Community members enjoying the beautiful parks in St. Petersburg, Florida.
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.
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