Bayhead Ponds Officially Opens With Fish Release, Skate Park Groundbreaking

Bayhead Ponds, a new park complex located just outside of downtown Largo, had its official grand opening on Thursday with not one but two ceremonies.

The event began with a ground breaking for the new skate park that will be built near the existing basketball court at the Bayhead Sports Complex.

It will replace the old skatepark that was torn down to make room for the new Highland Rec center last year.

“We have been without a skate park for a year and a half, but you won’t have to wait much longer,” Largo Parks, Recreation and Arts director Joan Byrd said. 

“We expect this to be open by early summer…and we’re really excited for it.” 

The second part of the evening was a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Bayhead Ponds. 

According to parks & rec superintendent Greg Brown, the complex features a 1.3 mile asphalt loop, thousands of plants and trees, benches, picnic tables connecting the two ponds.

The project was a joint effort by the parks and rec department as well as city engineers and came about as a way to connect the ponds that served as the city's stormwater runoff pools.

“This started as a drainage project with two ponds for the rainwater runoff from downtown Largo,” city engineer Leland Dicus said. “But they didn’t add a whole lot to the community other than storm water treatment.”

“We hope now this serves as a valuable amenity for the community for many years.” 

After the ribbon cutting, which featured Mayor Pat Gerard, city commissioners and other officials, dozens of Largo Middle School students participated in a release of 230 bluegill into the pond.

The whole evening represented an exciting chapter for the city, according to one official. 

“I think once people realize this is back here, they’re really going to appreciate it,” Commissioner James Robinson said. “Anytime we can do something for the kids, it’s terrific.”

“Between this complex, the new rec center and all the development downtown, things are really looking great for this community.”

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• Bayhead Skate Park Plans Approved
• Largo Middle School Students Adopt City Park