New living ‘history park’ under construction
By THOMAS MICHALSKI
Article published on Thursday, July 3, 2008  |
 |
![[Image]](/content_images/070308_par-01.jpg) |
| The site of a new city “historical park” is framed in an ancient sugar cane press. |
|
PINELLAS PARK – A brand new and very unique park is quietly under construction near Park Station.
The “passive park” will be a historical walk through time and contain original items, some of which have been in storage for years.
Already installed is an original electrical panel that once helped light up the city. Along with it is a water pump from the city’s original water facility and a sugar cane press that was used to pulverize sugar cane stalks into liquid.
All three items are installed on top of the remains of an original scale that was used to weigh sugar cane stalks.
The park also will contain sidewalks, vegetation, a picnic area and other artifacts from the past.
It’s all part of a plan to revitalize the old business hub that once contained stores, a railroad station, a hotel and other structures. Virtually all of them are gone.
Some of the artifacts were on display elsewhere, but others were in storage and had not been seen by the public for decades.
It is expected that the so-called “historical path” eventually will snake its way to 78th Avenue. For now construction will be limited to the area off Park Boulevard near the Park Station parking lot.
|
Article published on Thursday, July 3, 2008
Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
