Update from Parks & Rec: we are aware of the situation, however at the reported location there are two parallel sidewalks, so that the class that does use part of one sidewalk is not blocking access to the other. The user group, Bayside Bootcamp, has a permit to conduct the class. USAFit does not have a permit as of yet, that is in process. We are currently working towards all classes becoming permitted, and as part of that process, all groups are made aware of keeping the areas that they use free of obstacles or impediments for other park visitors.

If you should see someone illegally blocking a sidewalk in a City park during weekday business hours, please call Parks at 727-893-7441. If outside of work hours or on the weekend, or for any illegal activity, please call the SPPD at 727-893-7780 (non-emergencies) or 911 (emergencies.)

Thank you for your report.

The only handicap ramp from the 102 parking space parking lot is not ADA approved. The fitness group stretches an exercise rope in front of the twenty-four inch handicap ramp. The ramp, when viewed from the parking lot, appears blocked by people, mats, weights and exercise equipment...causing handicap people to bypass the area to find more accessible waterfront access. Unfortunately, the only qualified handicap restrooms are at this location. For my handicap military veterans, I've filed a complaint with the VA, ADA Tallahassee and ADA Washington DC. Why does the City allow businesses to obstruct sidewalks for the sole purpose of revenue?

Acknowledged

The issue that you reported previously has been addressed by the City, and this open work order is now closed. Please feel free to submit future requests to us via SeeClickFix St. Pete, and thanks again!

The ramp at the North Shore Tennis Courts Parking Lot has been evaluated by the City’s ADA Coordinator and has been confirmed that it meets ADA access standards. The Parks Department has notified all instructors of CITY CODE 21-37 that says “No obstruction in any manner on any roadway, sidewalk, walkway or path” during their classes. We have also notified our Police Department so they can begin enforcement. 10/9/18

Closed

90 million dollars for a new Pier, including 700k for floating art...80 million dollars for a new police department building and no money to update the handicap ramps at the Flora Wylie Parking area. There are two sidewalks, separated by five feet, leading from the 102 space parking lot to the City Trail route and handicap accessible restrooms. One 24 inch sidewalk ramp, blocked by a business on city property financed by taxpayers is insufficient. If you won't move the business, how about making another handicap ramp on the adjacent sidewalk? Filed complaint with the County, State and Federal ADA agencies and have sent a letter to the State DOT for City Trail complaints. Our sidewalks should not be used for private business profits!!!

Thank you, Jay. This whole situation is completely shameful and I appreciate your attention to this. By the way, this business or whatever it is, is using the park address as its own organization's address. It's just completely inappropriate, and if I were employed by the city I would ask the city attorney to look into the legality of this. Can I now use the park address to offer my business services? I think not. Why should someone else? They do collect a membership fee, so I don't care who they are, they are conducting business using a city address.

And to the previous city post that there are parallel sidewalks and that the class is using part of one sidewalk is ok because there is another sidewalk? No, that is completely unacceptable. Sidewalks are there for a reason and morning is a busy time in the park. There is plenty of grass and if the class doesn't like it, let them find another place with no rent to conduct their business. Come on, St. Pete city employees, wake up!

Re-open acknowledged

Issue resolved