Williams Park is a large local park that is centrally located in downtown St. Petersburg. Lots of foot traffic, which makes it great for event hosting (see pictures as I went for St. Paddy Fest). Also there is a permanent stage with a green space in front. There are several side walk paths and decent tree cover on sunny days. It would make a great spot for a quick walk picnic or just relax on a bench while walking through. It seems like a safe location also. A nice place to take your dog or let kids play (no playground equipment). Prepare for street parking or nearby lots. Overall, a nice park tax dollars are contributing too. read more

A neighborhood square in downtown St. Pete. Stopped by after dinner at the Red Thread. Part of it vicid green and part of it is a bit dilapidated - common character of a city park. read more

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The park has a ton of potential, but is dominated by the homeless. Bartenders at night told me to avoid it and they are just loitering everywhere. There is an unmaintained amphitheatre of sorts that could be refurbished into something great. It is only one block away from the downtown, so it's a real shame. read more

Williams Park - Parks Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

Williams Park reminded me of the beautiful squares in Savannah Georgia with their fountains and statues. Created in 1888, this is St. Petersburg's first park and it takes up an entire city block. The park was first named City Park but the name was changed to honor the co-founder of St.Petersburg, John Constantine Williams Sr.. The first bandstand in the park was built in 1894. In 1954 the modern bandstand was designed by architect William B. Harvard who also worked on the St. Petersburg Piet. In 1964 Richard Nixon spoke at the bandstand in support of Barry Goldwater. Today concerts and other events are held here. In addition to the bandstand the park has a fountain and a Veterans Memorial. In 2005 a bronze statue of Polish Revolutionary War hero, Brigadier General Thaddeus Kosciuszko was accepted for the park as part of a public art donation city project. The eight foot statue was donated by Wallace West on behalf of the American Institute of Polish Culture. Kosciuszko was a close friend of Thomas Jefferson. He built a fortress at West Point New York that kept the British from controlling the Hudson River. He also fought at the Battle of Saratoga and was able to keep the British from marching on Albany. Through the years the park has been known as a hangout for the homeless. The Friends of Williams Park formed and worked to improve the situation. The bus stop was moved further away and more police did homeless out reach in the park. Even so I was warned by people on the downtown looper to stay away from the park at night. It seemed okay during the day. I had a nice walk around the park before leaving St. Petersburg. Sitting in front of the bandstand waiting for a show was a flock of wood storks. In the United States they are considered a threatened species so I was happy to see a few hanging around and thriving in the city. This is a cool park with a lot of history and it is probably best to visit during the day. read more

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This park is in the middle of St. Pete. It is very close to Sundial. Occasionally they have the concert for the residents to enjoy. The park lay out is simple. Amphitheater on the east, center fountain, west veteran memorial. Surrounding the fountain red bricks are the name of the donors who contribute to the cost for building it. The park is clean. See a lot of police patrol at the area. There many homeless people there hanging around. Basically they have no place to go and the park provide tree shade and benches. There are concrete sidewalk around the park for leisure strolling. A lap on the park is 0.24 mile. If you want to go a mile is 4 laps. Some did bring the dog out. But I am not sure it is a good dog park. It is a simple Square park in the middle of the city. read more

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Bathrooms def left something to be desired. Saw a local stage play. Put the Blanket down in a nice grassy knoll only to find gianormis ants crawling on us 20 minutes into the play. Nice visual park with plenty of old growth trees read more

Williams Park - Parks Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

This nice, shady park is great to check out because so many fun events happen here. The Saturday farmers market pops up here during the summer and Localtopia also has been held here too. For these types of events, usually there's a few police officers walking around, and for Localtopia some of the streets surrounding the park are closed too. The location is great with lots of parking nearby, even when there are streets closed, plus there's easy access to bus transportation. Quite a few homeless do linger around this park, but I've never encountered any who were aggressively bothering/begging. Most are just there cooling off in the shade. read more

As of this post this park is a mecca for the homeless population here in St. Petersburg. Luckily, we were just a meeting where Mayor Kriseman was talking about his plan to help the homeless population in St. Petersburg so they aren't forced to hang out in the parks or the streets which includes providing a lot more funding to two homeless shelters . Additionally, the current police chief will be training his officers so that they are aware of, and can provide, the homeless with resources. During the summertime, the farmers market sets up here. It's more sparse than the regular season but still good. read more

Walked by on the way to local restaurants and made the mistake to eat outside, our table was constantly bombarded by shady characters, 4 - 5 times we had different people interacting with us and nearly got in a fight with one guy that started interacting with the children inappropriately. We spoke to the restaurant and they told us the problem stems from the park sadly, we could see the whole area was a mix of homeless, shady and drunk, definitely doesn't feel safe once the sun sets. read more

This is the official meet up spot for St. Pete Critical Mass that happens every month on the last friday at 7pm in Williams Park. We leave at 7:30pm. Come out and ride with us!!! Lights are required for this ride. See you there... read more

Williams Park - Official meeting point of the St. Pete Critical Mass starting on April 25th at 7pm. Everyone is welcome! - Parks Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

First time here for Localtopia. What a nice little place. I understand this may not be the norm for this park, but sure would like to see more events using this venue. read more

We adore this outdoor venue and are excited about the upcoming Localtopia event. We frequently see St Pete's finest patrolling the neighborhood to ensure all is well. Thank you! read more

So excited that the local Saturday Farmers Market has moved to Williams Park. This park has been invaded by homeless for quite sometime now. Therefore, locals has been avoiding this park anytime they pass by it. Hopefully because of this, Williams Park will be brought back to life. read more

Williams Park - Parks Near Me - St. Petersburg, Florida

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Often loaded with people many of us avoid, this beautiful historic park gets a bad rap at times. It's enjoyable to walk through it under the big hanging branches. There's a fountain in the middle, near a monument that commemorates those who perished in a world war I think. There is an underused stage along the north side available for community events. This is also the PSTA downtown bus depot, so bus parking spaces on three sides and a kiosk selling bus passes. Panhandlers are not unknown, along with people who linger here all day on the many benches who are probably homeless. The park has improved in recent years, hope it continues to. read more

I don't have to go to the park to know I give it 5 stars! Why u ask, well many are struggling just like you or maybe you have so much money that u just don't look there way at all, that's ok too. What's most important is that we all Unite together no matter the circumstance. Maybe they are in drugs, maybe they are a vet that lost everything and fought for our country, maybe it's me in disguise to see how u treat me? Never judge, u never know!! read more

Pleasant park in the middle of downtown. Be sure to visit the summer market here. Lots going on around. The homeless gather here, but they are harmless. All part of downtown! read more

Unfortunately this is where all the homeless go to sleep and hang out. Just walking by I've been screamed at, chased, hit on. It's so uncomfortable that now I avoid even walking across the street from this park.. Once a year they host Localtopia here and that is the one day a year I can actually enjoy this park with my family. read more