The Pinellas County Parks & Recreation
Department maintains 4,159 acres of the county's most
beautiful examples of pristine Florida landscapes.
Sun-drenched beaches, tranquil lakes, and lush emerald green
expanses of native habitat along with playgrounds, learning
centers, and convenience facilities provide park visitors
immeasurable opportunities for relaxation and recreation!
Pinellas
Trail
The Fred E. Marquis Pinellas Trail is a linear
park and recreation trail currently extending from St.
Petersburg to Tarpon Springs. The Trail, created along an
abandoned railroad corridor, provides a unique, protected
greenspace for walking, jogging, skating, and biking. The
County's Parks & Recreation Department is responsible for the
Trail's maintenance and operating costs.
The grand opening for the first five-mile stretch, from
Seminole City Park to Taylor Park in Largo, took place on
December 1, 1990. Since then three other sections of the Trail
have been completed: from St. Petersburg to Seminole, from
Largo to Dunedin, and from Dunedin to Tarpon Springs. Trail
amenities, such as benches, water fountains, rest areas, and
landscaping, are paid for by Pinellas Trails, Inc., a citizens
fund-raising group.
Phone: (727) 549-6099 |
Web Site
Fred
H. Howard Park
A place where people and wildlife can play and
enjoy
Fred Howard Park consists of 155 acres and is located on the
Gulf of Mexico. Since the parks dedication on April 16, 1966
the parks popularity has continued to increase. Almost 2
million visitors enjoy the park and its facilities annually.
Howard Park's location provides access to the Gulf of Mexico
by a 1-mile long causeway. The white sandy beach is a very
popular north county swim area and also provides a perfect
location for visitors to enjoy many spectacular sunsets.
Nesting ospreys and eagles may be viewed by park visitors as
they fish for food in the surrounding waters. Dolphins, and
occasionally manatees, are seen in the area. The causeway is
used for sunbathing, fishing and exercising.
1700 Sunset Dr., Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 (Map)
Phone: (727) 943-4081 |
Web Site
A L Anderson Park
The first land was acquired in 1964 with the
park opening and dedication held on May 21, 1966. Subsequent
acquisitions to the north and south along Lake Tarpon have
enlarged the park to 129 acres. The most recently improved
area is a 30-acre parcel acquired in 1973 on the south side of
the park. Access to this area is gained by means of a road
leading from the main park road to an overpass which bridges
Tookes Road. It was formally opened to the public on June 3,
1982.
This park serves the north county area and offers individual
and group picnicking facilities, play equipment, and a boat
launching facility. The park is characterized by hilly
terrain, wooded areas, and beautiful vistas overlooking Salmon
Bay and Lake Tarpon.
A distinctive arrangement of picnic pads, elevated boardwalk,
and a nature trail which is 478 linear feet long has been
developed among the cypress trees along the Salmon Bay
shoreline.
Who was A.L. Anderson? The park was named in honor of Alphonse
L. “Andy” Anderson, former Mayor of Gulfport and Pinellas
County Commissioner from 1959 - 1971. A successful commercial
fisherman and recipient of two prestigious conservation
awards, Mr. Anderson was sensitive to the preservation of
local waterways and the marine environment. During his tenure
on the Commission, he helped to establish several county
parks, including A.L. Anderson Park on the shores of Lake
Tarpon. After serving on the County Commission, Mr. Anderson
continued his tireless preservation efforts as a member of the
Pinellas County Park Board.
39699 U.S. HWY. 19 N., Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Phone: (727) 943-4085 |
Web Site
John
Chesnut, Sr. Park
This park is home to various wildlife.
Raccoons, alligators, various waterfowl, hawks, vultures,
tortoises/turtles, snakes, etc. reside in this park, and
provide many pleasant hours for nature enthusiasts and
families. Lake Tarpon, immediately adjacent, is five miles
long and one mile wide, generally 8-12 feet deep. This park is
a popular launching site for several fishing tournaments each
year. Lake Tarpon can accommodate boats with combustion
engines, and provides great fun for water skiers and jet
skiers. Additionally, a canoe trail is a landlocked waterway
connected to an interior lake, but can only accommodate
non-combustion engines. For those who prefer sports, a
softball field and a beach volleyball court are available
first come, first served—bring your own equipment. There are
three nature trails, each approximately 3,000 feet in length.
The North Trail begins at Shelter #10, running through a
cypress swamp to the canoe trail—it does not loop back. The
Peggy Park Trail features a self-guided walk with brochure.
The elevated boardwalk runs along the boat ramp, leading to an
elevated lookout tower for a scenic overview of Lake Tarpon.
Swimming is prohibited inside the park.
2200 East Lake Rd., Palm Harbor, Florida 34685
Phone: (727) 669-1951 |
Web Site
Philippe Park was acquired in 1948, making it
the oldest park in the county. This historically rich park
bears the name of Count Odet Philippe who introduced citrus
culture to Florida. The existing park property was part of the
original Philippe plantation from which several citrus trees
still remain. An Indian mound listed in the National Register
of Historic Landmarks as the Safety Harbor Site is also
located within the park. Much of the 122-acre park is shaded
by large oaks and other hardwood trees. The park offers
picnicking, a view of Old Tampa Bay along 1 mile of shoreline,
a boat launching facility, fishing, and play areas.
2525 Philippe Pkwy., Safety Harbor, Florida 34695-5134
Phone: (727) 669-1947 |
Web Site
Sand Key Park
Sand Key Park was opened to the public August
1984. Ninety-five acres are located on Sand Key, a barrier
island between the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida mainland.
Clearwater Pass, leading from the Gulf to the Intracoastal
waterway, separates the park from the popular resort area of
Clearwater Beach. The park welcomes more than one million each
year. Facilities include: This park has two distinct areas—a
beach and a park. In the park proper are two picnic shelters
with grills, a playground, and a restroom. A dog park was
added in 2003. Grills, picnic tables, and water fountains are
but a few amenities. The beach area boasts cabana rentals, 2
beach wheel-chairs, 9 outdoor shower towers to rinse beach
sand off, and two bath houses with separate changing stalls
and restrooms. A lifeguard is on duty 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
on a seasonal basis from March to September for swimmers
enjoying the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
1060 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater Beach, Florida 33767-2701
Phone: (727) 588-4852 |
Web Site
Belleair
Boat Ramp
Unofficially opened on December 10, 1965, and
dedicated on April 14, 1966, this special purpose park was
designed for intense utilization. The eight lanes on the boat
ramps and seven docks provide ready access to the Intercoastal
Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico for a variety of outdoor
recreational activities. This 5-acre park also provides
parking spaces for 151 vehicles, including 107 spaces for
vehicles with boat trailers attached. Public restrooms are
located in a baithouse/concession building at the water's
edge. This facility is open 24 hours.
3900 W. Bay Dr., Belleair Bluffs, Florida 34640-2623
Phone: (727) 588-4847 |
Web Site
John
S. Taylor Park
Located in Largo, Taylor Park consists of 156.5
acres, including a 53-acre freshwater lake with excellent
fishing. Small boats can be launched from a concrete boat
ramp.
Development of this park began in 1958. Its facilities include
group picnic shelters, playground equipment, and restrooms. It
also offers a softball diamond and a large, open playing field
which are very popular with the local residents and children.
A 1.8-mile running/exercise trail was added in May 1982. In
late 1990, access to the nearby Pinellas Trail was completed.
1100 8TH Ave. S.W., Largo, Florida 33770-3168
Phone: (727) 588-4847 |
Web Site
Indian Rocks Beach Access
This 1.5-acre beach site was purchased in 1989
at a cost of $1.9 million. Development was completed and was
dedicated to the public on September 29, 1995. The park
features 80 parking spaces for vehicles, a restroom, outdoor
showers, and landscaping.
1700 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, Florida 34635
Phone: (727) 588-4852 |
Web Site
Ridgecrest
Park
The park includes a 5-acre freshwater lake
where fishing is permitted. In addition to picnic facilities,
the park offers two play areas with a variety of playground
equipment, restrooms, and a softball field.
This 23-acre park was first acquired and developed in 1958.
It is located in Largo on Ulmerton Road (State Road 688) and
is neighborhood-oriented.
12000 Ulmerton Rd., Largo, FL 33774
Phone 727.588.4851 |
Web Site
Tiki Gardens - Indian Shores
Beach Access
This 9.9-acre site was purchased in 1990 at a
cost of $3 million, and was dedicated and opened to the public
on June 9, 1995.
Facilities include Phase 1 with a 120-space
parking area for vehicles, restroom facilities, benches, a
water fountain, beach showers, landscaping, and a pedestrian
crossing light at Gulf Boulevard.
Phase II, also opened in
1995, provides another landscaped parking lot containing 50
additional parking spaces.
19601 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, Florida 34635 (Map)
Phone 727.549.6165 |
Web Site
Walsingham
Park
Walsingham Park is situated on 354 acres,
divided by 100-acre Walsingham Lake, one-quarter mile west of
the Pinellas Trail. There are entrances on Walsingham Road and
on 102nd Avenue North. Facilities include eight picnic
shelters (may be reserved up to one year in advance), grills,
picnic tables, water fountains, restrooms, playground, paw
playground, and a boatlaunch area. The park provides pleasant,
relaxing amenities for approximately 700,000 visitors to this
park each year. Walsingham Park features five habitat areas
have been delineated within the boundaries of Walsingham Park:
Visitors picnic and enjoy recreation such as
hiking, jogging, cycling, a 6 mile trail, a 10-station fitness
area, bird-watching, observing many plant species, fishing
an/or boating. Boating is restricted to rowing, sailing, or
electric engines--combustion engines not permitted.
Wildlife includes snakes, tortoises, turtles,
hawks, mottled ducks, herons, wrens, thrashers, warblers; as
well as butterflies comprised of swallowtails, sulphurs, gulf
fritillary, Carolina satyr, white peacock. Safety & protection
for all: Pets and service dogs are welcome--must be on 6'
leash and owners are required to clean up after them. An
abundance of wildlife roam throughout the park; however, they
are protected and may not be hunted, harassed, or fed.
Additionally, it is illegal to remove, damage, or destroy
plants. Intoxicants, firearms, and swimming are prohibited.
12615 102nd Ave. N., Largo FL 33778
Phone: 727.549.6142 | Fax: 727.549.6144 |
Web Site
Lake
Seminole Park
Lake Seminole Park covers more than 250 acres
and is centrally located to several communities, including St.
Petersburg, Seminole, Largo, and Pinellas Park. It is located
immediately adjacent Lake Seminole. Thirteen picnic shelters
(may be reserved 365 days per year, up to one year in
advance.) A boat ramp with spaces for vehicles/ trailers.
Grills, picnic tables, playground, water fountains, and
restrooms. This park provides pleasant amenities for over one
million visitors each year. Lake Seminole Park is a designated
wildlife habitat and sanctuary. Raccoons, alligators, various
waterfowl, hawks, bald eagles, black vultures,
tortoises/turtles, snakes, etc. reside in this park, and
provide many pleasant hours for nature enthusiasts and
families. The park has a 2-mile multi-use trail (jogging,
hiking, bicycling/rollerblading) that winds through a pine
flatwoods. A 1-mile cut-off is available for those less
vigorous. Lake Seminole affords hours of pleasure for boaters,
jet skiers, water-skiing, fishing, etc. A softball field and
volleyball courts are available on a first come, first served
basis. Benches and swings are strategically situated for
relaxing views of the several ponds and the lake. Weddings are
popular at this park, especially in two locations that provide
beautiful photo-ops for the wedding album--a wooden bridge
near Shelter #2 at the front of the park, and at Shelter #5
which is built over a small pond.
Safety & protection for all: Pets and service dogs are
welcome--must be on 6' leash. An abundance of wildlife roam
throughout the park; however, they are protected and may not
be hunted, harassed, or fed. Additionally, it is illegal to
remove, damage, or destroy plants. Swimming, intoxicants and
firearms are prohibited in the park.
10015 Park Blvd. (74th Ave. N.), Seminole FL 33777 (Map)
Phone: 727.549.6156 | Fax: 727.549.6158 |
Web Site
Park
Boulevard Boat Ramp Park
This 6.5-acre boating facility is located on
the Intercoastal Waterway. Construction of the boat ramp was
funded entirely by the Florida Boating Improvement Program as
part of a continuing program to enhance recreational boating
activities in Florida.
The boat ramp was officially opened to the
public on June 29, 1989. The facility is open 24 hours a day
and features 73 vehicle and trailer parking spaces, six boat
lanes, three floating docks, restrooms, and night lighting.
18651 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, Florida 34635 (Map)
Phone 727.549.6165 |
Web Site
Sawgrass Lake Park
Sawgrass Lake Park, 400 acres in size, allows
people to walk through one of the largest maple swamps on the
Gulf Coast of Florida. The park’s mile-long boardwalk and
half-mile dirt trail provide opportunities to see birds,
butterflies, plants and animals in their natural settings
within the most densely populated county in Florida. Herons,
egrets, ibis, wood storks, alligators and turtles can be seen
along the canals and lakes. Thousands of birds migrate through
the park during the fall and spring, attracting birders and
eco-tourists from all over the country. Sawgrass Lake Park is
mentioned by the Great Florida Birding Trail and the National
Audubon Society as one of the premier birding sites in
Florida. Sawgrass Lake Park is the result of a unique
cooperative agreement between the Pinellas County Parks &
Recreation Department, the Pinellas County School District and
the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Two Park
Naturalists and a dedicated Environmental Education Resource
Teacher offer nature tours and outdoor field trips for
thousands of visitors and school students annually.
7400 25th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702 (Map)
Phone 727.217.7256 |
Web Site
Redington
Shores Beach Access
This 3.5-acre gulf site was acquired in 1973 at
a cost of $909,500 and developed through the Florida
Recreation Development Assistance Program. The beach was
opened to the public on August 9, 1975, and offers 170 parking
spaces, restroom facilities, beach showers, and a
400-foot-wide beach. To compliment this outstanding facility
and help preserve the beach, a dune establishment program was
started in 1990. Seashore grasses, plants, and two boardwalks
were added to help protect this delicate area which attracts
over 600,000 visitors each year.
18200 Gulf Blvd., Redington Shores, FL 33708 (Map)
Phone 727.588.4882 |
Web Site
War
Veterans' Memorial Park
War Veterans' Park consists of 122 acres,
located on Boca Ciega Bay with access to the Gulf of Mexico.
The park was donated to the county as surplus federal property
in 1963. It is built adjacent to Bay Pines Veterans' Hospital
grounds and official dedication was April 1974. A focal point
of the park is the landscaped Memorial Center featuring five
plaques with official armed forces flags that commemorate each
of the military branches of the United States. Also featured
at the Memorial Center is an equatorial sundial, designed and
produced by the Sundial Division of Erickson Memorial Company,
Denver, Colorado. It was engineered exactly for the latitude
and longitude of this site. The dial is made of granite and
the gnomon (pronounced NO-mun) is made of stainless steel. The
sundial is actually a miniature earth. Lit avail. at sundial.
The Army tank above is a 4-man tank of the Korean War era
(also known as the "Walker Bulldog" for Gen. Walter Walker)
from Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, PA, manufactured
in 1953 by Cadillac/GMC. US Rep. Wm. C. Cramer acquired this
surplus 45,000-pound tank in 1970 for display at the park.
Facilities include: Five picnic shelters (may be reserved up
to one year in advance.) Wedding ceremonies are popular
especially at the Point's Shelter #5 overlooking Boca Ciega
Bay, providing a showcase photo op. Six-lane boat
ramp--lighted for 24-hour use with 112 parking spaces. Two
playgrounds (2 - 5 yrs and 5 - 12 yrs) ideal for birthdays;
grills, picnic tables, water fountains, a one- mile unpaved
trail, and restrooms provide pleasant, relaxing amenities for
approximately 750,000 visitors each year.
9600 Bay Pines Boulevard, St. Petersburg, FL 33708 (Map)
727.549.6165 |
Web Site
Madeira
Beach Access
Acquired on October 4, 1978, its 1.5 acres
offer 450 feet of beach on the Gulf of Mexico. This park was
officially opened to the public on May 26, 1983. It is the
first park developed by Pinellas County to be operated and
maintained by a municipality. This was made possible by an
intergovernmental agreement signed January 25, 1983. The
facilities offered by this beach access park include parking
for 104 vehicles, a restroom, and two showers located on the
beach.
14400 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach, FL 33708
Phone 727.549.6165 |
Web Site
Treasure
Island Beach Access
Pinellas County purchased a .5-acre plot of
beachfront property on Treasure Island in 1985 for $1.75
million. A long-term intergovernmental lease between Pinellas
County and the City of Treasure Island added a .466-acre
parcel to the existing property. Construction began in May
1991, and the new facility was officially dedicated on January
22, 1992. This .996-acre beach access provides 67 public
parking spaces, restroom facilities, a water fountain, beach
showers, a bicycle rack, and landscaping.
10400 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, FL 33706 (Map)
Phone 727.549.6165 |
Web Site
St.
Pete Beach Access
This 5.5-acre park represents a major
commitment ($5,890,500 for land acquisition and $403,831 in
park construction and landscaping) by Pinellas County and its
citizens, to preserve critical open spaces and provide beach
access along the densely populated Gulf Coast of Pinellas
County. St. Pete Beach Access construction was completed in
late 1988, and opened to the public on December 24, 1988. The
official dedication took place on January 31, 1989. This
facility offers a landscaped 235-meter parking lot, restrooms,
showers, water fountain, and three boardwalks to carry
visitors over natural sand dunes and sea oats to a white sandy
swim area and a spectacular view of the Gulf of Mexico.
Swimming is permissible, however there is no lifeguard on
duty.
4700 Gulf Blvd., St. Petersburg Beach, FL 33706 (Map)
(727) 582-2267 |
Web Site
Fort
De Soto Park
The largest park within the Pinellas County
Park System, this park consists of 1,136 acres made up of five
interconnected islands. First opened on December 21, 1962,
when the state toll road named the Pinellas Bayway was
completed, this park was dedicated May 11, 1963, in perpetuity
as a public park. Annual park attendance averages more than
2.7 million visitors. The 12-inch mortar battery, located at
the fort for which the park was named, was listed in the
National Register of Historic Places on February 7, 1978.
Adding to the historical interest at Fort De Soto, two British
breech-loading, rapid-fire rifles of 1890 vintage were
installed in March 1982. Markers showing the original building
locations and a Quartermaster Storehouse Museum, which opened
in November 2000, add to the park's historic interest.
Renovation and conversion of the East Beach concession
building to a picnic shelter was completed in 1991. The new
picnic shelter can easily accommodate 200 visitors.
3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde, FL 33715
(Map)
Park Office- 727.582.2267 | Campground Office- 727.582.2267 |
Web Site
Boca
Ciega Millennium Park
Boca Ciega Millennium Park was dedicated April
7, 2001. At the entrance to the 184.6-acre park is the
Pinellas County Millennium Time Capsule with more than 100
items secured for future generations to find. For now, there
is plenty of natural beauty for residents and visitors to
discover. This park features include fishing access to Bay, a
canoe launch, 1. 5 acre Paw Playground, 35-foot observation
tower, .25 mile nature trail, boardwalks, playground,
restrooms, picnic shelters and bicycle/pedestrian paths. Five
ponds were added to treat stormwater water runoff and hydrate
the wetland areas before the runoff reaches Boca Ciega Bay.
The park has been recognized by the Florida Native Plant
Society for its use of natives in landscaping. Boca Ciega's
natural communities include pine flatwoods, coastal oak
hammock, mangrove swamp, salt marsh, bay head and wetlands. A
wide variety of Florida vegetation and wildlife highlights
Boca Ciega Millennium Park's delightful environs. The park is
a stop on the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation
Commission's "Great Florida Birding Trail". You can view shore
birds, wading birds, birds of prey, upland birds & water fowl.
12410 74th Ave. N. (Old Oakhurst Rd.), Seminole, FL 33772 (Map)
Phone: (727) 588-4882 | Fax: (727) 588-4924 |
Web Site
Wall
Springs Park
Wall Springs Park's 195 acres include a
historic spring once used as a spa and bathing area from the
turn of the 20th century until the mid-1960s. The park
includes boardwalks, nature trails, playground, a 35-foot
observation tower, bike racks, drinking fountains, restrooms,
parking lot, and access to the Fred E. Marquis Pinellas Trail.
The area surrounding the spring has been improved, and a
decorative sundial honoring the memory of former Pinellas
County employee Karen Anne Edwards is a landmark at the park's
north gate.
3725 De Soto Blvd., Palm Harbor, Florida (Map)
Phone 727.943.4653 | Fax 727.943.4677 |
Web Site
