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Largo approves $1.95 million package to replace Largo Central Park playground with inclusive equipment and Ninja course
Summary
Commission awarded contracts totaling approximately $1.95 million to replace the Largo Central Park playground, buy turf and install a Ninja Warrior course and inclusive play areas, including a fenced 6-month-to-23-month toddler area; all motions passed unanimously.
The Largo City Commission approved a multi-vendor package on April 7 to replace the aging Largo Central Park playground, add an inclusive toddler area and install a Ninja Warrior-style calisthenics course.
Parks staff presentation
Laura Corey, assistant director for Recreation, Parks and Arts, and Taylor Konz, park superintendent, described the project goals: maintain the park's regional destination status, add play spaces for very young children (6 months to 23 months), increase inclusivity for children on the autism spectrum, and create a youth/young-adult activity zone (Ninja course) that keeps teens out of the child play area.
Procurements and approvals
Commissioners approved three separate procurements: playground equipment from Kompan for an estimated $1,203,304 (Omnia Partners contract), artificial turf for playground and Ninja course from XGrass LLC for an estimated $372,433 (invitation to bid #26B-862), and a Ninja Warrior course from Greenfields Outdoor Fitness for an estimated $374,477 (Sourcewell contract). All three motions passed 7-0.
Staff said the project was phased into multiple awards to save costs and allow salvaging of some existing equipment for other parks. Konz noted the toddler area will be fenced per National Recreation and Park Association safety guidance, and staff expects construction to start later this summer if approvals and schedules align.
Why it matters
The playground draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and is the city's most heavily used playground; staff emphasized safety, age-appropriate zoning and regional competitiveness for park amenities. Commissioners and audience members praised the plan as an investment that supports families and city identity.
Next steps
Staff will finalize schedules with vendors, coordinate demolition and relocation of salvageable components, and return with an implementation timeline.
