Pier Park Breaks Tradition with a New Approach

Previous St. Pete piers were traditional, that is, the approach was a long and mostly empty space leading to a structure at the end. The pier experience was in and around this building and with whatever activities were offered therein. What made past piers iconic was, again, the structure at the end: The Million-Dollar Pier’s Mediterranean building and the current pier’s upside down pyramid.

Breaking tradition with a typical pier, Pier Park offers multiple activities along the entire approach including enhancements to the uplands. With Pier Park, the entire pier is the experience. While the Pier Park Overlook building at the end will have a unique and iconic shape, the entire pier will be iconic.

Pier Park begins at the new Welcome Center with two approaches side-by-side. The Coastal Thicket runs along the north approach offering a nice walk in the shade. At the beginning of the pier, there are open areas between the two approaches allowing seagrass to grow. The Indoor Environmental Classroom, which can be used for a variety of purposes, overlooks an outdoor amphitheater leading to one of these open areas. This will be the Outdoor Environmental Center where visitors can observe the water, seagrass, and marine life.

To the north is the Boat House and first floating dock which runs perpendicular to the pier. The Boat House will have nonmotorized personal watercraft for rental, and its roof with built-in lounges will offer another viewing platform. Adjacent to the floating dock will be an artificial reef to protect seagrass and calm the waters for personal watercraft.

Moving towards the middle of the pier the two approaches converge creating the Event Plaza, an open area suitable for a variety of small events. Running perpendicular on the south side is the second floating dock, this one for motorized watercraft. There’s more to come, so let’s continue.

At the base of the Pier Overlook is the sloped Lawn Bowl large enough to accommodate 4,000 people. The Lawn Bowl is a place to stretch out on the grass and enjoy a concert, movie, or other event. So much to do and see at Pier Park, and we haven’t even reached the four-story Pier Overlook and Water Lounge at the end.

Pier Park breaks tradition with a new approach for the new St. Pete Pier. No longer just an extension of 2nd Avenue, the new approach will have flexible and multiple uses, and unlike previous piers, no traffic. Finally, an environmentally friendly pier for people and not cars. Previous St. Pete piers have had their time, but now it’s time for Pier Park.

Newstpetepier.com
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