GOOD DEEDS John Barkett AARP Challenger Grant, Friends of Trails Crossing & Other Projects
Season 2 Episode 2261 · Aug 05, 01:04 PM
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Developer and philanthropist John Barkett's mission in life is to make his community a better place, and he joined Lunchtime Conversation host Nanette Wiser in studio to talk about his recent AARP Challenger Grant award for Friends of Trails Crossing projects plus Healthy Roots Garden & Community Center (with wife, Julie) and the MLK Business District (he's president). John Barkett, co-founder and president of Friends of Trails Crossing Inc, has been instrumental in driving the public-private partnership to transform eight city blocks into a community-driven space. His conceptual plan helped engage community and city leaders, shaping the project’s vision. Recently, Friends of Trails Crossing co-applied for the Reconstructing Communities USDOT grant alongside the City of St. Petersburg and Forward Pinellas, and in January 2025 were granted $1.4m to help reconnect South St. Pete and Downtown St. Pete. With LandDesign selected to complete the master plan, and the St. Pete City Council in agreement to co-fund, we are on the precipice of making this vision a reality.
👉FRIENDS of TRAILS CROSSING This innovative public-private partnership will create a vibrant public space across eight underutilized blocks beneath I-275, seamlessly connecting pedestrians and cyclists to the Pinellas Trail through safe crossings and thoughtfully designed amenities. The 1st phase of the project will span 1st Ave N to 3rd Ave S, with plans to extend from 5th Ave N to 5th Ave S, to reconnect downtown St. Pete’s North and South districts. Featured are illuminated art walls, walking and biking paths, interactive sculptures, a children’s play area, designated pet zones, murals, a green amphitheater, and more—turning an overlooked space into a thriving hub for culture, recreation, and connection.
👉 John Barkett will present at the City of St. Petersburg Greenhouse on August 24 at the 2nd Annual Building Blocks to Success Expo
Building Community Wealth Through Place-Based Partnerships
How Cross-Sector Collaboration Creates Opportunity for Entrepreneurs and Neighborhoods
John Barkett will discuss how intentional partnerships between nonprofits, entrepreneurs, government, healthcare institutions, artists, and residents create long-term economic mobility and neighbrhood revitalization. Using the Looking Glass Initiative, Healthy Roots Garden & Community Center, Friends of Trails Crossing, and the MLK Business District as case studies, the presentation demonstrates how placemaking, entrepreneurship, arts, food access, wellness, and public-private partnerships can become catalysts for community
wealth.
Key Discussion Points
Building strategic partnerships that create shared value.
Leveraging public-private partnerships to unlock investment.
Creating environments where local and Black-owned businesses thrive.
Using arts, culture, placemaking, and entrepreneurship as economic development tools.
Developing neighborhood ecosystems that sustain long-term prosperity.
👉FRIENDS of TRAILS CROSSING This innovative public-private partnership will create a vibrant public space across eight underutilized blocks beneath I-275, seamlessly connecting pedestrians and cyclists to the Pinellas Trail through safe crossings and thoughtfully designed amenities. The 1st phase of the project will span 1st Ave N to 3rd Ave S, with plans to extend from 5th Ave N to 5th Ave S, to reconnect downtown St. Pete’s North and South districts. Featured are illuminated art walls, walking and biking paths, interactive sculptures, a children’s play area, designated pet zones, murals, a green amphitheater, and more—turning an overlooked space into a thriving hub for culture, recreation, and connection.
👉 John Barkett will present at the City of St. Petersburg Greenhouse on August 24 at the 2nd Annual Building Blocks to Success Expo
Building Community Wealth Through Place-Based Partnerships
How Cross-Sector Collaboration Creates Opportunity for Entrepreneurs and Neighborhoods
John Barkett will discuss how intentional partnerships between nonprofits, entrepreneurs, government, healthcare institutions, artists, and residents create long-term economic mobility and neighbrhood revitalization. Using the Looking Glass Initiative, Healthy Roots Garden & Community Center, Friends of Trails Crossing, and the MLK Business District as case studies, the presentation demonstrates how placemaking, entrepreneurship, arts, food access, wellness, and public-private partnerships can become catalysts for community
wealth.
Key Discussion Points
Building strategic partnerships that create shared value.
Leveraging public-private partnerships to unlock investment.
Creating environments where local and Black-owned businesses thrive.
Using arts, culture, placemaking, and entrepreneurship as economic development tools.
Developing neighborhood ecosystems that sustain long-term prosperity.