Vilano Beachfront Park Project Earns FPZA Award for Inclusive Design
Written by: Kristy Buttermore
We are thrilled to announce that the Vilano Beachfront Park Improvement project has been honored with the Inclusive Design Award by the Florida Planning and Zoning Association (FPZA). This esteemed recognition highlights our team’s commitment to creating an accessible, welcoming, and vibrant coastal space. In collaboration with Pond & Company and St. Johns County, we take immense pride in contributing to a project that enriches the visitor experience and sets a new standard for inclusive public spaces.
About the Vilano Beachfront Park Project
Located on Vilano Road in St. Johns County, Florida, the Vilano Beachfront Park project showcases our team’s expertise in concept planning, master planning, engineering, and landscape architecture. The vision behind this project was to harmonize the natural coastal environment with the area’s historic charm, crafting a space that fosters community engagement and recreational activities.
Key Features of the Park:
1,300-Square-Foot Pavilion: The park’s centerpiece is a spacious pavilion that can accommodate up to 190 guests. It is designed for various events, such as concerts, educational programs, and community gatherings. The pavilion features innovative rotating panels that can open for stunning ocean views or close for more intimate events. Additionally, the performance lighting is carefully directed to minimize impact on the surrounding areas and is tailored to comply with regulations for turtle nesting season.
Enhanced Accessibility and Visitor Experience:
- New Amenities: The park includes upgraded restrooms, new outdoor showers, changing stations, and a climbing play structure in the recreational area.
- Improved Parking: Enhanced parking areas have been restriped for ADA compliance, ensuring ease of access for all visitors.
- Mobimat and ADA Features: A key highlight is the installation of a mobimat, offering accessible beach entry along the northern boundary. The park also features updated dune walkovers, including an ADA-compliant turnaround, making it the only disability-accessible beach in St. Johns County. This includes a wheelchair-accessible path leading to the sandy beach and a wooden ocean-viewing ramp, enabling an inclusive experience for everyone.
These comprehensive upgrades emphasize the park’s goal of providing a safe, enjoyable, and inclusive coastal experience for visitors of all abilities.
About the Florida Planning and Zoning Association (FPZA)
The FPZA is a professional organization dedicated to the enhancement of planning and zoning practices in Florida. Their Inclusive Design Award celebrates projects that prioritize accessibility, community integration, and thoughtful design, setting benchmarks for inclusive development across the state.
The recognition of Vilano Beachfront Park by the FPZA is a testament to our dedication to creating spaces that embrace diversity and inclusivity. We are proud to have been part of this transformative project and look forward to continuing our work in delivering impactful, accessible designs that serve the community.
Ready to bring your vision to life? Let’s create a space that inspires and welcomes everyone. Contact us today to get started!