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Letter to the editor

Oases quietly grace our neighborhoods

Parks offer a chance to explore nature without venturing far from home.

By SANDEE DAVIES
Published July 22, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG - Think parks in south Pinellas County, and what comes to mind?

Is it the award-winning splendor of Fort De Soto, the serene Sunken Gardens or the winding trails of Seminole and Boyd Hill Nature Trail?

Going to the park doesn't have to be a full day's outing. With more than 2,300 acres of public land in 137 parks in St. Petersburg alone, it's surprising just how close we are to an outdoor oasis.

We need not have acres of wooded expanse to appreciate the nature around us. There are parks dedicated to people in all walks of life. Some wind along our sandy shores, while others explore the dense tropical environment that is rapidly being displaced. Some are perfect for children, with elaborate playgrounds or simple swings. The area offers sports parks, dog parks, walking parks and little neighborhood niches that you can miss with the blink of an eye.

Many have recreation centers that offer an array of activities. All have been set aside to remind us that living in the city doesn't need to isolate us from nature. Most are free.

So the next time you're struggling to amuse the kids, map out the parks in your neck of the woods and explore. You just might be surprised at what you find.

On the web

Where the parks are

Check out these Web sites for details on local parks

Pinellas County: www.pinellascounty.org/park/locations.htm

St. Petersburg: www.stpete.org/parks/index.htm

Pinellas Park: www.pinellas-park.com/Departments/Recreation/default.asp

Seminole: http://24.73.97.98/newweb/recreation.htm

[Last modified July 21, 2007, 23:57:11]