Bayhead Ponds Comes to Life in Today's Grand Opening

Turtles basked on grassy banks. Ducks, both muscovy and mallard, waddled, sat and swam nearby. Soon the water will be stocked with fish.

The official opening of Bayhead Ponds, a stormwater retention park, complete with fish release is set for 5:15 p.m. Thursday at Bayhead Complex, 375 Seminole Blvd.

A recreational trail, with park benches and tables is part of a city stormwater improvement project. Two drainage ponds provide rain water treatment for about 163 acres in the West Bay Drive area. An irrigation system and landscaping, including 500 trees, for the park is also part of the $700,000 project.

The meandering asphalt trail connects to the neighborhood sidewalk system and along Seminole Boulevard. The pathway circles two ponds at the Bayhead Complex that were created as part of the current drainage system, which was installed in 2000.

The improvement project was divided into two phases because the bids exceeded the year's budget. The city commission approved $485,009.60 for the first phase to Alexander W. Enterprises, Inc. in August.

The remaining $214,000 will be rebid for the 2013 budget, which begins Oct. 1 of this year. That part of the project includes landscaping, a block wall and bioswales.

If you go:

What: Bayhead Pond and skate park grand opening

When: 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28

Where: Bayhead Complex, 375 Seminole Blvd

Related Coverage:

• Largo Skate Park Will Move to Bayhead Complex
• Largo Middle School Students Adopt City Park
• New Trail Would Connect Bayhead Complex With Downtown
• Officials Break Ground on New Highland Rec Complex

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