Information and Programming

Willis S. Johns Recreation Center, within Fossil Park, is located in an active Northeast part of St. Petersburg. The 12,500 sq. ft. center is a busy hub with a large selection of classes including dance, karate, gymnastics, language and the long-time running Slimnastics, an adult exercise class, to mention a few. It houses a 6,700 sq. ft. gymnasium with a full-size basketball court and two studio rooms that can be rented out by the public for events.

The center also features unique artwork on the Fossil Wall, which is made up of 20 - 1.5' x 1.5' clay squares with assorted sharks teeth, toys, plants and other fossils imprinted into the squares. It was created by Michele Tuegal and Russ Gustafson-Hilton in 1997.

The Bayou Rhythm I includes two stained glass works located above each of the entrances of the facility. These colorful works depict a beach/sea setting. The artist was Lee Beistle.

History of the Center

The center was named in 1971 in honor of Colonel Willis S. Johns, USAF Ret in recognition of his contributions to the community in the Meadowlawn area.