You Are Here - Palm Arboretum - St. Petersburg, FL
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debbado
N 27° 46.976 W 082° 37.573
17R E 339774 N 3074217
This map is at the Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum in Elva Rouse Park.
Waymark Code: WM8Y3J
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 05/29/2010
Views: 4
The following information was taken from (
visit link)
Development of the Kopsick Palm Arboretum began in 1976. The two-acre park was once a city miniature golf course which was closed due to escalating maintenance costs. A concerned resident and park volunteer, Mrs. Elva Rouse, proposed the area as ideal for a palm arboretum. The proposal was adopted by City Council and subsequently the palm arboretum was created through a generous gift of stock from Miss Gizella Kopsick, a long-time palm admirer.
Initially, 60 palms representing 10 species were planted in the park. Drinking fountains, a gazebo, conversation corners with wooden benches and red brick paving were installed in a graceful circle winding through the palms. All facilities were designed to meet the needs of the handicapped, which included Miss Kopsick, who was confined to a wheelchair. The arboretum was dedicated on May 16, 1977, Miss Kopsick's 100th birthday. Since the park opened many additional gifts have been received from interested individuals and organizations.
More than 500 palms and growing
Currently there are more than 500 palms and cycads representing some 150 species from around the world. Development of the arboretum is a continuing, never-ending project. The collection will grow as new species become available. Park development is supervised by the City Beautiful Commission in cooperation with the St. Petersburg Parks Department.
Location and Parking
The arboretum is located on North Shore Dr. at the foot of 10th Ave. NE, just north of North Shore Swimming Pool and the Vinoy Resort. Adjacent parking is free of charge. For guided tours cal 893-7335.
Relax and Learn
The arboretum allows visitors to study many exotic and native Florida palms and cycads in one convenient setting. It contains some large palms which are too big for most private yards and introduces some new and exotic palms which may be grown in small yards. The park offers a unique educational experience while at the same time providing a peaceful setting to relax and enjoy nature.
It is easier to refer to a palm by its nickname or common name if one exists. But it is helpful to become familiar with the scientific name, since some common names can be confusing. Palm scientific names are in two parts. The first name is the genus name or a group of palms within the palm family. The second part of a palm name is its species.