Map - Malaquite Beach Access and Dune Restoration Alternatives

The existing 258 ft. Malaquite Visitor Center (VC) boardwalk extends from the center of the main deck and provides direct access to the beach. The existing boardwalk was also constructed prior to the establishment of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines and displaced a section of the primary dune line which extends approximately 120 miles along the Gulf of Mexico coastline. Importantly, this dune system is a critical part of the island ecosystem and the main line of defense against storms and high tides. The path of the current boardwalk is not only contradictory to these interpretative themes but it also leaves the infrastructure of the VC Pavilion vulnerable to strong oceanic and climatic events. This project aims to: 1) provide ADA compliant access, 2) protect existing park infrastructure, and 3) install night-sky friendly lighting.

Alternative A: Proposes to construct the majority of a new, elevated boardwalk within the footprint of the existing boardwalk. This proposed action will: 1) comply with ADA, 2) include one access point to the beach from the main deck, and 3) restore the primary dune line.

Alternative B: Proposes to construct a new, elevated boardwalk approximately 100 ft. south of the existing boardwalk footprint. This proposed action will: 1) comply with ADA, 2) include two access points to the beach from the main deck, and 3) restore the primary dune line.

Alternative C: Proposes no action, keeping the landscape in its current condition.

Please review the map of the boardwalk alternatives in the Document Content section below. If you are unable to submit comments electronically through this website and/or prefer to submit a written comment, please refer to the instructions available in the Project Home screen (see Project Links in the top, left column of this screen).

Document Content:

MalaquiteVC_BW_Alternatives.pdf   (2.1 MB, PDF file) Disclaimer: Links within the above document(s) were valid as of the date published. Note: Some of the files may be in PDF format and can be viewed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. You may download a free copy of from Adobe Systems.