New Smyrna Beach, FL - The first phase of construction on the Smyrna Dunes Boardwalk, located on the south side of the Ponce de Leon Inlet in New Smyrna Beach, is complete.
This phase, which began construction in June, included demolition of the boardwalk and construction of a new boardwalk from the main pavilion to the recently opened inlet fishing pier. The decking and handrails are composed of composite lumber made of recycled plastic materials. Also, the path from the pavilion to the fishing pier is now completely handicap-accessible after renovation and paving of a previously unpaved portion of the path.
The walkway leading to the inlet dog beach was demolished and is currently under construction, and the western observation tower and the western part of the boardwalk loop are still under construction. These areas of the boardwalk will be opened in segments as they are complete.
The project was approved by the Volusia County Council in April of 2016 after the boardwalk began showing signs of age. This project, including the construction of the new Smyrna Dunes fishing pier, will cost $5.4 million and use a mix of grant money and government funds from Port Reserves. The completed boardwalk will have eight connecting walkways and picnic pavilions and have handicap-accessible walkways leading to the inlet, river, and beaches. It is slated for completion by summer 2018.
The Smyrna Dunes Boardwalk is about 36-years-old and is part of Smyrna Dunes Park, located on 184 acres of land and bordered by water on three sides. The park attracts visitors who enjoy fishing, swimming, and sunbathing. It is also one of the few parks in our area where people can bring leashed pets to the river and inlet beaches.
For earlier stories on the Smyrna Dunes Boardwalk project, click here and here.
Photo of Smyrna Dunes Courtesy Volusia County Government
Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.
