Williams Park Fishing Pier Renovation Is Almost Done

By The Tampa Tribune
Published: February 01, 2009

» Comments | Post a Comment

RIVERVIEW --

A new wheelchair-accessible fishing pier is about to reopen at Williams Park.

The $275,000 park renovation is ahead of schedule. And Robert Kirkland, who has been fishing there since 1979, said he is more than happy to see the improvements.

"I don't mind seeing them spend my tax money on something like this," Kirkland said recently. "This sure beats sitting in zero-temperature weather in Indiana."

Money from the state's boating improvement fund, provided through boat registration fees, paid for the upgrades, which include new dock bumpers at the boat ramps and new water fountains for the park.

The park also will get a new paved parking area, sidewalks to the picnic areas and new partitions in the restrooms.

John Brill, spokesman for the county's parks, recreation and conservation department, said Williams Park is one of the most heavily used parks in the county.

The park is on U.S. 41 near the mouth of the Alafia River.