Largo Central Park Nature Preserve Re-Opens

After a temporary closure, the Largo Central Park Nature Preserve is now open to the public.

Home to hundreds of nature plants, flowers and widlife species -- including 130 species of birds -- the nature preserve, at 150 Highland Ave. S.E. in Largo, features a 3-acre pond with boardwalk, nature trail, two-story observation tower, informational kiosks, restrooms and interpretive signs throughout.

“Pinellas County has lost so much native land over the past 100 years and the preserve gives visitors a chance to get away from the city and back into nature,” says City of Largo Parks Superintendent Greg Brown. “If you pay attention, you will see something different every time you visit. It's loaded with wildlife.”

Originally opened in 2003, the 31-acre nature preserve was closed for the construction of a boat ramp into the lake. During the closure, the staff person made available to open, close and maintain the preserve was cut and the park remained closed.

“Request from the public had us open it back up,” says Brown. “People can feel great about helping keep it open by volunteering to open the park and keep up the maintenance. People can make all the difference!”

The front part of the preserve is now open daily from 6:30 a.m. until one hour before sunset.

“Volunteers are pouring in at this point,” says Brown. “We still have four days a week open to have volunteers do opening duties.”

To learn more about volunteering at the Largo Central Park Nature Preserve, contact Brown at (727) 586-7415.

Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Greg Brown, City of Largo