Largo's Southwest Recreation Complex to Undergo $2,047,000 UpgradeCity to get $80,000 renovation grantBy Bill LopezLARGO - In August 2007, the Largo City Commission approved an application for grant funds from the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) for the Southwest Recreation Complex renovations project. Last month staff received official notice that a grant has been awarded for $80,000 to provide funding for outdoor recreation. The initial grant application was for $200,000 and included some items within the interior of the building. However, those items were disqualified and thus a reduced grant amount was awarded to the City. The grant requires a 50% match from the City. The City's match is included in the existing budget for the Southwest Recreation Complex renovations project. Four items include in the grant the addition of a tennis practice wall, renovations to the existing walking trail, an enhancement to the playground, and parking lot improvements. The parking lot improvements are included in the Southwest Recreation Complex renovations project. The renovation of the walking trail encompasses regrading and reshelling portions of the trail, which is considered an operating expense. The playground enhancement consists of an additional piece of playground equipment for the tot area. Finally, the tennis practice wall is included in the 20092013 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) in FY 2012. This grant opportunity allows the City to complete this project in FY 2009. The FY 2008 Budget includes a city match of $80,000 within the Southwest Recreation Complex renovations project. The city also approved a $2,047,000 contract for construction of additions and interior renovations at the facility with Heart Construction, LLC. A Motion to approve the contract was carried by a vote of 6 to 1 with Commissioner Black dissenting. Contact Bill Lopez at blopezmmm@aol.com.
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