St. Petersburg 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. But that’s not all. We also have 76 tennis courts. 33 football/soccer fields, 31 baseball fields, nine volleyball courts, four historic sites, three nature preserves, and one splash pad. Simply put, choose an activity, or choose to just relax, and there’s a city park that fits your needs.
A Waterfront Park with Something for Everyone
Located on North Shore Drive, between 10th and 13th avenues NE, Elva Rouse Park offers attractions including tennis courts, an outdoor gym, beach volleyball courts, a wilderness area, and a portion of the Bayside Recreational Trail with plenty of benches for dolphin spotting. There’s also free parking adjacent to the park. Its most unusual offering may be the Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum. This park within a park is home to more than 500 palms and cycads representing some 150 species from around the world. It’s the perfect waterside spot for relaxing, enjoying nature, and maybe learning a little something as well.
A History
The area originally was a miniature golf course that became too expensive to maintain. The city decided to follow the suggestion of devoted park volunteer Elva M. Rouse and turn the unused space into an arboretum. Gizella Kopsick, a friend of Rouse’s and passionate palm admirer and park volunteer. donated the initial funds to establish the arboretum. When it was dedicated on May 16, 1970, in honor of Kopsick’s 100th birthday, it offered 60 flourishing palms representing 10 species in a beautiful waterfront setting with room to grow. People could meander through the palms on the wheelchair-friendly brick path or sit quietly under the gazebo or on one of the numerous benches and enjoy nature.
The Arboretum Today
Celebrating its 51st year, Gizella Kopsick Arboretum has continued to grow since its dedication, thanks in part to Kopsick’s generous gift of stock. Signage helps visitors identify and learn about the origins of the palms and cycads that now line the walkway, and visitors can contact the city to arrange free docent tours. Otherwise, the arboretum offers a beautiful spot for relaxing or taking in the occasional wedding ceremony. Maintained by the City Beautiful Commission, with guidance from the city’s Parks & Recreation Department, the arboretum benefits from contributions from the public. For example, the Gift Tree Program uses donated funds to purchase a tree to be planted on city property in honor of a person or organization. The public also can take advantage of the Paving the Future Brick Program whereby a tax-deductible donation funds a custom-engraved paving stone to be placed alongside the paths of the palm gardens. It’s a great way to keep this beautiful addition to St. Petersburg’s waterfront flourishing.
Guide to parks
For more information about Elva Rouse Park, Gizella Kopsick Arboretum, or any of the city’s additional many parks, visit stpeteparksrec.org or call (727) 893-7441.
