CASSELBERRY,
FLORIDA- An historic part of central Florida's past was demolished
recently as specialists with NADC-members Central Environmental
Services, Orlando, Florida, and Dykon Explosive Demolition,
Tulsa, Oklahoma teamed up to raze the main grandstand at Seminole
Greyhound Park.
Originally
built in 1926 - long before its neighbor a few miles to the
south, Disney World - the 400 foot-long, 85 foot-high grandstand
was the centerpiece of a 156-acre facility that served as
one of the region's premier entertainment venues for several
decades. However, the precipitous decline in the popularity
of dog racing during the late 20th century combined with a
steady increase in demand for Florida real estate to cause
many dog tracks to shut down, and Seminole Park eventually
fell victim to these same circumstances. 
According
to industry websites, at the time of its demolition the park
was one of only 15 greyhound tracks remaining in Florida.
The original
grandstand structure had been modified many times over the
years, which added a degree of complexity to the demolition
effort. The most substantial modification occurred in the
1950s, when a two-story, 220 foot-long addition was attached
to the north end of the original structure. 
The
newer section, which possessed thicker steel columns set in
their own unique pattern, required the development of an independent
blast plan to be integrated into the entire complex's larger
plan in order to minimize ground vibration and ensure a smooth,
progressive collapse.
Following
meticulous site preparation performed by Central Environmental,
Dykon President Jim Redyke and his team affixed 40 pounds
of RDX linear shaped explosive charges to 46 ground level
columns and canopy supports throughout the complex. The charges
were then tied-in on a total of 13 delays using non-electric
detonating cord.
The project
occurred on time and as planned, with no complications.
