Philippe Park Improvements

Project Background

The proposed projects are located within and adjacent to the Safety Harbor Mounds, a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These mounds are known to contain human remains, shell middens, and residential remains that are significant for their contribution to our understanding of the prehistoric Safety Harbor culture, dating to between A.D. 1000 and 1500.

All project work will use archaeologists to perform investigations prior to construction of improvements. These investigations will meet or exceed the guidelines set forth by the Historic Preservation Program of the Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources and requirements of Pinellas County. Additionally, all archaeologists will meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards (48 FR 44716).

Projects Overview

Note: This page consolidates multiple projects within Philippe Park that will be completed in a similar timeframe.

Philippe Park Seawall Enhancements (PID# 004178A)

This project includes the installation of five different living shoreline enhancements in front of the existing seawall. The goals of the project are to compare several different methods of enhancing hardened seawalls to provide wildlife habitat, reduce erosion due to wave energy/storm surge, and extend the life of the seawall. Enhancements will include oyster domes, limestone rock revetments, and marsh grasses as well as some innovative elements. 

Anticipated Seawall Project Timeline

Installation of the southern-most area of the enhancement is scheduled to begin in early 2025 and the project will proceed northward over the next two years as funding is available. Each of the different enhancement areas is between 400 and 700 linear feet.

• Design Completion: July 2024
• Construction: January 2025 – December 2025

Philippe Park Sidewalk and Erosion Improvements (PID# 004178A)

This project will repair erosion damage behind the existing seawall and provide a concrete sidewalk adjacent to the seawall after the repairs are completed with new erosion control measures. The erosion control design includes the use of rain gardens that capture and treat stormwater runoff using natural filtration systems.

Anticipated Sidewalk Project Timeline

• Design Completion: July 2024
• Construction: January 2025 – December 2025

Philippe Park Wastewater Collection System Improvements (PID# 000341GA)

This project is to design a new wastewater collection system to eliminate four onsite septic treatment systems and connect the facilities to the Pinellas County Utilities wastewater system. Also included is the rehabilitation of the park’s master pump station. An archaeological assessment of the sanitary sewer line alignment and new pump stations locations will help eliminate potential conflicts with buried archaeological artifacts.

Anticipated Wastewater Project Timeline

• Design Completion: Summer/Fall 2024
• Construction: Spring 2025 – Spring 2026

Project Funding

The seawall repair and sidewalk/erosion projects are supported by the Penny for Pinellas. The wastewater project is supported by Pinellas County Utilities rates and fees. Funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Tampa Bay Ecological Restoration Fund helped support the living shoreline enhancements.

Contact Us

Engineering Project Manager
Dan Glaser, P.E.
Public Works / Capital Improvements
(727) 464-5209
dglaser@pinellas.gov

Environmental Project Manager
Stacey Day
Public Works / Environmental Management
(727) 464-4703
sday@pinellas.gov