County To Dedicate Progress Village Playground

PROGRESS VILLAGE, FL -- As a longtime resident and community leader, Emanuel P. Johnson is known by many as the honorary mayor of Progress Village. On Tuesday, May 14, Hillsborough County will dedicate its newest playground at the recreation center bearing his name.

The playground at the Emanuel P. Johnson Recreation Center, 5855 S. 78th St. in Tampa, includes swings, ladders, slides, fire poles, cargo net, panel maze, tightrope and 2,800 square feet of synthetic turf. The playground equipment is designed to be inclusive, providing fun experiences and a learning environment for children of all abilities.

Emanuel P. Johnson moved to Progress Village nearly 60 years ago and helped found the community association there. The group successfully lobbied to improve conditions in the primarily black neighborhood, which at the time had no buses, mail service or telephone lines.

Johnson will speak at the 3:30 p.m. Tuesday dedication ceremony organized by Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation.