The city's Parks and Recreation Department has teamed up with the Hillsborough Area Rapid Transit Authority (HART) to launch a new program that promises to bring a splash of joy and some relief from the summer heat to the community. Dubbed Swim With HART, the initiative allows anyone with a HART bus pass to gain free entry into any of the 11 open City of Tampa pools during designated swim times.
Running through August 10, the pilot program not only throws open the gates to pools for HART riders but also serves a dual purpose, encouraging the use of public transportation, which, coupled with a refreshing dip, might just be the ticket to a cool summer. According to the City of Tampa's announcement, despite the program not necessitating taking a HART bus to enjoy the pools, a custom map created by HART showcases the best routes to access four pools and three splash pads.
Mayor Jane Castor is optimistic about the positive impact this partnership will have. "This partnership between Parks and Recreation and HART will enable more residents to enjoy our City of Tampa pools," she said, indicating that the program is as much about fostering community wellbeing as it is about leisure and play, as reported by City of Tampa's website. Frank Wyszynski, HART Manager of Marketing, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the accessibility this program brings to recreational activities in the summer months.
"We are excited to partner with the City of Tampa's Parks and Recreation Department to provide free pool access to HART riders this summer,” Wyszynski shared, revealing the entwined goals of the partnership to promote not just a respite from the heat but the integration of public transportation into the everyday pursuits of fun. With the pools beckoning and the buses ready, Tampa's residents now have a cooler way to navigate the sizzle of summer days.
