Nth 15th Street, East 131st Avenue, Aaran's Pond

Site Description

Located within the University area where North 15th street meets East 131st avenue, Aaran's pond is a large fenced off stormpond. Ownership of the pond belongs to Hillsbourough county because of the Uniervsity area's status as an underbounded community not integrated with the city of Tampa. Aaran's pond possesses 4 inflows to recieve stormwater and one outflow to send it back into the stormwater system. As a stormpond, Aaran's pond is an important part of the university area's stormwater system and recieves runoff from many local buisnesses, apartments, and residential homes. Additionally Aaran's pond's history and current role as part of Florida's environment makes it an important home and site for many animals; including, marshbirds, alligators, frogs, and insects. At the moment Aaran's pond is a fenced off site that offers little community value. Aaran's pond also faces significant challenges from illegal dumping and dirty stormwater giving it a rather unpleasant smell and a somewhat dirty appearance. Aaran's pond could become a location that produces value for the university area community through redevelopment, improvements to stormwater quality, and increased accessability.