Wildwood Heights St Petersburg
Amenities/character/etc.
Wildwood Heights is located in the central part of the City. The neighborhood is identified by 4 foot by 3 foot redwood signs with beige lettering found on the four boundary corners. Some streets are lined with oaks and crepe myrtles. Many mature oak trees can be found throughout the neighborhood.
Wildwood Park in an outstanding feature of the neighborhood. In the Park you will find a gym which was erected in 1961, a measured walking path, two tennis courts, two baseball diamonds, two mini basketball courts, a large play lot, exercise equipment, a mini swing set and a neighborhood pool.
Most of the homes in the Wildwood area were built on smaller lots. The oldest house was built in 1915. New construction is currently in progress; five new homes have been constructed in the past year.
Within the neighborhood are two former schools serving as a Head Start facility and the Department of Juvenile Justice, respectively. One of these schools (Jordan Elementary) was the first elementary school built on the southside of the city. Jennie Hall Pool, which is named after the donor, was built in the early 1950s. There are three barber shops, two beauty salons, six churches and a grocery store.
Architecture
The area was developed mostly in the 1940s and 1950s. One can find a mixture of frame and block homes in an older neighborhood with jalousie, Miami and picture windows, clotheslines, and very old oak trees.
History
The area was developed mostly in the 1940s and 1950s. However, what is believed to be the oldest house, built in 1915, still exists on 9th Avenue South. The majority of the homes consist of frame and block construction where big picture windows can still be seen.
Organization/programs
Wildwood Heights Neighborhood Association was formed in February 1996. Since that time we have applied for and received a grant for the purchase of identity signs and beautification projects. Operation Commitment commenced in September 1996 and was completed in May 1997. Anti-drug marches have been held in the neighborhood.
Wildwood walkers, ranging in age from 49 to 82 years, are an active part of the community with their daily walks beginning at 5:00 A.M.
An active Arts Center can be found in the Juvenile Justice Services building. The following activities are being offered: drama, arts, theater, poetry and dance.
The Wildwood Community Center offers an active teen council, little league, football, baseball, cheerleading groups, midnight basketball, after school care and a fully equipped computer lab.
Boundaries
9th to 15th Avenues South from 22nd to 28th Streets South. The Jordan Park Housing Complex is within the neighborhood boundaries but is not part of the Wildwood Heights Neighborhood Association.
Information compliments of www.stpete.org
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