County and partners break ground on High Point Community Park

Elected officials and staff members from Pinellas County Government, Pinellas County Schools and the City of Largo broke ground on High Point Community Park on Sept. 3 at the former site of the old High Point Elementary in unincorporated Pinellas County. The event was the culmination of years of collaboration between county and municipal partners.

“The Pinellas County School District generously provided the land, Pinellas County is overseeing construction and the City of Largo is committed to programming and maintaining this scenic site,” Commissioner Charlie Justice said. “Together, we will create a safe and welcoming space for all to enjoy the great outdoors with friends and loved ones.”

Set for completion in 2026, the park will contain athletic fields, basketball courts, picnic shelters, restrooms, lighting and a playground. The 10-acre site was designed with extensive community input to ensure it meets resident needs.

“This park is truly multi-use,” City of Largo Mayor Woody Brown said. “It will provide opportunities for families to enjoy, offer programs and spaces for active recreation and sports teams, and include passive park amenities for residents to appreciate nature.”

Located between the current High Point Elementary School and Pinellas Technical College Clearwater campus, the park will serve elementary students during school hours and remain open to the broader community after school and on weekends.

“This is additional space to have students come and play lacrosse or flag football or soccer,” Pinellas County Schools superintendent Kevin Hendrick said. “To have the opportunity to get out on some larger fields and spread out is really exciting for the students, and for the families to come out at night and do the same things.”

Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and the Penny for Pinellas program, the collaborative project demonstrates a strong commitment to creating a vibrant space that meets the diverse needs of the community.

“Tourism is such an important part of our entire economy and our community at Pinellas County,” said Brian Lowack, president and CEO of Visit St. Pete/Clearwater. “Our visitors pay for about a third of the Penny for Pinellas program, and we’re using those Penny funds to make this park happen.”

Visit Pinellas.gov/highpoint for the latest project updates.