Port Orange’s beloved Causeway Park, a recreational sanctuary for boating enthusiasts for nearly three decades, is set to undergo significant renovations that are sure to enhance its charm and functionality. The city has unveiled plans for an upgraded boat ramp, improved parking, and a series of safety features that promise to make the park more accessible and enjoyable for all visitors. Highlighting this development, the News Journal reports that the improvements will transform the park, located beneath the Dunlawton Bridge at 93 Dunlawton Ave, which spans an admirable 30 acres.
The contract for construction has been awarded to East Coast Marine Construction & Design, following a City Council meeting on June 3. This ambitious $1.65 million project gains robust support from $1.2 million in grants from the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) and Volusia’s ECHO fund, with the city picking up the remaining expenses. That’s quite a helping hand for local infrastructure, isn’t it?
What’s Changing?
At the heart of the renovations is the complete replacement of the existing 30-year-old boat ramp, which has seen better days. The current ramp, along with aging timber docks and floating systems, will be removed to pave the way for a sturdier structure. The new ramp will be designed to withstand the rigors of tidal and tropical conditions, accommodating larger boats and trailers. Expect to see three fixed and reinforced concrete access docks, a timber access dock, plus new aluminum gangways and concrete floating systems that will enhance functionality and safety for boaters.
Parking improvements are equally exciting. Plans include milling and paving the existing asphalt to create 22 enhanced parking spots with bumper guards, and the addition of two ADA-compliant parking spaces. There’s something to be said for making recreational activities more accessible to everyone.
Adding to the community’s experience, an environmental information kiosk will be installed to enrich visitors‘ knowledge about the local ecosystem. The city aims for these upgrades to not just beautify the park but also to educate and inform. It’s an initiative that mixes leisure with learning—a win-win for Port Orange!
Funding Opportunities and Economic Impact
As Port Orange moves forward with these projects, exciting enhancements funded by FIND through grant applications will also focus on upgrading the docks at the South Causeway Boat Ramp Park. With plans for sediment removal and adjustments to ramp slopes for easier boat access, the stage is set for improvements across the board, ensuring that the area remains a hub for water enthusiasts. If approved, these enhancements are anticipated to kick off later in 2025, making for a bustling boating season.
The broader implications of these upgrades cannot be underestimated. The Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BIG), established by the federal government, aims to enhance access to recreational boating while promoting economic activity around large cruising boats. With over 675,000 sizable cruising vessels in the U.S., the program works to strengthen community ties with transient boaters and encourages local businesses to take advantage of the foot traffic these facilities attract. As highlighted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the benefits of improved docking facilities ripple throughout waterfront communities, drawing attention to the vital economic contributions recreational boating brings.
As construction is expected to take about a year from its uncertain starting point, which hinges on supply chain logistics, it’s a good time for residents to reflect on the vibrant boating culture that has flourished in Port Orange. It’s clear that such revitalizations will not only bolster our aquatic activities but also the local economy, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter at Causeway Park.