New Beach Playground Taking Shape

It may be tough for little ones to keep off the new playground at the Gulfport Beach; pirate flags are up and slides winding down. Although it's surrounded by yellow tape, the brightly colored pieces are coming together at the nautical themed play area next to the Gulfport Recreation Center.

Crews are slated to complete the project in about a month, according to City Manager Jim O'Reilly. Among the final touches; poured concrete and a play surface.

O'Reilly says the city will have an opening ceremony in conjunction with the Heroes Weekend events during the second week of November.

The Gulfport City Council unanimously approved waterfront upgrades for $120,000 in July. The upgrades include a new playground closer to the Rec Center and expanding the beach volleyball courts near the Gulfport Casino Ballroom.

Funding is coming from the Capitol Improvement Program budget through the use of Pennies for Pinellas funds.

O'Reilly says the current playground is closed and will be disposed of by the city. The question has surfaced about reusing or recycling the current play equipment; O'Reilly says due to liability issues related to the reuse of playground equipment they are unable to do so.