Greater Pinellas Point Neighborhood

UPDATE PINELLAS POINT PARK - Ray Wunderlich

Feb 16, 2005

The City of St. Petersburg Parks Department, under the concerned guidance of park director Cliff Footlick, began liquidating the behemoth brazilian pepper trees on the east side of the park on February 5th! Hooray!! It is their goal to rid the park of these and other invasive exotics species by early spring or before. Go have a look at their progress!

With the pepper removal in mind, the first workshop on February 8th to discuss the concept plans concerning the proposed restoration of parts of Pinellas Point Park concluded that it was ok to remove brazilian peppers. (Ray Wunderlich had already sought and received permission from the residents bordering the park last summer). Contention was often in the air when Troy Willingham, Peter Hood and Ray Wunderlich brought forth the restoration ideas to the almost 30 participants. The major concern for many of those present seemed to be the belief that landscaping some of this park with native plants would invite others to the park, many undesirable, and the potential for crime to increase. With Troy Willingham moderating the session, some residents near the park also voiced concern about any increase in traffic/parking that may occur. Ray Wunderlich passed out brochures on ?“ Legal Mangrove Trimming?” that piqued most of their interests.

In addition, it was announced that NO parking spaces and no paths will be added, nor will a low buffer plant hedge around one of the homes be included. The question of a rustic looking seat or two in parts of the park was explored but this idea of a bench addition will no longer be considered with this park proposal due to its exclusion from the Tampa Bay Estuaries Program?’s Grant. Mr. Harley?’s wish for the city to not take out an exotic palm tree on city property, near his property line, was discussed and it will remain. Very few questions were asked as to the type and placement of native plants that may be planted and City Councilman Jamie Bennett expressed the need not to take to much time in devising a plan of action for this restoration due to the time constraints of the grant(s). Tom Hoddnot, whose mother lives on the end of Serene Way since 1973, and who grew up in the park, gave intelligent, measured responses and advice from a landscape artists perspective that gave credence to the park?’s plan and encouraged its implementation.

In the February 15th GPPCA meeting Ray Wunderlich announced that he, the Florida Native Plant Society and any others in the grant, could NOT accept the SWMTWD Grant of $5000.00 nor the probable Pinellas County Environmental Fund Grant of $46,778.00 due to the length of time to implement the grants and the inconclusiveness and contentious nature of some of the residents toward the plans. We think the one grant for $7500.00 from the Tampa Bay Estuaries Program will be utilized though.

We hope all concerned residents from the neighborhood will become involved and we will reach a common, middle ground resulting in a good looking, wildlife attracting park!