Photo courtesy of Hannah Walls.
By Hannah Walls
TAMPA, Fla. — For University of Tampa students, exercise doesn’t have to mean a trip to the gym. The Tampa Riverwalk offers a convenient and enjoyable way to get moving while taking in some of the city’s best views, and it’s a resource more students should take advantage of.
Unlike the crowded campus gym or scheduled fitness classes, the Riverwalk is always open and free to use. Students can go for a quick jog before class, take a walk with friends after dinner, or bike along the river for a study break. Its location right outside campus makes exercise easy to fit into even the busiest schedules.
The Riverwalk is also a convenient way to reach local favorites such as Benchmark International Arena, Sparkman Wharf, and Armature Works.
For freshmen and other students without cars on campus, the Riverwalk offers an easy and affordable way to explore the city. Whether walking to grab food, meeting friends, or catching an event downtown, students can stay active while getting where they need to go. It turns everyday errands into an opportunity for movement and fresh air.
The complete Tampa Riverwalk is approximately 2.4 miles long and takes around 90 minutes to complete at a moderate pace.
The city of Tampa recently broke ground on the West River BUILD Project, a $56.8 million expansion that will add about two miles to the Riverwalk along the west bank of the Hillsborough River. Once finished in 2027, the project will create a continuous 12-mile path connecting more neighborhoods and green spaces.
“This project is a game-changer for West Tampa,” said CRA Board Chair Luis Viera. “For too long, this historic community has waited for the kind of investment that not only honors its past but builds a stronger future. The West Riverwalk will bring real, tangible benefits, from safer streets and better transportation options to economic opportunities that uplift families and local businesses.”
The project reflects Tampa’s growing commitment to community development and walkability, offering residents a space that blends recreation, culture, and connection.
“This isn’t just a path by the water; it’s a bridge to the future — one that will activate the heart of this neighborhood in ways we can only begin to imagine,” said Mayor Jane Castor.
Part of what makes The Riverwalk so powerful is its purpose. It connects more than just streets and sidewalks; it also connects relationships, neighborhoods, and communities.
“Our goal has always been to open up the river to the people,” said former Mayor Pam Iorio. “The river belongs to everyone.”
For college students, the Riverwalk is more than a nice view. It’s a reminder that exercise and relaxation don’t have to be confined to a gym. It gives students space to unwind, stay active, and feel part of the larger Tampa community, which is one reason the city appeals to so many prospective students.
The Riverwalk proves that staying active and connected doesn’t always require a gym. Its expansion reinforces Tampa’s commitment to community, wellness, and student life, making the city and the University of Tampa more inviting for everyone.