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.
A Sunken Lake Becomes a Garden
In the early 1900s, plumber and avid gardener George Turner Sr. used clay tiles to drain a shallow lake dominating some newly bought property. He then used the rich muck left behind to create an elaborate “sunken” garden. Initially, the area was used as a plant nursery for the Turner family and a pleasurable strolling spot for neighbors, By the 1920s, it became clear that it had potential as a destination. During the 1930s, Turner fenced off the gardens, and tourists paid to wander through the elaborate and exotic property. Over the decades, the Turners purchased the adjacent Mediterranean Revival-style building to create the “World’s Largest Gift Shop” and wax museum. They added a wide array of birds, including peacocks, macaws, toucans, parakeets, cockatoos, myna birds, and roseate spoonbills. Between 1950 and the 1970s, Sunken Gardens was ranked among Florida’s Top 10 commercial attractions. By the 1980s, however, like many other roadside Florida attractions, the property was losing customers to Disney, and attendance numbers sank. After many failed attempts to sell to private investors, the city purchased Sunken Gardens in 1999. Sunken Gardens was designated as a local historic landmark and restored.
It’s a Living Museum and a Park
Today, the city works to preserve and make good use of the restored historic botanical garden. Meandering paths (most of which are ADA compliant) guide visitors through “a living collection of … thousands of plant species, tropical plants and flowers with lush demonstration gardens, cascading waterfalls,” and lots of birds, including the ever-popular flock of flamingos. No matter where a visitor looks, there is something fabulous to see. It is a photographer’s dream location. Amateurs and hobbyists are welcome, but professionals must make an appointment and pay a fee. As a part of the effort to make good use of the space, Sunken Gardens also offers numerous cultural and educational opportunities for adults and children as well as rental opportunities for special events such as weddings. As its website notes: “In contrast to the rapid pace of the city outside its vine-covered walls, Sunken Gardens offers a tranquil garden atmosphere that creates space for connection, reflection, and community.” Simply put, Sunken Gardens is a must-see St. Pete experience.
Important Info
Situated in the heart of St. Pete at 1825 Fourth St. N, the destination becomes clear when you see the beautifully restored Sunken Gardens sign. For more information about admission prices, hours, parking, accessibility, rental opportunities, special events, and photo policies please call (727) 551-3102 or visit www.stpete.org/visitors/sunken_gardens.php
