LARGO — The Largo Central Park playground will close to the public Tuesday, Aug. 11, as the city begins a $1.9 million overhaul of the popular attraction.
The city said the playground would reopen when renovations were completed, but did not say how long that would take.
The updated playground will feature sections for children ages 2 to 5 and ages 5 to 12, along with a new area designed for children ages 6 months to 2 years old.
According to the city, more than 1 million people visit Central Park each year, and the 15-year-old playground has always been a focal point for families.
The updated playground will also feature a ninja course inspired by “American Ninja Warrior,” It will have 21 obstacles across a 91-foot course, including a rock wall and the fan-favorite warped wall.
Also new will be an adventure area with two towers standing more than 20 feet tall, connected by a tunnel for climbing, exploring and imaginative play.
The project will also include new artificial turf, two additional gates, and a communication board displaying photos, symbols and illustrations to support individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder or people with limited spoken language ability.
The project breaks down into three contracts: $1.3 million for new playground equipment, $374,000 for the adult calisthenics circuit and $372,000 for artificial turf under both areas.
“The Largo Central Park playground is without a doubt the single most highly used playground in the city and one of the most highly used in the region,” Parks Supervisor Taylor Kahns told commissioners when the contract was approved in April.
The ninja course is especially exciting, he said.
“As far as we’re aware, there isn’t anything like this within 100 miles,” Kahns said.