Wood-Ibis Park - A 4-acre park located along 58th Street at 28th Avenue South in Gulfport Florida. Originally created by Gulfport retired couple Mr. and Mrs. E. M. Steele. Later named after City Councilman, John E. "Ted" Phillips.
Wood Ibis Park is a lovely name for a lovely spot in Gulfport. Palms and agaves give it a tropical look. There are jacaranda and Poinciana trees. Daylilies and Amaryllis bloom. Garden furniture invites passersby to stop and rest.
It wasn’t always like this. Mr. and Mrs. E. M. Steele, who live at 2720 55th St. S got tired of seeing rubbish being dumped at a vacant lot across the street.
“It was making me very unhappy.” Mrs. Steele told the Evening Independent. So she asked the mayor of Gulfport if she could make the dumping grounds into a public garden.
Ted Phillips Wood-Ibis Park is a stormwater management system designed to treat runoff from nearly 62 urban acres. Previously, the runoff historically exceeded the existing capacity causing flooding and untreated discharge at the Municipal Beach. This project diverts the runoff from an area that is bordered by Gulfport Boulevard to the north, Beach Boulevard South to the east, 58th Street South on the west, and 28th Avenue South on the south. The storm sewer system was designed for a 10-year frequency while the treatment (pond) was designed for the 25-year frequency storm. The method of treatment includes settlement and biological assimilation. Recreational opportunities include a walking trail, benches, and wildlife observation.
