Progress may be slow, but it’s still progress—St. Petersburg’s highly anticipated Trails Crossing project is finally taking shape.

Initially introduced in November 2021, Trails Crossing aims to revitalize neglected areas beneath I-275, converting them into dynamic park and event spaces that bridge divided neighborhoods. On March 6, the City Council approved civil engineering firm LandDesign to commence the master planning phase.

John Barkett, co-founder of the nonprofit Friends of Trails Crossing, has championed this public-private initiative, which will reimagine four city blocks spanning First Avenue North to Third Avenue South. The cultural park will enhance and integrate with the surrounding EDGE, Grand Central, Deuces Live, and Warehouse Arts Districts.

“For too long, our community has been divided physically, socially, and economically by infrastructure that prioritized vehicles over connectivity,” Barkett stated. “The space under I-275 has been an underutilized barrier, but with this plan, we have the opportunity to redefine it as a place of connection.”

Cheryl Stacks, the city’s transportation manager, highlighted Friends of Trails Crossing as a crucial partner dedicated to delivering and maintaining a world-class cultural park. The organization previously collaborated with the city and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to activate a smaller section under I-375.

Orlando-based LandDesign will provide a blueprint outlining infrastructure needs and phased implementation strategies for the recreation area. Stacks noted that the master plan would incorporate best practices and lessons from similar projects.

“Importantly, it will also define a maintenance, operations, and governance strategy to clarify the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders,” she added.

Key stakeholders include local residents, businesses, and the FDOT, which owns and leases portions of the land to the city for parking. One notable concern is the potential impact on Vertical Ventures, an indoor climbing facility that subleases parking from the city.

“The project has my full support—except for this issue,” said Council Member Mike Harting. “We can’t proceed without a plan that ensures businesses won’t be negatively affected by the loss of parking.”

Council Member Richie Floyd recently spoke with Vertical Ventures’ owners, stating, “They seemed reasonable, so I don’t see this becoming a major obstacle.”

Another point of uncertainty is the redevelopment of the nearby Historic Gas Plant District. Floyd questioned how this might affect Trails Crossing’s western boundary. Stacks emphasized that the master planning process will remain flexible and incorporate developments as they unfold.

Barkett reassured stakeholders that the Gas Plant’s redevelopment will provide ample public parking and that Trails Crossing’s planning timeline will not disrupt existing businesses.

The city selected LandDesign in June 2023. Ken Smith, principal landscape architect, described the project as transformational.

“This initiative has the potential to unite diverse neighborhoods with a strong sense of identity,” Smith told the Catalyst. “We’ve carefully studied the surrounding areas—including the Pinellas Trail and Booker Creek—to create a cohesive vision.”

Trails Crossing will feature multimodal pathways connecting to the Pinellas Trail, along with a green amphitheater, art walls, a plaza made from repurposed shipping containers, pop-up markets, children’s play areas, a beer garden, and a dog park.

Enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety and fostering economic growth are key priorities. Stakeholders believe Trails Crossing, coupled with adaptive reuse along the Pinellas Trail, could replicate the success of Atlanta’s BeltLine in St. Petersburg.

“This is truly the St. Pete way of revitalizing neglected spaces,” said Council Member Gina Driscoll. “We have limited land for new, vibrant public spaces, and this project is a perfect example of how public-private partnerships can create inclusive, welcoming environments.”

The city and Friends of Trails Crossing will each contribute $150,000 to the master planning process. The council approved a $254,478 maximum contract with LandDesign in a 7-1 vote.

Council Member Deborah Figgs-Sanders, the lone dissenter, opposed moving forward without a concrete plan to provide alternative parking for Vertical Ventures.

“There are still a lot of unknowns,” said Evan Mory, the city’s director of transportation and parking management. “But I believe we can find solutions before it’s too late.”

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(Image credit: Friends of Trails Crossing)

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