Pompano Beach Boulevard Streetscape and Dune Restoration

Challenge

One of purposes of this redevelopment was to stimulate economic investment in the area. However, since Pompano Beach had not changed much in recent past, a key challenge was to gain consensus on the design from local leadership and the public before moving forward with the improvements. Many residents were apprehensive about change, new construction, and attracting non-locals. They felt a sense of ownership of the site and felt threatened by the prospect of crowds of outsiders occupying “their beach”.

Solution

Through the leadership of the landscape architect, CRA and City Commission, the project was able to move forward. Design and implementation required several governmental, public, and Homeowner Association meetings, and close communications between the designers, the City, and stakeholders to satisfy a broad range of needs, which included ADA accessibility to the beach, infrastructure improvements, and development of pedestrian walkways. Eventually, the locals saw the benefits of the renovation and supported the project.

• North Pompano Beach Boulevard was transformed from a four-lane roadway to a two-lane street. The new narrow lanes (10 ft) slow down traffic, helping to increase the safety of pedestrians. The narrow 5-6 ft sidewalk along the 3/4 mile extent of the project was replaced with a 17-ft wide concrete promenade with exposed glass and shell aggregate.
• The primary dune was in most instances decimated with invasive species which had overrun the native ecology. The project stabilized and enhanced 2,800 ft of beach dunes. Typical native beach vegetation of South Florida from the coastal strand and dune were reintroduced, including sea oats, dune sunflower, railroad vine, and seaside elder.
• 65% of existing vegetation was preserved or relocated on-site. This includes native species like the seagrape, and acceptable exotic species that are drought tolerant like the coconut palm. Invasive species, such as the Australian pine, were removed.
• 87% of the proposed plantings were native to Florida. Significant species includes sabal palm, sea oats, and dune sunflower. Of the non-native vegetation introduced, 70% is low maintenance and requires little irrigation, such as green island ficus. Coconut palms, which are well adapted to Florida’s climate, comprise the remaining vegetation.
• Site furnishing materials, such as ipe wood and concrete, were selected for their durability and ability to withstand the harsh coastal environment.
• An interactive fountain in the public plaza provides a safe place for children to play. The fountain is a self-contained, recirculating system with no discharge to surrounding areas.
• All lighting satisfies stringent regulations by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Fish and Wildlife to reduce harm to hatchlings of the endangered sea turtles who lay their eggs on South Florida beaches.
• 9 types of weather-resistant gym equipment, 1.2 miles of walking trail, and 25 different types of playground equipment provide exercise opportunities for a broad range of age groups.
• Artificial turf was used in lieu of sod in the great plaza where larger groups of people might congregate. This reduces the need for irrigation, maintenance, and to replace damaged vegetation. The plaza hosts activities such as movie nights, yoga gatherings, and church events facilitated by special event infrastructure (water and electric).

• An efficient LED lighting system reduces the cost of use by $1,750 or 47% per year compared to the previously existing lighting system of high pressure sodium.

• While the vegetation at the Pompano Beach Boulevard Streetscape and Dune Restoration is mostly thriving, there are some examples where people have trampled ground cover or where the vegetation was over-pruned. A more specific plan for maintenance should have been explicitly defined in order to nurture the vegetation appropriately. For example, spacing the plants more densely together and allowing the ground cover planting to grow higher would create clearer boundaries that would discourage visitor cut-through. This approach would also better conceal the exposed irrigation. The site is currently being managed by the Grounds Manager of Pompano Beach, a government agency.

Picnic Table: Doty & Sons Concrete Products, Inc
Bench: Forms and Surfaces
Grates: Iron Age Designs
Accessible Beach Mat (Mobi-mat): Deschamps Mat Systems Inc.
Outdoor Gym Equipment / Playground: Landscape Structures
Bike Sharing Station: B-cycle
Irrigation: Hunter Industries
Lighting: Bega
Beacon: Beacon Products
Fountain: Hall Fountains

Project Team

Client: City of Pompano Beach and East Community Redevelopment Agency 
Landscape Architect: EDSA, Inc. 
Contractors: Burkhardt Construction; ValleyCrest
Civil Engineers: Keith and Associates 
Architect: Bermello Ajamil & Partners 
Coastal Engineering and Permitting Services: Coastal Planning and Engineering, Inc. 
Structural Engineering: TRC Worldwide 
Irrigation: Sweeney & Associates 
Geo-Technical Engineer: Testing Lab of Palm Beaches 
Traffic Engineer: Reynolds Smith and Hills 
Fountain Design: Hall Fountains

Role of the Landscape Architect

After the overall plan for the East Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) was adopted, EDSA, Inc was selected to provide planning and design services for this strategic first project. EDSA served as liaison for incorporating ecological, governmental, public, and economic concerns into the design by working closely with the City Commission and CRA. The firm also led meetings with the public and focus groups throughout the design process.