Rogers Park, Tampa

Land for the park was acquired by the City of Tampa in 1947 and was used for picnics and games by black residents during the era of racial segregation in the United States.

A June 18, 1951 Tampa Tribune article reported that the park was dedicated by Mayor Hixon and several speakers on Jun 17, 1951.

The principal speaker was to be Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, but she was delayed en route to Tampa and failed to arrive in time for the ceremony.

Among his department's efforts was said "Sanborn developed Rogers Park for Negroes, including the nine-hole golf course at this location."

In 2000 an additional renovation replaced the irrigation system, rebuilt the greens to USGA specifications, and reshaped parts of the course.

[4] African-American golfers who played the course included Jimmy Taylor, Charles Owens, Ted Rhodes, Gordon Chavis, Charlie Sifford, Dick Thomas and Cliff Harrington.

[6] Caddies from all over Tampa heard about Willie Black's course, the second in Florida to permit African-Americans after one was created in Miami Springs.