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City of St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Logo

About Us

Our Mission

It's our mission as a department to preserve, protect, maintain and enhance the city’s parklands and recreational facilities and engage people in leisure activities that contribute to their quality of life.

Our Vision

Provide the vibrant city of St. Petersburg with innovative, interactive, opportunities to live, work and play within the community by offering a healthy, protected, sustainable and inclusive parks and recreation system.

National Accreditation

On March 19, 2010, the City of St. Petersburg's Parks and Recreation Department became one of only ninety agencies in the country currently holding national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). National accreditation requires parks and recreation agencies to respond to 155 standards representing elements of effective and efficient parks and recreation operations. The St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department is proud to fully meet all 155 standards and according to the CAPRA Board – “passed with flying colors.”

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Our History

The St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation has a long standing tradition of providing residents and visitors with quality of life amenities.

Waterfront parks emerged one hundred years ago with the preservation of our waterfront by our forefathers, William Straub, Peter Demens and Perry Snell. They wanted every resident and visitor to have access to the waterfront. In the 1950s, the first recreation center began with a lawn bowling and shuffleboard club at Mirror Lake. Soon after St. Petersburg became known for its many beautiful parks and recreation facilities. As the city grows, so do the opportunities for activities in all its' neighborhoods. The legacy continues today with 17 recreation facilities, nine swimming pools, over 150 parks, over 70 athletic fields and programming for all ages and abilities.

St. Pete Values

St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Department's programs build character through

  • Self Discipline
  • Teamwork
  • Achievement
  • Responsibility
  • Respect
  • Honesty

We are committed to providing an environment for all youth that is safe, secure, and free from harrassment and bullying of any kind per our Prohibition on Bullying in Youth Programs and Activities policy.

Review Policy
Link is a PDF

These values are included in our

  • Before and After School Programs
  • Sports leagues for Youth
  • Recreation and Fitness Classes
  • Swim Programs and Swim Lessons
  • Junior Leader Volunteer Program
  • Tutoring and Mentoring Assistance
  • Intergenerational Programs
  • Teen Councils
  • Community Service Projects
  • Seasonal Camps

Each of these areas include at least one of these core values.

Our Logo

St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation Logo

Our logo is an ever changing, adaptable and fun character that you will spot on marketing materials and emphasizes the fun activities and programs that the department offers in parks and recreational facilties across the city.