St. Pete Pier

Post-Occupancy Evaluation

CASE STUDY

ST. PETERSBURG, FL // COLLABORATION WITH W ARCHITECTURE & LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

The Glazer Family Playground at the St. Pete Pier is a one-of-a-kind, marine-themed play space. It is natural and non-prescriptive, engaging all ages and abilities in unique and creative play.

The marine theme reflects the context of the Pier in Tampa Bay and local coastal creatures. The playground story began with the question: “What would newly hatched baby sea turtles see as they move from sand to sea?”

In the Senior Play Area, the theme is played out with multiple large structures. The most obvious is the large red Kraken sea monster, which is emerging from the waters among the seaweed tower. The head and three uniquely shaped, stretching tentacles each have different play affordances; play can happen over, under, and inside of the sea monster. Details, like the pink, dimpled climbing holds, add to the story by resembling octopus tentacle suckers.

A circular osprey’s nest log climber is perched by the water’s edge but shaded by the grand oak trees that were preserved in the Pier’s renovation. A lifeguard tower perched upon a hill overlooks the playground and is filled with rope chaos. A half-sunken shipwreck inspires imaginative play and is a great spot for hide-and-seek.

The Junior Play Area is focused on the beach. An overturned sand bucket left by a sand castle builder sits beside a curious yellow starfish. A small hill slide with a driftwood log is left from a turtle’s nest. Baby turtles, carved entirely with a chainsaw from an old oak tree, are making their way to the water.

A system of paths and gathering spaces links these spaces together, creating a hub of activity for visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy. The Glazer Family playground at the St. Pete Pier™ is a reflection of the City in concept and design intent, and the focus on natural and non-prescriptive play engages kids (and adults!) in a unique and creative way as part of this incredible new placemaking development.

The Committee to Advocate for Persons with Impairments in St. Petersburg, Florida, reviewed and gave feedback as the playground design evolved to ensure an inclusive design for people with disabilities.