Note: Sawgrass Lake Park is 400 acres in the Lealman community of unincorporated Pinellas County and is the result of a unique cooperative agreement between Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. So although it is not technically a “St. Pete Park” it is close enough to the bulk of our readers that we decided to include it in this column.
Beginning with City Park (today’s Williams Park) in the late 19th century and expanding to the waterfront in the early 20th, St. Petersburg’s parks have a long history of providing locals and visitors with a wide variety of amenities. Today, St. Pete can boast more than 150 city parks and numerous Pinellas County parks. According to the Trust for Public Land, 77 percent of residents live within a 10-minute walk to a park. Park amenities vary depending on location and size and can include picnic areas, playgrounds, beaches, boat ramps, fishing docks, playing fields, sports courts, fitness equipment, trails, nature preserves, art installations, and historic sites. Dogs and skaters even have their own spaces. Parks & Recreation also offers classes, service projects, camps, and a variety of after-school educational programs. Choose an activity or choose to relax, and there’s a park or recreation center that fits your needs.
Family Fun and Learning
Sawgrass Lake Park has an unconventional history. Initially conceived as a project to provide flood protection, the park at 7400 24th St. N is now part of a unique cooperative agreement between Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. At nearly 400 acres, it offers visitors a fantastic opportunity to observe and learn about Florida’s natural world. With wheelchair-accessible boardwalks, nature trails, and an observation tower, visitors can make their way through acres of dense foliage and wetlands, including one of the largest maple swamps on the Gulf Coast. Only minutes from the urban bustle of St. Pete, this park offers a sanctuary for wildlife including alligators, turtles, gopher tortoises, snakes, butterflies, dragonflies, and every imaginable Florida bird.
In addition to the trails, Sawgrass Lake Park offers visitors the Anderson Environmental Center. Features include a large freshwater aquarium and exhibits designed to “encourage environmental stewardship among children and visitors to the area” by depicting the geological, biological, and cultural forces that shaped the park and surrounding area. Thousands of students also get to take advantage of nature tours and outdoor field trips led by the center’s dedicated professionals. When you’re ready to take a break, there’s a shelter with grills perfect for picnics and gatherings. A butterfly garden provides several rows of pollinator-friendly plants such as ixora and pokeweed, which attract bumblebees and swallowtails along with butterflies. It’s a delightful sight for both young and old.
Important Things to Remember
Open from 7 a.m. to sundown, Sawgrass Lake Park is always free. It’s a great place to bring the family for a day of fun. Before visiting, however, it’s good to make a plan and watch the weather. The heat and humidity (and nearly daily summer rains) can make the trails slippery and hot. The Anderson Environmental Education Center provides bathrooms and water fountains, but the boardwalks and trails do NOT have water stations or restrooms. If you’re going to venture onto the trails, it’s a good idea to bring water, bug spray, sunscreen, and a hat. Dogs are allowed in the park but NOT on boardwalks or any parts of the park accessible only via the boardwalk. For information, call (727) 582-2100 or visit www.pinellas.gov/parks/sawgrass-lake-park/
