Grand Opening of International Plaza and Bay Street and Muma Children’s Hospital’s Tropical Playground Oasis

The Children’s play area mirrors the new Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH.

Tampa, FL (Mar. 4, 2025) – International Plaza and Bay Street (IP), along with the Muma Children’s Hospital and Tampa General Hospital (TGH), celebrate the grand opening of the newly designed play area at International Plaza.

This one-of-a-kind collaboration features a tropical playground oasis taking inspiration from the new Tampa-themed renovations at Muma Children’s Hospital. The hospital’s pediatric wing recently completed the first phase of renovations, with full construction set to be complete in Spring 2026.

When families find their children in need of healthcare, it can often be a stressful and unimaginable time. The play area attempts to mirror the thoughtfully-designed hospital environment. The goal is that familiarity and feelings of safety, hope and healing are brought to children and their families who may find themselves in need of care.

"International Plaza is thrilled to continue to grow our long-standing partnership with TGH and now the Muma Children's Hospital,” said Julia Wyman, Director of Marketing and Sponsorships at International Plaza and Bay Street. “We are sure that many of Tampa Bay's children and tourists that visit the area will be enjoying this play area for years to come!”

In addition to reflecting the children’s hospital, the play area gives a nod to landmarks and Tampa Bay region treasures, including: Bayshore Boulevard’s balustrades wrapping the play area and a pirate ship and treasure chest to highlight Gasparilla pride.

"This new playground is yet another sign of Muma Children’s Hospital’s dedication to families in the Tampa Bay area,” said Nikki Hurley, interim vice president of the Muma Children’s Hospital at TGH and TGH Women’s Institute. “This newly renovated space blends play with healing in a vibrant and family-friendly environment for all ages to enjoy.”

The sponsorship and collaboration spans over five years with TGH and the Muma Children’s Hospital.

“Playgrounds are essential for keeping children healthy and active, and our new area offers a space to build strength, coordination and a love for movement," said Dr. Patricia Emmanuel, medical chief of the Muma Children’s Hospital, Lewis A. Barness Professor and Chair of the Department of Pediatrics for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. “Muma Children’s Hospital is proud to offer a beautiful indoor space for families that promotes physical, emotional and social development in children.”

For more information about the play area at International Plaza, visit: https://shopinternationalplaza.com