Book 1 - City of St. Petersburg

UPLANDS USAGE
SUGGESTIONS
The existing Uplands area is approximately 21 acres and consists
predominantly of asphalt parking, roadway and unprogrammed,
underutilized green space. It represents a “great divide”
that separates the water and the Pier from the more active
downtown. In great need of development, the Uplands should
be further discussed as the Downtown Waterfront Master Plan
is developed. Multiple program elements may enhance the
experience of visitors and residents and become both visual and
dynamic links to the new Pier. While many of the following ideas
are suggestions from the community, none of the considerations
below are within the $50 million approved budget.
Transient Boat Docks
As recommended on page 15 of the Pier Advisory Task Force
Report, new courtesy boat docks located at the eastern entrance
of the Central Basin, south of the Hub, would meet the sizable
need for courtesy boat slips. Its location adjacent to the Hub
would make it an optimal spot for water taxis, the Dolphin Cruise
and other commercial boating enterprises.
Expanded Greenway Trail System
To better connect the new Pier to Bay Shore Drive NE, Beach
Drive and The Shops at St. Pete, a looping walkway system
should be created around the northern Uplands area connecting
Spa Beach and the Welcome Mat to the Museum of History.
Enhanced Civic Water Feature
Located at the edge of Spa Beach, adjacent to the Welcome Mat
or designed integrally with the playground, the water feature
would provide another family friendly program element. The
feature could be equipped with bubblers, vertical sprays and
fountains programmed to allow for passive play on a hot day,
yet without standing water and requiring no lifeguards. The
fountains may be tiwmed to music and have a lighting element.
Public restrooms will be provided at a distance complying with
code regulations. The budget for the new Pier currently includes
funds for a minor civic water feature; the enhancement of this
feature was highly encouraged by the community.
Amphitheater and Event Lawn
Providing 1,000 to 1,400 places for blanket or lawn chair seating,
a gently sloping, grass bowled amphitheater could provide a
permanent location for American Stage’s performances in the
park. When not used by American Stage, it can be an event lawn
for larger community gatherings, public speaking events and
spontaneous unscripted play.
Playground
Currently, playgrounds at Vinoy Park and Albert Whitted Park do
not sufficiently serve the downtown area. A new playground at
the Uplands would satisfy the requests heard during the public
outreach presentations from numerous mothers and fathers.
A playground with a historical theme could possibly honor the
MICHAEL MALTZAN ARCHITECTURE, INC. 3 - 17