Historic Round Lake Park

Historic Round Lake Park is a unique urban oasis located in St. Petersburg, Florida. The park serves as the centerpiece of the Round Lake Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This district, roughly bounded by 5th Avenue N, 9th Street N, 13th Avenue N, and 4th Street N, encompasses approximately 1,000 historic buildings, showcasing the area's rich architectural heritage.

The park itself features a small, circular lake that gives the area its name. This lake, sometimes referred to as "Silver Dollar Lake" due to its perfectly round shape when viewed from above, provides a tranquil focal point for the surrounding neighborhood. A fountain in the center of the lake serves both aesthetic and practical purposes, helping to aerate the water.

Round Lake Park has undergone significant changes since its early days. In the past, it hosted events such as the Golden Jubilee Pageant in 1938, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Orange Belt Railroad's arrival in St. Petersburg. More recently, local community efforts have focused on restoring and maintaining the lake's ecosystem, with initiatives to manage invasive plant species and encourage native flora and fauna.

The park offers a pleasant environment for passive recreation, with walking paths encircling the lake and shaded areas provided by mature trees, including oaks, palms, and a prominent banyan. A replica of a historic gazebo, reminiscent of an original streetcar stop, adds to the park's charm and provides a spot for visitors to rest and enjoy views of the lake.

Surrounding the park are historic houses and old storefronts, creating a picturesque backdrop that transports visitors to an earlier era of St. Petersburg's development. This harmonious blend of nature and historic architecture makes Round Lake Park a valuable asset to the community, offering both recreational opportunities and a connection to the city's past.