campaign to complete the project.
By 2014, a Federal Transportation Grant was awarded in order to connect all the existing segments into one 2.6 mile long continuous park. Completed in 2016, the new Riverwalk extended past the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. During the course of construction, a total of 18 bronze busts of prominent figures in Tampa’s history were installed along the walkway.
Today, in addition to connecting several waterfront parks, the Riverwalk passes a number of Tampa’s museums, making this a family treasure.