WELCOME

FRIENDS OF TRAILS CROSSING

This innovative public-private partnership will create a vibrant public space across four underutilized blocks beneath I-275, seamlessly connecting pedestrians and cyclists to the Pinellas Trail through safe crossings and thoughtfully designed amenities.

The 1st phase of the project will span 1st Ave N to 3rd Ave S, with plans to extend from 5th Ave N to 5th Ave S, to reconnect downtown St. Pete’s North and South districts.

Featured are illuminated art walls, walking and biking paths, interactive sculptures, a children’s play area, designated pet zones, murals, a green amphitheater, and more—turning an overlooked space into a thriving hub for culture, recreation, and connection.

Project Lead

John Barkett, co-founder and president of Friends of Trails Crossing Inc, has been instrumental in driving the public-private partnership to transform four city blocks into a community-driven space. His conceptual plan helped engage community and city leaders, shaping the project’s vision. Recently, Friends of Trails Crossing co-applied for the Reconstructing Communities USDOT grant alongside the City of St. Petersburg and Forward Pinellas, and in January 2025 were granted $1.4m to help reconnect South St. Pete and Downtown St. Pete. With LandDesign selected to complete the master plan, and the St. Pete City Council in agreement to co-fund, we are on the precipice of making this vision a reality.

Mission

Our mission is to create and sustain a world-class cultural space, featuring safely lit pedestrian trails and dynamic community programming. Through health, wellness, arts, and education initiatives, we aim to unite neighborhoods and transform the space into a vibrant, connected, and inclusive destination.

Sponsor the Vision

Landdesign

Master Plan Partner

Learn More

  • "I think it has the ability to bring together a group of diverse neighborhoods with a sense of identity, which is very exciting,"

    Ken Smith, LandDesign’s Principal Landscape Architect

  • "What’s impressive about Trails Crossing is the mixture of the arts, local businesses, and event space that will be a sheltered gathering place for people, without the need for a car.”

    Shaquille Lashley, Sales and Leasing Specialist with Barkett Realty

  • “We really spent time looking at neighborhoods around the site – the (Pinellas) Trail, the (Booker) Creek and all that – to see how all that stuff can come together.”

    Ken Smith, LandDesign’s Principal Landscape Architect

  • “We went out to the site and started brainstorming ideas on how to make this a really great and comfortable space. Improving safety and comfort, but also adding in some of those vibrant, active components.”

    Carrie Read, Deputy Project Manager for Land Design

  • “The trail is a natural extension that hasn’t been fully explored, where people could have a 500-square-foot apartment, ride a bike into downtown and have a really cool life,”

    Jason Mathis, CEO of St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership

  • “They really spent a lot of time on safety – that came through very strong and seemed to be one of their most critical considerations."

    Brian Caper, City of St. Pete Economic and Workforce Development Director

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