This Old Runner Writes About Running

Another Update on the St. Pete Pier

6/15/2019

I did some research on the white steel structure I saw on the Pier approach. It's going to be an open market called the Marketplace at the St. Pete Pier.™

The Marketplace includes kiosk and tent vendors. There will be 7 market stalls and 10 tents when it opens. If you have a business and want to lease a stall you can download an application on the Pier website. The application deadline is August 9, 2019.

Below are renderings of the Marketplace from Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc.

Rendering of the Pier approach in downtown St Petersburg, FL

Rendering of the Marketplace at the St. Pete Pier. Note: Fresco's restaurant and the public restroom (left) are on the Bayshore at entrance to the pier. The bulk of the Pier is to the right and not shown here. Rendering by Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc.

Kiosks and tents. Rendering by Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc.

Vendor Tents. Rendering of St. Pete Pier Marketplace by Wannemacher Jensen Architects, Inc.

Add the Pier to Your Downtown Running Route

I can't wait to add the Pier and all it's views to my downtown running route.

The walkable waterfront includes a fishing pier, coastal thicket, sloping lawn, Spa Beach, and overlook. The continuous pedestrian path goes along the approach, loops past the restaurant and the Pier. Check out the animated tour video below.

Hard construction is expected to finish in late 2019. The Pier opens to the public in 2020.

Note: The renderings and abstracts are subject to change as the design.

Summer Runs in the City

6/14/2019

A few of my views from my long run the other day. It was hot, humid, and beautiful! I love running in downtown St. Pete. Saw 3 dolphins and did plenty of people watching.

Panoramic view of Tampa Bay from Vinoy Park.

Panoramic: Vinoy Park facing the pier-in-progress in downtown St. Pete. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

This is the far end of the pier. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

This is the middle section of the pier. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Vinoy yacht basin and pier construction.

This structure is closest to the history museum. I also saw a white metal sculpture at the entry to the Pier approach. (It's behind the hill of dirt in this picture.) Not sure what it is. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

View of St. Pete behind palm trees in Vinoy Park.

Running around Vinoy Park. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Running around Vinoy Park there's plenty of sun and shade. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Student sailors practice in the south yacht basin in St. Petersburg, FL.

Summer in the city means sailing lessons in the yacht basin. Watched these young sailors for a few minutes. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Flatbed truck with new signage in downtown St. Pete, FL

New signage going in around town. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Truck carrying new signs for downtown St. Petersburg, FL.

New signs going in around town. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Innovation District signage in downtown St. Pete.

Here's one of the new signs in position. This one is next to Al Lang on Bayshore pointing south. The back of each sign has the sunshine graphic. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Always feel so lucky to be able to run along Tampa Bay in dtsp. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Places to Run: Weedon Island Preserve

5/28/2019

View of the water from a boardwalk at Weedon Island Preserve in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Boardwalks, Dirt, and Paved Trails

Rising temps reminded me it's time to switch to my Summer running spots. When it's 90 degrees by 10 am it's best to leave the city cement behind.

One of my favorite places to run when it's hot is Weedon Island Preserve. It's hidden in the northeast corner of St. Pete on Old Tampa Bay.

It isn't all shade, but it's a nice mix of surfaces. The different paths and scenery distract me from the heat.

There's a nice loopy flow to Weedon Island trails. Grab a map at the Cultural and History Center before you begin. Find a map box outside if the center isn't open.

Hit every path and you'll run on sand, dirt, asphalt, and boardwalk. The observation tower offers great views and a killer leg workout.

If you run when the Center is open, take advantage of the air-conditioned restrooms. There's a museum display and water fountain inside, too. I always pack my own fluids, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray.

Check out photos for Weedon Island Preserve and other local parks in my Places to Run pages. Happy Summer Running, Everyone!