Summary

Purity Springs Park is a small neighborhood park in Tampa built around a natural freshwater spring that flows into the Hillsborough River. While far less developed than Florida’s major spring parks, it’s rare in that there is a spring right in the middle of one of Florida’s major cities.

The park sits in a residential neighborhood just off North Florida Avenue. Its centerpiece is a small limestone spring basin where clear groundwater emerges before draining through a short channel toward the river across the street. A tiny waterfall-like flow is visible where the spring exits the basin.

Despite its modest size, Purity Springs has become something of a local hidden gem for residents who enjoy peaceful green spaces. Many visitors stop briefly to admire the spring, watch birds such as ibis and ducks, or walk along the river nearby.

Because it is a neighborhood park, amenities are limited. There are no restrooms, picnic tables, or playgrounds, and parking is minimal. Most people visit for a quick stop, a short walk, or a few quiet minutes enjoying the spring.

Swimming is not permitted in the spring.

Over the years, visitors have noted that the park can vary in maintenance and cleanliness. However, many locals still appreciate the spring as a small pocket of natural Florida in the middle of the city.

History of Purity Springs

Purity Springs once played a surprising role in Tampa’s early water supply. In the early 1900s, the site was home to the Purity Springs Water Company, which pumped spring water to nearby neighborhoods including Seminole Heights and Sulphur Springs.

At its peak, the system served thousands of subscribers. Spring water was also bottled and shipped down the Hillsborough River to supply ships docking in Tampa.

As Tampa expanded and centralized municipal water systems developed, smaller local sources like Purity Springs became less important. The City of Tampa eventually purchased the property in 1961, and the site gradually transitioned into a small public park.

In recent years, local officials have explored restoration efforts aimed at improving the spring’s flow and protecting water quality in the Hillsborough River.

What to Expect

Visitors to Purity Springs Park will find:

• A small natural freshwater spring basin

• A short outflow channel draining toward the Hillsborough River

• A grassy lawn area with shade trees

• Views of the Hillsborough River across the street

• Ducks, ibis, and other urban wildlife

The entire park is quite small and can typically be explored in just a few minutes.

Tips for Visiting

• Parking is limited and located along nearby residential streets.

• There are no facilities, so plan accordingly.

• The spring is best visited as a quick stop or peaceful break rather than a destination park.

• Visitors are encouraged to help keep the area clean and respect the surrounding neighborhood.3

External Links

• Article on the history of the spring