The Determination of Minimum Flows for Sulphur Springs, Tampa

DRAFT
The spring and its run lie in a small city park in a highly urbanized setting. For many years
Sulphur Springs was a major recreational resource that was used for swimming and
bathing by the citizens of Tampa. The current configuration of retaining walls and water
control structures at Sulphur Springs reflect the historic use of the spring for recreation,
and in later years, for water supply. Historic photos show that the spring pool was enclosed
by a circular concrete rim by the early 1900s (Figure 2-2A). Water flowed from this pool
through a water control structure to the spring run, which had a weir near its mouth that
was built to maintain suitable water levels for swimming and wading. Over various periods,
facilities were maintained at the spring system that included pavilions, a water slide, diving
boards and sand beaches, and Sulphur Springs was a major attraction for bathing and
social gatherings (Figure 2-2B).
Figure 2-2A. Photograph from1908 showing
the concrete rim enclosing the Sulphur
Springs Pool.
Figure 2-2B. Public swimming and recreation
at Sulphur Springs during the early 1900s.
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