Largo Unveils New Public Art, Reopens Performing Arts Center

LARGO, FL — The Central Park Performing Arts Center in Largo Central Park has reopened as part of the city's phased reopening plan, and those visiting the facility may notice some changes.

In February, the east parking lot of the facility was refurbished and, in March, the west entrance of the performing arts center where the box office is located was renovated.

Those projects were followed by the addition of an expansive brick portico for outdoor events.

On Tuesday, the city cut the ribbon for the latest sculpture in Central Park, the Heart of Largo. Originally meant to be an art piece for the April 25 celebration of Largo Central Park's 25th birthday, which was canceled due to the pandemic, the piece was created by Clayton Swartz.

The opening of the CPPAC is part of the latest phase of the city of Largo's Recovery Team's efforts to restore city services while heeding coronavirus guidelines including reduced capacities and 6-foot distancing rules.

In addition to reopening the performing arts center this month, the city reopened Largo City Hall, the Largo Public Library, summer camps, the Highland Recreation Complex, the Southwest Recreation Complex, the Largo Community Center, the Narrows Environmental Education Center at McGough Nature Park, basketball and volleyball courts with 6-foot social distancing guidelines and the Highland Family Aquatic Center although all play structures, slides and spray features remain closed.

In May, the city reopened the Largo Golf Course, the Southwest Pool, the Largo Skate Park and dog parks, the Largo tennis centers at the Highland and Southwest recreation complexes, and the fitness centers at the Highland Recreation Complex, Southwest Recreation Complex and Largo Community Center.

Unfortunately, the city of Largo was forced to cancel its popular theater summer camps at the CPPAC, including Shrek The Musical Jr., Disney’s Moana Jr. and the Technical Theatre Production, scheduled for June and July. The city said the group size restrictions weren't conducive to hosting these interactive summer camps.

The Central Park Performing Arts Center, 105 Central Park Drive, which hosts music, dance and theater performances, will kick off its delayed summer season Aug. 7-9 and 13-16 with "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" presented by The Eight O'Clock Theatre, the CPPAC's resident theater troupe in the Tonne Playhouse.

This Tony Award-winning musical is fast-paced and funny with a vibrant score and audience participation. An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of potentially made-up words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing "ding" of the bell that signals a spelling mistake.

The show takes place Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $28.50 and can be purchased at the box office in person Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by calling 727-587-6793.

The Tonne Playhouse at the CPPAC is a state-of-the-art theater with retractable seating for cabaret-style, festival-style or theater-style arrangements and full technical services including custom sound, lighting and staging as needed.

The city has also resumed reservations for renting the CPPAC's Parkview Room for wedding receptions, meetings and full-service banquets seating up to 250. This multifunctional space with WiFi capability can also be divided into five smaller meeting rooms. Those interested in renting the facilities at the CPPAC can call the main office at 727-587-6751 to schedule a tour.

The CPPAC is located in Largo Central Park. A popular spot for outdoor weddings, city festivals and outdoor concerts, the 70-acre park dotted with grand oak trees and lush landscaping features a waterfall and the Largo Central Railroad, a miniature train track with a tunnel, the adaptive Rainbow Rotary Playground, the James S. Miles & Richard A. Leandri Military Court of Honor, eight picnic pavilions with fire pits available for rental.

The park is also home to the Historic Largo Feed Store. Moved to Largo Central Park in 1992, the Historic Largo Feed Store restored and reopened its doors to the public in 1998.

This 1902 building that once served the needs of cattle ranchers and produce growers is now a venue for small parties and meetings. The feed store has a large covered porch. Inside, memorabilia from Largo's pioneer families carefully is displayed in handcrafted cases.