"Bro Bowl" makes iconic return at new Tampa park

TAMPA (FOX 13) - The Bro Bowl is back and getting rave reviews from skateboarders of all ages.

The new downtown Tampa skate park features a replica of the vintage “Bro Bowl” suitable for just about any level of skater.

The new skate park, located on the north end of the Perry Harvey, Sr. Park, also features green spaces, picnic tables and grills.

The original Bro Bowl was torn down last summer in order to make way for the new park.

City officials decided to build a replica in the new skate park after several pleas from the public to save the Bro Bowl. It was originally built in 1978 and named a historic landmark in 2013.

Pieces of the old, graffiti tagged bowl are also featured in the center of the new park, which will otherwise be kept free of graffiti.

"It's sad they had to tear the old one down but they recreated it and brought parts of it in and what's really nice about this place is it's for different types of skaters," said Harvey Strain, who says he first began skating in the Bro Bowl in the 1980’s. "It's a whole different vibe now. It's a lot better, a lot more to skate."

The new park's mix of old and new-school obstacles is also attracting skaters of all generations.

"It's something my dad did when he was little and when we do it together it's like daddy-daughter time," said Justiss Sloan. "It's really special."

The public park, which is completely free to skate, will have a grand opening party and ribbon cutting Saturday, April 16. The celebration will feature food, skate competitions, music and an appearance by Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn.