Shoreline Wetlands Trail Boardwalk

The Shoreline Trail Wetlands Boardwalk is the longest of all the city's boardwalk offerings found in Shoreline Park, Wayside Park, Baycliffs Preserve, Vista Park, and Gulf Breeze National Seashore.

The elevated boardwalk is more than a third of a mile over wetlands to the beach shoreline, traveling through ecosystems abounding with wildlife. The project includes ADA parking and an ADA beach access ramp, and an uncovered nature viewing gazebo with bench seating.

Mayor Cherry Fitch had this to say: “This project is the last major trail extension of the City’s 1998 Shoreline Park South Master Plan. It would not be possible without the support of the State of Florida, which recognizes the importance of ecotourism and wetlands habitat. The City has a total of 47.5% (1,386.4 acres) of land area set aside for conservation. A special thank you to Senator Broxson and Representative Andrade for championing this project, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Santa Rosa County Tourism Development, and especially District 5 and 4 Commissioners Colten Wright and Dave Piech.”

Total project cost: Approx. $985,190
Funding sources:
Florida DEP appropriation grant: $492,595 or 50% of total construction cost
City of Gulf Breeze non-tax dollar reserves: $441,667
Santa Rosa County Tourism Development: $33,333
District 5 Commissioner Colten Wright Discretionary Funds: $30,000
District 1 Commissioner Dave Piech Discretionary Funds: $5,000