Central Oak Park St Petersburg
Amenities/ Character:
Central Oak Park is unique because of its central location. This attribute makes for easy and quick access to the Gulf beaches, downtown, Tropicana Field, north Pinellas, I-275, Tampa, Bradenton, and points beyond. The entire area is easily traversed. Large oak trees and a mature tree canopy provide a park-like setting for many homes. Many brick streets dating back to the 1920s add to the charm and character of the neighborhood. An additional bonus is the area's high and dry elevation, among the highest in St. Petersburg. The St. Petersburg Main Library is located within our borders. Central Plaza nearby offers shopping and the new YMCA athletic facility to open soon. The Pinellas Trail originates a few blocks away and provides 43 miles of biking, running, or blading. A new trolley service will begin running down Central Avenue to connect to the beaches and downtown. Central Oak Park is the only neighborhood association in St. Petersburg that crosses Central Avenue.
History:
The westernmost boundary runs along Disston Ridge, named after early land magnate, Hamilton Disston, who purchased 150,000 acres in Pinellas County in 1881 and instantly became the largest single landowner at that time. Originally considered a woodsy fringe area west of St. Petersburg in its early development, home building of any consequence began in the booming 1920s. Shadowing the boom/ bust history of Florida, substantial housing development really took off in the World War II and continued through the 1950s.
Organizations / Programs:
Originally the area was called North Central Neighborhood Association in 1989, then subsequently changed to United Central in 1998 with the expansion to 5th Avenue South. After much discussion in February 2000 the name Central Oak Park was chosen to more accurately represent the area. Central Oak Park Neighborhood Association (COPNA) has several accomplishments to date: the Neighborhood Conservation Program, North Central Neighborhood Park, supporting the Salvation Army, community-based policing, interaction with Crime Watch groups and participation in the Certificate of Inspection Program for rental housing. COPNA has been working with the Economic Development Office and the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce to assist with redevelopment of the business corridors surrounding the neighborhood. COPNA has also been involved in the Parade of Neighborhoods, the Block Party and the Florida Neighborhoods Conference.
Architecture:
There is an eclectic mix of architectural styles, sizes and
prices. Styles include those with Spanish influence, Colonial, English Tudor, cottages, bungalows and many American hybrids. Many homes have hardwood floors and alley access to separate garages. Ample opportunities exist for amateur and professional renovators alike. With sizes of homes in the neighborhood ranging from 700 square feet to more than 3,000 square feet, there are homes for just about any lifestyle.
Purpose:
Central Oak Park Neighborhood Association is a Florida non-profit corporation dedicated to enhance, improve and beautify the neighborhood, promoting the well being and civic pride of the residents and business owners.
Neighborhood Grants:
The first neighborhood grant was utilized to conduct a survey of all residents. Other projects that have been completed are connecting sidewalks along some of our busier streets. Fourteen neighborhood entryway markers have been installed. A lighted fountain and boardwalk is being added to Jorgenson Lake. A traffic committee was formed to make recommendations to the City regarding speeding and safety issues in the neighborhood. In 1999 we installed the Howard Myrick memorial pavilion at North Central Park at 35th Street & 9th Ave N, named after one of our most active
residents.
Meetings:
Central Oak Park Neighborhood Association board meetings are held the 1st Thursday of every month at the main library at 3745 9th Avenue North. The general membership meeting is held the 3rd Tuesday of every month at St. Lukes United Methodist Church at 4444 5th Avenue North at 7:00pm
Boundaries:
5th Avenue South to 13th Avenue North and from 34th Street west to 49th Street. in St. Petersburg Florida
Information compliments of www.stpete.org
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