See outstanding examples of swaying palm trees on a visit to the Gizella Kopsick Arboretum – Palms and Cycads. The St. Petersburg attraction, with over 500 palms and cycads representing about 150 species, continues to add even more to its list. Wander the park’s paths surrounded by these stately trees and lush cycads that are perfect symbols of subtropical and tropical regions.
Decades ago St. Petersburg’s city council considered a proposal to develop an arboretum in an area that was at one time a miniature golf course. Upon its approval, the park began development in 1976. Palm aficionado, Gizella Kopsick, was instrumental from the start. One stipulation for the creation was that the park be accessible, as Miss Kopsick was confined to a wheelchair. Amble through the 2-acre (0.8-hectare) park on its brick path, stopping at its drinking fountains, benches and gazebo.
Miss Kopsick initially contributed 60 palms of 10 species. When the park opened in 1977, it was dedicated to Miss Kopsick on her 100th birthday. Since the original creation, gifts from various sources have continued to expand the inventory.
The park is very popular in its downtown waterfront location. After visiting the park, go to the nearby Vinoy Park Beach to extend your enjoyment of a sunny St. Petersburg day.
Join a guided or self-guided tour and learn to distinguish between tree types such as Cuban petticoat palm, foxy lady, corypha, Jamaican coconut, Satakentia, regias, sugar palms and many more.
Find the Gizella Kopsick Arboretum – Palms and Cycads northeast of Downtown St. Petersburg. Gates open daily 30 minutes before sunrise and close late in the evening. Admission is free and the site has extensive free parking in an adjacent lot that also serves the beach.
Add the arboretum to a visit to other attractions in the area including parks, tennis courts, jogging and biking paths, theaters, shopping and fine dining.
