News Summary
St. Petersburg has unveiled five new park bench swings across various waterfront parks, including Vinoy Park and Coffee Pot Park. Funded by the Majeed Foundation, the swings aim to enhance the recreational experience for residents and visitors. The initiative was a collaboration between the city and the Waterfront Parks Foundation, featuring a QR code for community feedback on park improvements. Council member Gina Driscoll emphasized the swings’ role in attracting visitors and boosting the local economy, showcasing the city’s commitment to improving public spaces.
St. Petersburg has introduced five new park bench swings in a move to enhance the waterfront experience for residents and visitors alike. The official unveiling took place on August 16, 2025, at Vinoy Park, one of the prime locations in this vibrant city.
The park bench swings have also been installed at three other sites: Coffee Pot Park, Flora Wylie Park, and North Straub Park. Funded by the Majeed Foundation, this initiative aims to create a more enjoyable and engaging atmosphere in the city’s parks.
This installation was part of a collaborative effort involving the City of St. Petersburg and the Waterfront Parks Foundation. As visitors relax on these swings, they will notice an embedded QR code that links to a public survey. This survey seeks community feedback regarding activities and potential improvements for the downtown waterfront parks.
Background of the Initiative
The concept of introducing swing benches was initiated by Phil Graham Jr., the founder of the Waterfront Parks Foundation, who recognized the need for such features within local parks. The first swing was installed at Flora Wylie Park in 2022, marking the beginning of this endeavor. Graham highlighted swings as fundamental to the park experience, advocating for their importance in recreational spaces.
Design and Strategic Placement
The newly installed swings not only provide comfort and leisure for park-goers but are also strategically positioned to offer scenic views of Tampa Bay. Their design takes into consideration both attractiveness and durability, ensuring they seamlessly blend into the existing park environments without compromising the natural landscape.
Community Engagement and Future Plans
Council member Gina Driscoll underscored the significance of these swings in enhancing the overall park experience in St. Petersburg. She pointed out that such recreational features would help attract more visitors to the area, enhancing the local economy. Meanwhile, the event highlighted the city’s commitment to improving park facilities despite challenges posed by hurricanes and other natural events.
The Waterfront Parks Foundation’s goal with these swings is to gather substantial community input to shape future park projects. By facilitating feedback through the QR code survey, the foundation aims to incorporate the suggestions and preferences of the public into ongoing and upcoming improvements in St. Petersburg’s park facilities.
Conclusion
The addition of park bench swings in St. Petersburg marks a significant stride in enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors, enriching the recreational offerings of the city’s waterfront parks. With the active involvement of the community and proactive approaches to improving public spaces, St. Petersburg continues to position itself as a vibrant and attractive destination.
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: New Waterfront Park Bench Swings
- WFLA: New Bench Swings Installed
- I Love the Burg: St. Pete Park System
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Park
- WFLA Video: New Bench Swings
- Google Search: St. Petersburg waterfront parks
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
