Rogers Park, Tampa facts for kids
Rogers Park Golf Course is a historic 18-hole golf course located in Tampa, Florida. It's a special place because it was created during a time when Black people were not allowed to use the same public places as white people. This park became a very important spot for recreation and sports for Tampa's Black community.
The land for the park was bought by the City of Tampa in 1947. At first, it was used for picnics and games. Construction of the golf course began in 1948 and was finished in 1952. It was the only golf course available to Black residents in Tampa during that time. The park is named after Garfield Devoe Rogers, a kind Tampa businessman and helper of the community.
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A Special Place in History
How Rogers Park Began
Rogers Park is spread across 160 acres along the Hillsborough River. It was officially created in 1952. On November 10, 1949, a local newspaper, The Tampa Tribune, reported that a new city park for Black residents was being started. The city bought about 30 acres of land from Tampa Electric Company for this purpose.
The park was named in honor of Garfield Devoe Rogers Sr. after he passed away on February 22, 1951. A committee chose his name to remember all the good things he had done for the Tampa Bay area. The park was officially opened on June 17, 1951, with a dedication ceremony.
Building the Golf Course
In January 1954, a 9-hole golf course at Rogers Park officially opened. The city's Parks Superintendent, Ben Sanborn, was even given an award for his work in making Tampa more beautiful, which included developing Rogers Park.
Just one year later, in January 1955, plans were announced to make the 9-hole course even bigger. The goal was to expand it to a full 18-hole course.
Growing and Improving the Course
From 9 Holes to 18
Tampa Mayor Curtis Hixon gave permission to a group of golf caddies from another club to help build the first nine-hole course. The very first Head Golf Professional, Willie Black, worked with many volunteers. They cleared trees and shaped the land to create the course.
In 1976, the City of Tampa handed over the park's management to the Tampa Sports Authority. A big project costing $400,000 was started to make the course even better. This included expanding it and adding a new watering system.
Modern Updates
The course continued to improve over the years. In 2000, another major renovation took place. The watering system was replaced, and the greens (the smooth areas around the holes) were rebuilt to high standards. Parts of the course were also reshaped.
To make things even better, a new building for maintenance was added in 2001. Then, in 2002, a brand-new clubhouse was built. This gave golfers a comfortable place to relax before or after their games.
Famous Golfers and Tournaments
Many talented African-American golfers played at Rogers Park. Some of these included Jimmy Taylor, Charles Owens, Ted Rhodes, Gordon Chavis, Charlie Sifford, Dick Thomas, and Cliff Harrington.
In 1963, Jimmy Taylor helped start a special golf competition called the Mid Winter Classic. This event was part of the United Golfers Association, which was often called "The Chitlin Circuit." This competition was very important for Black golfers. It ran for many years before being brought back in 2010.
Willie Black: A Golf Pioneer
Willie Black was an amazing African-American golf caddy and golfer. He became the first head golf professional at Rogers Park in Tampa. He was the one who led the construction of the course with volunteers. This course was vital because it served African-Americans in Tampa, Florida during a time of racial segregation.
Rogers Park is so proud of Willie Black that the street it's on is named Willie Black Drive. He was also honored by being inducted into the National Black Golf Hall of Fame. Golf caddies from all over Tampa heard about Willie Black's course. It was only the second course in Florida to allow African-Americans to play, after one was created in Miami Springs.
