St. Pete is home to more than 150 parks, offering a wide variety of possible activities. There are more than 100 picnic areas, 80 playgrounds, 44 miles of fitness trails, 30 basketball courts, 21 boat ramps, 11 softball fields, six dog parks, five beaches, three skate parks, two disc-golf courses, and one jai-alai court. We also have 76 tennis courts. 33 football/soccer fields, 31 baseball fields, nine volleyball courts, four historic sites, three nature preserves, and numerous splash pads. And, still, there’s more! Simply put, choose an activity (or choose to just relax) and there’s a city park that fits your needs.
A Neighborhood Park for Everyone
Located at 4301 13th Ave. S, Childs Park is nestled within the Childs Park neighborhood. Bisected by the Clam Bayou Creek and the Pinellas Trail, the 18-acre-park features a pool complex, athletic courts and fields, a playground, an indoor fitness center, a picnic shelter, and a recreation center. Abundant with shade trees and plenty of bicycle and motor-vehicle parking, it’s a perfect place to spend the day or take a respite from the Pinellas Trail.
Slide into the Water or Home Plate
If you’re looking for someplace to play ball, make a splash, or just relax in the shade, Childs Park is a great choice. You can practice your dunk on the basketball court or perfect your serve on the tennis court. The indoor fitness center also offers a gym if you want to escape the heat of the Florida sun. If hitting a home run or pitching a no-hitter is a dream, then check out the baseball field. It’s available to rent. Want to get wet? The ADA-accessible pool area has a flume slide and a low dive as well as a splash pad and a wading pool. If you’d rather watch the kids get wet while you enjoy a good book, then grab a shaded chair and relax. Need a great place for a party? The pool is also available to rent.
A True Community Center
Not only is Childs Park in the physical center of the neighborhood, in many ways it is also the heart of it, serving as a true community center. Whether it’s a neighborhood association meeting, community get-together, or special event, it’s likely happening at Childs Park. The recreation center, in particular, is an inviting space for gatherings and ongoing opportunities for youth and teens. You can find before- and after-school programs offering general tutoring, open gym time, and Teen Arts, Sports and Cultural Opportunities (TASCO). The center also coordinates summer camps, special trips, and events for education and fun. For example, in November 2021, teens had the chance to bowl, visit the St. Pete Pier for an Escape FLA adventure, and participate in a mentoring event sponsored by St. Pete’s My Brother’s and Sister’s Keeper’s Cohort of Champions program. With a dance room and kitchen facilities, it’s also a great location for a baby shower, anniversary party, wedding reception, corporate gathering, or family reunion.
Thanks
Thanks to the St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation staff for all they do. For more information about Childs Park or any other of St. Pete’s many parks visit www.stpeteparksrec.org or call (727) 893-7441.
