Wall Springs Park Expansion Provides Pinellas Residents With More Outdoor Rec Opportunities

PALM HARBOR, FL — Pinellas residents looking for one more summer outing this Labor Day weekend have a new park to visit.

The Wall Springs Park Coastal Addition recently opened in Palm Harbor, adding 125 extra acres to the existing 84-acre Wall Springs Park area. The park expansion gives visitors more recreational options and a considerable amount of natural land to enjoy with more amenities.

The park has already earned Pinellas County a 2019-20 Project of the Year award from the American Public Works Association’s West Coast Branch in the category of Historic Preservation, Environment and Safety.

The coastal addition adds a large picnic shelter, wooded areas with natural trails and a winding paved trail that leads to the water where an elevated observation deck allows visitors to enjoy a coastal view.

Visitors will also find a natural stone seawall at the northwestern boundary of the park expansion.

The park also has restrooms and a 5-foot sidewalk along Wai Lani Road leading to Alternate 19, for pedestrian safety.

Because of its location on the Gulf of Mexico, the addition to Wall Springs Park protects a variety of native habitats and associated plant and animal life including 18 species of fish, 148 species of plants and 127 species of birds.

Wall Springs Park Coastal Addition is located at 621 Wai Lani Road.

Construction of the park’s coastal additions was made possible by funds collected from the Penny for Pinellas sales tax and the Florida Communities Trust/Forever Florida grant program, which helps preserve natural resources and waterfronts.

Due to coronavirus restrictions, the Parks and Conservation Resources Departmentis delaying a grand opening celebration for the new area.

Most Parks and Conservation Resources Department facilities remain open countywide. Staff has taken measures to make them safe for visitors. However, some park features or operations may be closed due to the pandemic.

Park guests are also encouraged to follow social distancing and hygiene guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This press release was produced by the Pinellas County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.