Right outside my door is Mirror Lake. My husband and I have walked around this lake dozens of times, but we noticed this little sign for the first time the weekend. It was nice to see the length of the walk (0.57 miles) and that it was officially “fun.” It turns out it’s not a current website, but still a pleasant surprise on our walk.
Mirror Lake was known initially as Reservoir Lake in the fledgling town of St. Petersburg, Florida. It is natural and fed by an underground stream that the pre-Columbian Indians used. During the Spanish-American War, soldiers found enough fresh water for the troops. In 1899, the city formed the Municipal Water District, with the lake used as the primary source for the town’s water supply.
The lake became a center of activity for the city with the St. Petersburg Shuffleboard Club, the Mirror Lake Community Library, Mirror Lake Condominiums, the Tomlinson Adult Learning Center, The Sunshine Center, and the brand new Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement within a few blocks of the lake.
In 2013, the city started work to improve pedestrian friendliness. It made the banks less steep and improved the walkways. The transformation was completed the next year and became Mirror Lake Park. It’s a lovely way to relax and spend some time with nature in the middle of an urban city.
If you’re looking for a Florida read, my Webb’s Glass Shop Mysteries are all set in St. Petersburg. Independent bookstores need your help during this challenging time. Buy Local.
