Smyrna Dunes Boardwalk Project Continues Despite Being Stalled By Irma

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New Smyrna Beach, FL - Construction on the Smyrna Dunes Boardwalk renovation project in New Smyrna Beach continues even though Hurricane Irma stalled the project's progress. The renovations continued this week, and there is now improved boardwalk access to the dog-friendly inlet shoreline and observation tower on the west side of the park, according to Volusia County Community Information. Thanks to the most recent construction, access to the inlet beach and fishing pier is now 100% ADA compliant. Construction providing access from the main pavilion to the inlet fishing pier was completed in late July.

Demolition and construction continues as part of phase two, which will provide improved and environmentally sensitive access through the central and eastern areas of the park. The completed boardwalk will have eight connecting walkways and picnic pavilions and have handicap-accessible walkways leading to the inlet, river, and beaches. The whole 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 project is slated for completion in fall of 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. Photos courtesy Volusia County Community Information Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.