Enhancing Wildflower Park: Seawall Replacement Project

Cone & Graham Inc. is pleased to announce the start of the Wildflower Park seawall replacement project in Boca Raton. Recently approved by the city council, this $1.5 million project will enhance the park’s resilience against rising tides and protect it from seasonal inundation. As highlighted by Boca First, this project is essential to maintaining the integrity and usability of Wildflower Park for years to come.

Addressing King Tide Challenges

The existing seawall at Wildflower Park has shown signs of deterioration over time, especially during annual king tides, which cause seawater to encroach into the park. These tides, which peak several times each fall, have increasingly affected the park due to natural forces like ocean winds and atmospheric pressure changes. The new seawall will provide a fortified barrier, ensuring that Wildflower Park remains protected from these high tides and weather-related surges.

Project Details and Features

The new seawall is designed with durability and aesthetics in mind. Key features of the project include:

• Replacement of approximately 400 feet of seawall
• Installation of an 18-inch decorative cap with integrated LED lighting along the seawall
• Phased construction, beginning at the north end and progressing southward
• Retention of existing water access steps, with additional steps added landward for enhanced accessibility

The new seawall will be constructed to a height of around 4 feet above the water, with pilings extending approximately 44 feet below to anchor it securely. Designed to meet the NAVD88 standard for elevation measurement, this construction will significantly improve the park’s defenses against seasonal water level changes.

Coordinating with Park Accessibility and Safety

During construction, Cone & Graham will coordinate with city officials to determine the extent of public access to Wildflower Park. Safety is a priority, and the team will manage the movement of heavy equipment and material storage to minimize disruption. As construction moves forward, we’ll work to ensure that impacts on park access remain minimal.

Cone & Graham Inc. is honored to contribute to the preservation and enhancement of Boca Raton’s beloved Wildflower Park. This project not only secures the park’s future but also improves its overall visitor experience. Stay tuned for updates as we work towards completing the seawall replacement by summer 2021.

For more information on the project’s background, see the original article by Boca First here.