“Wonderland of beauty” is how the Tampa Tribune once described MacFarlane Park. Today we explore this historical park in West Tampa. It has served the community since its opening day on April 25 1909.
MacFarlane Park was conceived as a woodland resort. It was designed for West Tampa and surrounding areas. Admission was free for all. Newly paved roads and streetcars made it accessible. Thousands flocked to MacFarlane Park every Sunday.
Hugh Macfarlane, the founder of West Tampa, donated 40 acres. An artificial mound was built. Atop it, a pavilion was constructed. The pavilion hosted musical acts. People danced there. Social gatherings took place within its walls.
The beautifully landscaped MacFarlane Park featured merry-go-rounds. Swings added to the fun. There were picnic areas for families. Sports facilities included a baseball field and a golf course that was added in 1917. The park’s opening highlighted the cigar industry’s rapid growth. It also showed its astonishing profitability.
West Tampa’s story began in 1892. Col. Hugh C. Macfarlane and the Macfarlane Investment Company cleared swampland. They aimed to create a cigar town. It was meant to rival Ybor City. Alligators and mosquitoes once lived here. Then state-of-the-art cigar factories rose. They gleamed like castles in West Tampa’s skyline.
Col. Macfarlane attracted cigar manufacturers with attractive deals. These included low-interest loans. He also offered free turn-key factories. Cigar factories, support businesses, utilities, and new homes quickly appeared. The Fortune Street Bridge spanned the Hillsborough River. Roads and streetcars connected West Tampa to Ybor City and the Port of Tampa. Immigrants arrived from Cuba seeking work as cigar rollers. They brought their culture, food, and politics. A little bit of Cuba took root right here in West Tampa.
But rapid growth gave way to rapid decline. The Great Depression and World War II slowed the cigar industry. Families moved away because of a lack of diversified industries. The once bustling cigar factories closed permanently. Today, only a few cigar factories remain. Some are abandoned. Others serve as office spaces, classrooms, or art studios.
Amidst these changes, MacFarlane Park endures. The pavilion still stands atop its man-made hill. The park continues to draw crowds. West Tampa is different now than in the early 20th century. Macfarlane’s contributions have left a lasting mark.
An interesting detail: In 1925, West Tampa played a role in landscaping Davis Islands. A twenty-acre nursery near MacFarlane Park grew thousands of plants for the project.
Another interesting fact involves the terrazzo floor of the pavilion. It was installed in 1957. George Guida and the West Tampa Optimist Club spearheaded the effort. The West Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Tampa Lions Club, and the American Legion Post 248 also helped.
Also, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn declared January 26 2012 as West Tampa Day. This honored West Tampa’s rich traditions. It also recognized its vibrant community.
As you leave MacFarlane Park, remember its history. Remember its role in West Tampa’s development. Think of the thousands who enjoyed its beauty and recreation. MacFarlane Park remains a testament to a bygone era. It is a vibrant community hub.