$23K Needed to Reopen Remaining Portion of Largo Central Nature Park Preserve

Largo Central Park Nature Preserve's 31 acres of native landscape are home to more than 130 species of birds, bats, alligators, coyotes, otters and marsh rabbits.

The preserve has a boardwalk, a five-mile canoe and kayak path and dozens of interpretive displays.

But the back half of the preserve remains closed.

Not because of environmental contamination — the Florida Department of Environmental Protection recently approved a city-led cleanup plan.

Now, Greg Brown, superintendent of Largo’s parks, needs $23,000 to fund a part-time position, pay for cleaning supplies and contract pressure cleaning to be able to get that part of the preserve reopened. Brown will ask city leaders for the money at the April 16 city commission meeting.

“I have zero dollars for that entire park,” Brown said.

The city uses inmate labor to keep up with mowing and some of the maintenance there, he said.

Brown said the part-time employee would be responsible for other landscaping, cleaning the restrooms and inspecting the facility.

Related coverage:

• Central Park Nature Preserve to Reopen

Sign up for the free Largo Patch email newsletter to stay connected to your community.