News Summary
St. Petersburg, Florida, has achieved the highest ranking in the state and 14th nationally in the 2025 ParkScore index, a measure of the park systems in the U.S. The city scored 78 in equity and investment, with 75% of residents living within a 10-minute walk to a park. This accolade highlights St. Petersburg’s commitment to accessible green spaces, promoting wellness, community engagement, and providing recreational opportunities through well-maintained parks like North Shore Park and Sawgrass Lake Park.
St. Petersburg, Florida, has secured the top position in the state and the 14th spot nationally for parks in the 2025 ParkScore index, as reported by the Trust for Public Land. This index evaluates the park systems of the 100 largest cities in the U.S., assessing factors such as access, acreage, amenities, equity, and investment.
St. Petersburg boasts commendable scores, achieving 78 out of 100 in both the equity and investment categories. Notably, 75% of the city’s residents live within a 10-minute walk from a park, showcasing strong community access to green spaces.
The city’s commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and funding for its parks plays a significant role in promoting wellness and community engagement among its residents. As a result, St. Petersburg’s park system has become a vital resource for fitness opportunities, family events, and nature connections, reflecting a growing emphasis on quality parks.
In a noteworthy achievement, St. Petersburg outperformed other cities traditionally recognized for their outdoor amenities, such as Austin, San Diego, and Atlanta. This accomplishment underscores the effectiveness of the city’s Parks and Recreation Department in developing community-centered green spaces that cater to diverse recreational needs.
St. Petersburg has a variety of major parks that serve the community, including North Shore Park, Sawgrass Lake Park, Maximo Park, and Lassing Park. These parks provide a range of recreational activities suitable for individuals and families alike. Furthermore, many of St. Petersburg’s community pools are set to open over Memorial Day weekend, offering residents cooling options during the warm summer months.
Despite previous recognition for its park system, St. Petersburg continues to enhance its services and facilities to better meet the needs of its residents. This continuous improvement reflects the city’s dedication to fostering a supportive environment for outdoor activities and community gatherings.
According to the 2025 ParkScore index, key metrics that determined the rankings included park access, acreage, and investment in park upkeep and development. The equity rating highlights how well parks serve all community members, ensuring equitable access to these crucial green spaces.
St. Petersburg’s impressive ranking in the ParkScore index not only emphasizes the city’s current success but also sets a benchmark for ongoing development and enhancement of public spaces. This achievement indicates a robust commitment to community health, engagement, and quality of life, marking St. Petersburg as a model for other cities to follow in developing accessible and well-maintained parks.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
President Trump’s 50% Tariff Threat Sparks Trade Tension with the EU
Governor Signs State Park Preservation Act in Florida
Tragic Discovery of Missing Teenager in St. Petersburg
Man Gored by Bison at Yellowstone National Park
Trump Proposes Reopening Alcatraz Amid Criminal Justice Debate
St. Petersburg Launches Free Outdoor Fitness Classes
Pinellas County Unveils Stay and Play Promotion Amid Hurricane Preparations
Florida State University Shooting Leaves Two Dead
North Port Man Arrested After Golf Course Altercation
Concerns Over Gun Violence Surge in Florida
Additional Resources
- WTSP News
- Wikipedia: Parks in the United States
- WFLA News
- Google Search: St. Petersburg Florida parks
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Google Scholar: St. Petersburg parks
- Fox 13 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: St. Petersburg, Florida
- St. Pete Rising
- Google News: St. Petersburg parks system
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.
