St. Petersburg Parks Are No. 1 In FL, Among Best In U.S.: Report

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — The City of St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation system is among the best in the country, according to the 2024 Trust for Public Land’s ParkScore Index.

St. Pete’s park system was ranked No. 1 in Florida and No. 11 in the U.S. — moving up from No. 15.

The ParkScore Index analyzes 100 of the nation’s largest cities using mapping technology and demographic data to determine how well each city is meeting the needs of local communities. Each city was scored in five categories: access, acreage, amenities, equity and investment.

The St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department uses placemaking to create inclusive and equitably accessible parkland and recreational opportunities for the community as well as working to preserve and maintain green spaces, according to a news release from the city.

According to the 2024 index, 78 percent of St. Pete residents are within a 10-minute walk of a city park.

St. Pete parks also offer a number of amenities, including 118 basketball hoops, six dog parks, 91 playgrounds, 16 senior and recreation centers, and four splash pads.

“From our vast parks amenities to our recreational classes, we work hard to provide an inclusive, vibrant, and protected parks and recreation system for our community and visitors to enjoy. We are excited to celebrate this new ranking which would not be possible without (the) support of Mayor Ken Welch, St. Pete City Council and dedicated parks and recreation staff,” Mike Jefferis, community enrichment administrator, said.