A proposal to designate part of Coquina Park’s lagoon as a non-motorized boating zone is moving forward, as St. Petersburg City Council voted Thursday to send agenda item G-2 to committee for further discussion.
The measure, brought forward by District 6 Council member Gina Driscoll, would establish the lagoon at Coquina Park as a dedicated space for kayaks and canoes.
The lagoon, which sits at the center of the park’s U-shaped layout, has increasingly become a hub for non-motorized water activity.
“Because it’s so popular for kayaks and canoes, we want to establish it as a safe place,” Driscoll said. “When you have motorized vessels it can create a risk.”
The proposal is not new, but rather the result of ongoing conversations.
“It’s something I’ve been talking with the neighborhood and parks department about for a while,” Driscoll said.
If approved, the change would formalize how the space is already being used, while limiting motorized vessels in the lagoon to reduce potential safety conflicts.
The focus, according to Driscoll, is on expanding recreational use of existing park amenities.
“Our parks are a great source for recreation, and when we have a waterway right next to the park, we want to extend those activities,” she said. “This is an opportunity to establish a designated area so people can enjoy their time on the water without danger.”
Some concerns have been raised by nearby residents who use the lagoon to temporarily store boats during storms.
Driscoll said those concerns have been accounted for, noting that restrictions would be lifted during a declared state of emergency.
As the proposal moves through the committee process, the city has already taken steps to support non-motorized use of the lagoon. Access points into the water have been installed and fitted with a soft material designed to prevent damage to kayaks.
No date has been set for the committee hearing.