Thomas 'Jet' Jackson Recreation Center

Originally built in 1960 as the Wildwood Community Center and rebuilt in 2001 as the Wildwood Recreation Center, the new Thomas "Jet" Jackson Recreation Center is dedicated to a longtime city staff member and respected community leader.

Thomas Jackson, or "Jet" as he is known, is commonly referred to as a pillar of the community. From his early days teaching new generations of St. Petersburg residents to swim, through his 50 plus year career with the City of St. Petersburg, Jet has stood out as an outstanding community servant. But the real measure of Jet's impact in the community does not come solely from his City employment. Jet's life in St. Petersburg has been about service to the larger public and serves as a role model for others. Jet has always been there when the community came to call. Whether it was a child or family who needed support, a grief stricken neighbor or community member that needed a strong shoulder, or a community occurrence that required his calm influence and intercession, Jet has been there.