Beneath Your Feet: How Parks & Rec Protected the Salt Marsh in Vilano Beach
- Marithza Ross
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
When visitors step onto the rebuilt boardwalk in Vilano Beach, they might notice the stunning views, the fresh decking, and the welcoming path that leads straight to local shops and restaurants. What they might not see, however, is the deeper story—one of environmental preservation, thoughtful design, and long-term impact.
This spring, St. Johns County Parks & Recreation completed an 800-foot boardwalk replacement project that did more than just improve aesthetics. It protected one of our county’s most critical ecosystems: the salt marsh. Rather than starting from the shoreline and working inward—a method that could disrupt fragile peat and marsh roots—construction crews built outward, minimizing environmental impact from day one.
Every detail was intentional: marine-grade pilings, heat-reflective composite decking, and integrated lighting designed to reduce disruption to the natural setting while still enhancing safety and beauty for visitors.
This is St. Johns County Parks & Recreation thinking ahead—balancing access, sustainability, and community connection.
As the official philanthropic partner of St. Johns County Parks & Recreation, the St. Johns County Parks Foundation is proud to spotlight projects like these and support future initiatives that protect, connect, and inspire.
Want to help us grow this impact? Become a supporter today at www.sjcpf.org/donate
