an aerial of Bartlett park in south St. Pete | homes.com

The Sunshine City is getting a little greener. St. Pete is stepping up its investment in public parks, reflecting an ongoing commitment to the beautification of neighborhood green spaces.

The city has recently spent around $3 million to acquire properties located next to three existing parks.

These purchases allow St. Pete to expand recreational areas, improve stormwater management, and preserve land for future community use.

Below is a summary of the latest purchases and the city’s plans for each site.

Harbordale Park

Harbordale Park is located at 6th Street South and East Harbor Drive South in the Harbordale neighborhood of south St. Pete, offering a playground and open green space for families.

In August 2024, the city purchased a 0.12-acre parcel just east of Harbordale Park, at 2405 6th Street South, for $239,000. The property previously contained a run-down home.

The additional land increases the boundaries of Harbordale Park by roughly 5,000 square feet.

A map showing the existing Harbordale Park (blue) and the newly purchased property to the east (red) | St. Pete Rising

At the same time, City Council approved transferring $350,000 from the General Capital Improvement Fund into the Harbordale Park Expansion project.

The project involved demolishing the former home to create additional open space, removing invasive trees, installing new sod and native plantings, improving fencing, and adding landscape boulders, benches, and a drinking fountain.

On November 14th, Mayor Ken Welch joined City Council members Gina Driscoll and Copley Gerdes, along with neighborhood leaders, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the park’s expansion.

Mayor Ken welch (center), city staff, and others celebrate the expansion of Harbordale Park during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 14th | city of st. petersburg

Bartlett Park

Bartlett Park is located at 2000 7th Street South in south St. Pete and contains six pickleball courts, shuffleboard, St. Petersburg Tennis Center, a playground, an exercise zone, picnic shelters, a recreation center, and a sport complex.

In July 2025, the city purchased a 2.49-acre site north of Bartlett Park at 17th Avenue and 4th Street South for $2.5 million.

A map showing the existing Bartlett Park (blue) and the newly purchased property to the north (red) | St. Pete Rising

The acquisition gives the city control of a long-vacant parcel along Salt Creek, which has been a priority area for ecological restoration.

Plans for the site include transforming the land into an expanded park area with landscaping, public art, and environmental education elements focused on the Salt Creek ecosystem.

The property may also be used for future infrastructure improvements.

The city is evaluating options for a new pump station and improved stormwater conveyance to help reduce flooding around Lake Maggiore during periods of heavy rain.

Bartlett park in south St. pete | google maps

Jack Puryear Park

Jack Puryear Park is located at 5701 Lee Street NE in the Edgemoor neighborhood of north St. Pete and contains athletic fields, courts, a playground, and multiple picnic shelters.

The city purchased a 0.17-acre property on the north side of the park at 780 58th Avenue NE in May 2025 for $225,000.

A map showing the existing Jack Puryear Park (blue) and the newly purchased property to the north (red) | St. Pete Rising

The property includes a storm-damaged residence that will be demolished in the coming months.

Once the lot is cleared, it will create additional room for parking, helping reduce the overflow that often spills into the surrounding Edgemoor and Placido Bayou neighborhoods during busy times.