Established in 1634, Boston Common is more than just green space; it’s a symbol of unity and resilience. From its early days as a communal pasture to its role in pivotal moments of American history, the Common has always been a gathering place for the people. It’s where voices have risen in protest, celebrations have echoed, and generations have come together to share in the city’s journey. The Freedom Trail+2Boston.gov+2Heald NGA+2

Central Park: A Sanctuary in the City

Spanning 843 acres in the heart of Manhattan, Central Park is a testament to visionary urban planning. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the park offers a diverse landscape of meadows, woodlands, and water bodies. It’s a haven for wildlife, a playground for children, and a stage for artists. With over 42 million visits annually, it’s clear that Central Park serves as the lungs and heart of New York City. UNESCO World Heritage Centre+1Central Park Conservancy+1Architectural Digest+2Central Park Conservancy+2Time+2

Envisioning St. Pete’s Own Urban Oasis

St. Pete. Commons – the right choice 

Imagine St. Pete. Commons, a park in the Gas Plant District that captures the spirit of these iconic spaces. A place where:

• • Community Thrives: Families gather for picnics, children play freely, and neighbors connect.

• • Culture Flourishes: Local artists perform, festivals celebrate our diverse heritage, and public art tells our stories. Central Park+1Central Park Conservancy+1

• • Nature Heals: Trees provide shade, gardens bloom with native plants, and trails invite peaceful walks.
    
    
  • A Chance to Finish the Promise: The Gas Plant community was displaced in the 1980’s with the promise of revitalization that never happened.
    
    A large civic park restores shared public value on public land – something truly returned to everyone. It provides a way to honor the past while creating a more just future, rather than repeating cycles of private profit on the backs of marginalized communities. 

• • History is Honored: Monuments and installations reflect the rich tapestry of St. Petersburg, and the Gas Plant District’s past, ensuring that memories are preserved and lessons remembered.

Let’s also stay open to big ideas

This isn’t just about creating a park; it’s about crafting a legacy. A space that embodies our commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and community well-being.

While a large civic park may be best, we should also stay open to other creative ideas that meet our shared goals in different ways. Some urban planners have suggested that instead of a single large park, the site could feature several smaller public squares surrounded by housing, local businesses, and cultural spaces—similar to the vibrant plazas found in cities like Paris.

This idea doesn’t take away from the importance of public space. It shows there may be more than one way to achieve a vibrant, inclusive, and memorable urban district.

That’s why it’s essential that the City of St. Petersburg take the time to do this right. Before locking in development agreements or moving forward with construction, the city should:

• Engage top urban design and planning consultants
• Develop a full, integrated master plan for the entire site
• Present that plan to the public for review, discussion, and feedback

We only get one chance to shape this 86-acre legacy. Let’s make sure we explore all the options—thoughtfully and transparently—before we decide.

Why Now?

The redevelopment of the Gas Plant District is more than a construction project; it’s a statement about who we are and what we value. By prioritizing park development within the site, we:

• • Strengthen community bounds: Offering shared, green gathering space(s) and ensuring that all residents, regardless of background, have access.  

• • Foster Health: Providing areas for physical activity, relaxation, and mental rejuvenation.

• • Boost the Economy: Attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and increasing property values.

• • Strengthen Community Bonds: Creating a shared space (or spaces) where relationships are built and memories are made.

The Return on Investment: Why Parks Make Dollars and Sense

Parks are more than beautiful open spaces. They are smart investments that generate long-term value for cities and residents alike.

Higher Property Values, Stronger Tax Base

Properties near parks are worth more—sometimes by 5–20%. That leads to more property tax revenue for cities without raising taxes.
– Central Park added $17.7 billion in property value between 2003 and 2007. [Trust for Public Land]

– Philadelphia parks increased nearby home values, generating $18 million/year in additional tax revenue. 

Public Health Benefits = Major Savings

Parks promote physical and mental health. That saves taxpayers money on healthcare costs.
– It has been reported that Every $1 spent on parks saves about $3 in health costs. 
– Studies show access to green space reduces heart disease, depression, obesity, and stress. 

Environmental Resilience in a Hurricane-Prone Region

St. Pete is no stranger to hurricanes and flooding. Urban parks increases resilience.
– Parks and green infrastructure reduce stormwater runoff by up to 29%. 
– Trees and parkland reduce local temperatures by up to 9°F.

Attracting Tourists and Boosting Local Business

Parks draw tourists and support year-round economic activity.
– Central Park attracts 42 million visitors annually. 
– Boston Common is a pillar of the city’s $20 billion tourism industry. 

Inclusion That Builds Stronger Communities

Parks welcome everyone. No tickets required. That makes them rare and powerful.
– They’re places where people of all backgrounds come together.
– They build shared experiences that strengthen the social fabric. 

This Is Our Moment

Let’s seize this opportunity to create a park (or parks) that reflects the best of St. Pete— that honors our past, enriches our present, and inspires our future.

This is our chance to build not just for today, but for generations – to create something beautiful, lasting, and uniquely St. Pete.