Central Park Performing Arts Foundation gives Largo $239,000 for center upgrades

The Central Park Performing Arts Center Foundation presented a $239,000 donation to the City of Largo on Feb. 4 to complete phase one improvements at the Central Park Performing Arts Center, officials said. The contribution will support a new seating chamber, acoustic and electrical upgrades and cosmetic work such as flooring, painting and doors.

The donation completes funding for phase one of the center’s master plan, staff said. City staff noted that American Rescue Plan funds had already supported many improvements in the past year; the foundation’s gift is intended to allow the facility’s “tiny playhouse” and other areas to be brought to a renewed condition for the center’s 30th anniversary.

Danny Lehan, president of the Central Park Performing Arts Center Foundation, introduced the foundation’s volunteers and donors and presented the check. “So, tonight we’re writing a check to the City of Largo for $239,000,” Lehan said, adding that volunteers contribute “hundreds of thousands of hours” to support the center and that the foundation annually donates more than $30,000 to the facility.

The foundation dates to 1985 (originally called Partners in Progress) and has supported both Largo Central Park’s development and the opening of the Performing Arts Center. Lehan announced two upcoming foundation events tied to the center’s anniversary: a President’s Award event on March 11 and the Performing Arts Center’s 30th-anniversary celebration in May 2026.

The presentation included a brief staff acknowledgement of facility improvements and a photo opportunity. City staff and the foundation said they will continue coordinating volunteer and fundraising efforts to support future phases of the center’s master plan.

What’s next: Staff will coordinate with the foundation on project scope and scheduling for the phase-one items and incorporate the donated funds into the project budget and procurement process.