Mar 19 2007
Nature Bridges (naturebridges.com), specialists in top-down bridge and boardwalk construction in environmentally sensitive areas, announced today that they are set to complete the second phase of the Lost Pond Loop boardwalk at EcoPark in Cape Coral, Florida.
The completed project will include a 1,000-foot pedestrian boardwalk and two adjacent observation decks. The boardwalk ends with a 10-foot by 10-foot observation deck at the edge of a large mangrove stand near the Caloosahatchee River.
EcoPark opened with the first loop in 1981, but after falling into disrepair, the park was closed to the public in 1992. The park reopened in 1997 with a grant from the Lee County Tourist Development Council (LCTDC). Subsequent grants from LCTDC provided funding in 2001 for the first phase of the Lost Pond Loop as well as the current phase. A third phase is still in the planning stages. The City of Cape Coral leases the park from the state of Florida and manages it as a nature preserve for wildlife habitat, education and viewing.
The current phase of the Lost Pond Loop boardwalk is being built using the innovative top-down construction method. With top-down construction, all large equipment stays on top of the new structure during the entire building process. This method helps to preserve the surrounding plant and animal habitats during and after construction. Another environmentally-friendly step taken by Nature Bridges is the use of Ecoboard® decking material made from recycled plastics.
Nature Bridges worked with nationally-recognized ecologist, Kevin L. Erwin, on the minimal trim of the mangrove stands. Mangrove stands often grow in environments with fine sediment containing high organic content. They often work as buffers against erosion and storm surges and can serve as habitats for small fish and oysters. They also impede water flow thus enhancing the sediment deposits that can hold down a variety of heavy trace metals.
"We are proud to serve as a partner to the City of Cape Coral on this important project," says J.D. James, president of Nature Bridges. "Our sustainable boardwalk construction methods will provide a much-needed walkway to the park and help preserve the mangrove stands at the same time. EcoPark will soon have a beautiful new boardwalk that will provide an enhanced visitor experience at this outstanding Florida recreational area."
The new boardwalk is scheduled to open in the spring of 2007.