Highland Rec On Schedule For May 8 Grand Opening

The planned grand opening of Largo's new Highland Recreation Complex is still on schedule for May 8, 2013, according to city and constructions officials.

Crews from Creative Contractors are working feverishly to complete the $17 million facility in time for the official opening date, despite minor setbacks associated with projects of this size. 

“Everything is going good, still on schedule and looking at May 8 for the grand opening,” Glenn Harwood, City of Largo facilities manager, told Patch by phone. 

“We’re definitely satisfied with the progress and the job being done by everyone.”

Lisa Dalton of Creative Contractors said the Clearwater company has fulfilled its obligations so far. 

“They gave us until May 8 to have the project completed, and right now we are three days ahead of schedule,” she said from the site last week.

“We have a good reputation for finishing on schedule, so when people have a tough job, they come to us,” she added. 

While the majority of work on the exterior of the 40,000-square-foot building is complete, there is still quite a bit of work to do inside and around the facility’s grounds. 

New basketball courts were being poured outside of the front of the building when Patch visited the site last week, and the landscaping and parking portions of the project will be some of the last things to be finished.

Inside cabinets are being installed and flooring is being laid down, and a unique three-story climbing structure, complete with slides, will be installed in the front lobby soon. 

“They’re wrapping up the exterior work now, installing the cabinets and flooring inside and will begin work on resurfacing and re-tiling the pool this week,” Harwood said.

Harwood said the third phase of the project, which includes demolishing the old building, building new tennis courts and completing the parking lot, will take place after the grand opening. 

But he is excited because he can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel on a project that began nearly one year ago and has many people waiting in anticipation to see the new facility for the first time. 

“It’s been a crazy time for everyone,” Harwood said.  “We’re really looking forward to the grand opening.”

Related coverage:

• Officials Break Ground on New Highland Rec Complex
• Construction Starts on New Highland Recreation Complex
• Construction Continues At Highland Recreation Complex
• New Highland Recreation Complex on Track
• Photos: Inside Tour of Highland Recreation Under Construction
• Photos: Steel Swings into Place for New Highland Recreation Complex
• High Tech Game Room Planned for New Highland Recreation Complex
• New Highland Recreation Complex Receives Award Before Its Built
• Largo's Highland Rec to Reduce Hours in April

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