The new St. Pete Pier is one of the most popular destinations in the Sunshine City. It’s a vast space for lounging, exploring, running, biking, and discovery. Today, the City of St. Petersburg announced a 30-year agreement with the Glazer Vision Foundation in which the Foundation will support the playground at the St. Petersburg Pier. The pier playground, located within the new 26-acre St. Pete Pier District, opened in early July and has become a destination amenity for families. 

Listen, as a full grown adult, I can say I absolutely envy the playground these kids now have. The aquatic theme, complete with a small ship and an octopus to play in, in addition to a winding slide, make this one of the most gorgeous playgrounds in the state.

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“As a child, there’s no better place to have fun than at the playground,” said Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Buccaneers Co-Owner and President of the Glazer Vision Foundation. “Our foundation wants to reach every child in Tampa Bay, whether that’s by providing better opportunities to learn in school through free eye exams and glasses for all children, or with a safe space to play and create lifelong memories with family and friends. Glazer Family Playground is truly a family destination, and we are proud to announce this addition to the St. Pete Pier District to be enjoyed for years to come.”

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 “We couldn’t be more excited for the Glazer name to become a fixture at the St. Pete Pier,” said Mayor Rick Kriseman. “I was not surprised to learn of their desire to name the pier’s sea-themed playground given their focus on family and their commitment to the entire Tampa Bay region. We are appreciative of this commitment and all the Glazers do to make Tampa Bay a better place to live, work, and play.”

 An unveiling ceremony with new signage for the Glazer Family Playground within the Pier District will be announced at a later date. 

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The Glazer Vision Foundation honors the legacy of the late Malcolm Glazer, who attributed his first pair of prescription eyeglasses to an enhanced ability to learn and succeed. To date, the foundation has provided more than 100,000 free eye screenings and 20,000 free prescription glasses to local students. The community can join the cause and help provide a child with a free eye exam and glasses through the #OneShareOnePair initiative by posting a photo wearing glasses, tagging @glazervisionfdn and using the hashtag #OneShareOnePair. Follow @glazervisionfdn on social media and visit glazervisionfoundation.org to learn more.

Of course there’s something for everyone at the St. Petersburg Pier. You can dine at Doc Ford’s or the Spa Beach Bistro. You can enjoy a rooftop drink at Teak, or get educated at the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center.

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At night, fully immerse yourself beneath The Bending Arc designed by Janet Echelman.

Side note: The Body Electric Yoga hosts yoga sessions by donation the first Wednesday of every month at 7pm. The Body Electric Athletic will begin offering a bodyweight class with Katelyn Grady the second Sunday every month at 8am. Follow The BE on Facebook and Instagram for updates.