Maximo Park — Attraction in Saint Petersburg

I had been looking forward to a peaceful visit to Maximo Park, but unfortunately, my experience was overshadowed by an unnecessarily rude encounter with a law enforcement officer. As I arrived, I parked in an open area, away from the crowded beachside lot. The parking lines were so faded that I had to estimate my position, and there were no visible signs indicating that the row I chose was designated for trailers only. With plenty of empty spaces around, I didn’t think twice—until an officer approached my vehicle.

He immediately ordered me out vehicle and stated that I had parked incorrectly. While I always aim to respect parking rules, the lack of clear markings made it difficult to determine appropriate spaces. I kindly asked where I could park, only to be told, in an unprofessional and dismissive manner, that I was not welcome to park anywhere in Maximo Park at all.

To make matters worse, he assumed—based on the fact that my door was open—that I was "setting up camp" wrongfully accusing me despite my clear explanation that I was simply heading to the beach after a phone call. Instead of a reasonable discussion, I was met with condescension and hostility.

Public parks should be welcoming spaces for everyone, not places where people are unfairly judged or treated with suspicion. It’s disheartening to see such a lack of kindness and professionalism in a space meant for the community to enjoy. My hope is that those responsible for enforcing rules in Maximo Park will remember that hospitality and respect go a long way in fostering a positive experience for all visitors.

I left that day, not because I had broken any obvious rules, but because I didn’t want to remain in a place where kindness is an...

This park is exceptional and offers amenities for a variety of people. There are boat ramps and beaches as well as a manicured Disk Golf course. There are also lots of parking areas and spaces. The Disk Golf course is challenging and makes for a great day hike. As a fellow beginner, I recommend skipping hole 7 unless you have an abundance of disks or enjoy searching through saw palms. There are professional tournaments and for fun ones. They change the course up pretty often. There are plenty of grills and shelters for parties, a playground for kids, and walking paths aplenty. There is plenty of open space for your furry friends and public restrooms.

Getting here can be a little tricky, if you are coming from North of 54th ave S. Hop on the 275 and head south to the "Last Exit Before Toll Bridge" and turn right at the stop sign. It is nessled accross the river from...

The park is excellent, it has several boat ramps, very dark at night no lights on the ramp but the parking is free, be careful if a tire is left in the line of another parking lot, they will give you a ticket for occupying multiple for $35, after 15 days it goes up to $50. I agree with the ticket, rules are rules but the information they give you to pay it is wrong, we never found the ticket either on the website or by phone, they put a different brand of car, I wrote directly to the court emailed and they replied I should contact ST Petersburg Office ,they don’t find me in a system ,almost 2 months later I received a letter with penalties, I recommend put a clear payment info since day one .I hope this...