Albert Whitted Park and Playground near Downtown St Pete

Published on 03/04/21: Did you know there’s a playground in downtown St Pete where you and the kids can watch dolphins, planes and boats while playing? If you have children or grandchildren, add Albert Whitted Park to your list. It’s one of Colt’s favorites for the reasons above!

The playground is ideally situated between an active airport runway (it’s cool, not scary) and the South Yacht Basin. The yacht basin is home base for many area boats, plus the St. Petersburg Sailing Center. Together, this provides a steady flow of entertaining boat activity. My wife’s favorite part are the dolphins that are often playing in this same waterway! ‘Playing’ sometimes equals chasing their next meal along the seawall. 🐠🐬

To top it off, the playground is airplane/airport theme, adding to Colt’s enthusiasm for it. My dad’s a retired Delta Air Line pilot, so Colt loves planes and the idea of becoming a pilot.

Airplane Activity

On the other side of the playground, you’ll see planes landing and taking off fairly frequently, especially on the weekends. If you time it right, you’ll also see the advertising planes dropping their huge banners from the sky and picking up their next! Also cool watching St. Pete Air students/instructors practice touch & go’s, which we’ve seen a few times.

Hope to see you sometime at Albert Whitted Park! And don’t forget about grabbing a meal or drink at The Hangar Restaurant & Flight Lounge around the corner from the playground! (a prior post of ours)

Thanks to St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation for keeping the playground in great shape!

Google Reviews: 782 reviews with a 4.6/5 average

Address: 480 Bayshore Dr SE, St Pete, Fl

I’m a St Petersburg Realtor and truly love Saint Petersburg and the surrounding areas!  I started LovingStPete on Facebook and Instagram to help clients and others learn about our area. It’s now followed by over 56,000 people! If you have any real estate questions, simply contact the trusted St Pete real estate agent. My past includes developing a vacation rental advertising company, which I ran for a decade, and then sold to HomeAway/VRBO.

Albert Whitted Airport-Themed Playground Features

The Albert Whitted Playground in St. Petersburg, Florida, features an airport-themed design, reflecting its proximity to the historic Albert Whitted Airport. This unique theme adds a distinctive touch to the playground and makes it stand out as a playful homage to the aviation history of the area.

1. Aviation-Inspired Structures: The playground includes various play structures designed to resemble aircraft and airport elements. Children can climb on and explore airplane-shaped equipment, enhancing the aviation theme and creating a fun, interactive environment.
2. Runway and Control Tower Elements: The playground features elements such as runway markings and control towers, which mimic the look of an airport. These design details contribute to the immersive experience and provide children with imaginative play opportunities.
3. Educational Opportunities: The airport theme not only adds visual appeal but also offers educational opportunities. Children can learn about aviation, aircraft, and the basics of flight through play, sparking their curiosity and interest in the field.

Historical Context

Albert Whitted Playground is named after the nearby Albert Whitted Airport, a historic airport that has been a part of St. Petersburg’s history since the 1920s. The airport has been an important part of the community’s development, and the playground’s theme pays tribute to this legacy.

Playground Amenities

• Modern Play Equipment: In addition to the airport-themed structures, the playground is equipped with modern play elements such as slides, swings, and climbing structures. These features are designed to ensure that children of all ages have a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Inclusive Design: The playground includes features that are accessible to children with different abilities, promoting inclusivity and ensuring that all children can enjoy the play space.

Community and Recreation

Albert Whitted Playground’s unique theme adds an extra layer of fun and interest for children and families. The playground is part of Albert Whitted Park, which offers green space and picnic areas, making it a great destination for family outings and community events.

Final Thoughts

The airport-themed design of Albert Whitted Playground makes it a standout feature in St. Petersburg, providing an engaging and educational play experience for children. By reflecting the aviation history of the nearby Albert Whitted Airport, the playground offers a unique and memorable environment that celebrates the city’s heritage while offering modern play amenities. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting St. Petersburg, the Albert Whitted Playground is a delightful spot for family fun and exploration.