Palm Paradise Video - Guide to locating, trimming and caring for palms. (WMV)

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.

Contributions are Welcome
Donations for expansion and maintenance of the Kopsick Palm Arboretum are invited. Gift information may be obtained by contacting the city's Parks Department, 1400 19th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33713. Or call (727) 893-7335. All donations are tax deductible.

The Palm Arboretum features more than 100 species of palms, some of which are listed below.

Get Involved

St. Petersburg's Gift Tree Program
Participate in this program by having a tree planted to honor a person or organization, or as a memorial. All trees are planted on city-owned properties, including the Kopsick Palm Arboretum. Contributions in any amount are accepted and accumulate toward the price of a tree. Names of persons being honored or remembered and names of donors are inscribed in a leather-bound register located in the Mayor's reception area of St. Petersburg City Hall.

Paving the Future Brick Program
Set your name in stone by purchasing a commemorative brick in the Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum and help preserve this beautiful space for the enjoyment of generations to come. The bricks will be custom engraved and placed around the planting beds in the beautiful palm garden. Your contribution is tax deductible and all proceeds will fund the expansion of the Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum.

For more information on either program call the Parks Department at (727) 893-7335.

The International Palm Society
The International Palm Society is the international clearing house for information about this plant family. Florida residents who desire to join the Society and participate in its many services and activities may contact the Society at Box 368, Lawrence, Kansas 66044 or log-on to www.palms.org The Central Florida chapter website is www.plantapalm.com .