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Portions of park closed for makeover

The Bloomingdale East Park is getting a $200,000 renovation, which is expected to take three weeks.

By LETITIA STEIN
Published February 25, 2005

VALRICO - The new swing for tots and spiral slide, now debuting at the Bloomingdale East Park, are just the start. Resurfaced basketball courts and sidewalks are coming next.

The aging park on Nature's Way Boulevard is receiving a $200,000 makeover. New playground equipment recently went in. Work began this week on sidewalks, a resurfaced basketball court and parking lot improvements.

Plans even include new restrooms and a shelter.

"It needed it," said Rebecca McGuire, project manager for the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation & Conservation Department. She noted that the renovations will make the park accessible to people with disabilities.

Beginning Monday, portions of the park were slated for closure, so construction could begin. Work is expected to last three weeks, with sections of the park remaining open throughout. Officials advise residents to walk to the park, as the parking lot may be closed.

Residents who use the park welcomed the additions.

"It'll be great to get it refurbished," said Valerie Brown, 41, who lives in Brandon but comes to the Valrico park to play racquetball. "It's been the way it is for quite a few years now."

County tax money funded the improvements. The neighborhood park regularly receives basic maintenance. But new playground equipment doesn't arrive every day.

"I like those slides," said 4-year-old Elise Demers, pointing to the spiral slide on a new playground center for youths.

"Because they're bigger," explained Taylor Williams, 6, her friend.

Letitia Stein can be reached at 661-2443 or lstein@sptimes.com

[Last modified February 24, 2005, 09:34:05]