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Contact: Laura Henning, 321-229-3766
Titusville and New Smyrna Beach, FL – Canaveral National Seashore is excited to announce that a new contract has been awarded to construct more resilient and sustainable boardwalks at the park. This project will commence in early December 2024, and is part of the National Park Service's ongoing commitment to ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience in its infrastructure.
The devastating impacts of Hurricanes Ian and Nicole in 2022, and most recently Hurricane Milton in October 2024, destroyed or damaged several boardwalks in both the Playalinda and Apollo Districts. These boardwalks are critical in providing safe access to the beach while protecting the fragile dune system. The new boardwalks will be constructed using sustainable materials that require less maintenance and are designed to better withstand future major storm events. The new and improved boardwalks will look much different than the existing wooden boardwalks. The footprint and size of the boardwalks will be greatly reduced with a combined reduction in size of 40%.
“Our commitment is to safeguard Canaveral’s extraordinary resources while ensuring visitors can continue to enjoy the beach in a safe and sustainable way,” said Carmen Thomson, Superintendent of Canaveral National Seashore. “This project will help reduce annual operational and maintenance costs, protect our sensitive dune system, and preserve endangered species habitat."
The construction, scheduled to begin after sea turtle nesting season ends, was carefully planned to minimize disruption to the park’s sensitive ecosystems. Sea turtle conservation remains a top priority for the park, and timing the construction around this critical lifecycle is key to the project's success.
About Canaveral National Seashore:
Canaveral National Seashore is a protected area on Florida's east coast, known for its pristine beaches, diverse ecosystems, and rich historical significance. The park preserves a unique blend of cultural and natural resources, offering visitors a glimpse into both the history and natural beauty of Florida.
For more information about Canaveral National Seashore and our preservation efforts, please follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CanaveralNationalSeashore.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
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Last updated: December 4, 2024