Passive Parks At Risk

ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- The awards and recognized excellence of our St. Pete Park System occurred well before this administration. For the mayor to attempt to take credit for it is almost laughable if it weren't so manipulative.

Currently the city is attempting to fundamentally change the status of our 91 passive parks to active to allow for future development. This vote on Section 21-78 of our city code will take place on Aug. 2.

Districts 4 and 6 are at greatest risk. The parks within those districts are a developer's dream, especially District 4's Crescent Lake Park at 52.5 acres.

On our southeast waterfront, the pristine Lassing Park, at 14.2 acres is particularly vulnerable.

Our research reveals that the accepted legal definition of passive park is, in essence, land that is almost a wilderness. In addition, this proposed change flies in the faces of both our City Charter and St. Pete's 50-year Waterfront Master Plan.

Finally, we at Save Spa Beach Park have learned through Urban Planning research just how highly valued passive parks are both in terms of property values and tourism.

Beware, Mr. Mayor, of the unintended consequences of your aggressive actions.