Commercial Boardwalk Cost and Design Information - PermaTrak Blog 

The PermaTrak featured designer article series showcases top performing landscape architects and engineers who discuss their design perspective, current projects, challenges, and accomplishments.

Our latest featured designer is Kara Beck, PLA from Eriksson Engineering Associates, Ltd. (EEA). Kara is a Landscape Architect who enjoys using her attention to detail to create unique spaces specific for a project’s user to enjoy. 

We recently talked with Kara about her background, advice for new landscape architects, and her experience with PermaTrak on a recent project. 

For some commercial boardwalk projects, loading requirements and design codes require a stronger PermaTrak tread (a “plank” on a timber boardwalk). For example, our boardwalk at Farmington Canal in Cheshire, CT needed to be rated for H-15 (30,000 lb.) vehicles, a standard that can’t be met with our typical tread lengths.

Julian B. Lane Park Expands, Including a PermaTrak Elevated Walkway

As part of the recent renovation at Tampa’s Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, PermaTrak has come alongside the city’s designers, engineers and landscape architects to install an elevated concrete walkway, which park-goers can use to enjoy the new sites and amenities.

The park’s $35 million renovation marks the most funding the City of Tampa has ever dedicated to a park. The new Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, opened to the public in May 2018, offers the community new access for kayaks, boating and aquatic sports, as well as tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, a multi-use football field, areas for lacrosse and soccer and a performance pavilion with green spaces for concerts.

One question we hear often from engineers and architects is, “If the lifecycle of timber is so much shorter compared to PermaTrak, why is it one of your recommended foundations?”

Truss Bridge vs. Boardwalk System for Your Pedestrian Bridge Project

When designing a pedestrian bridge that crosses a wetland, creek, or stream, designers are faced with a choice—should you specify a truss bridge or a boardwalk system? Taking it one step further, what if the section of the trail you’re designing for is located in a remote area? I heard this question from a designer recently and thought I’d summarize my thoughts here…

First, it’s important to keep in mind that there are applications best suited for truss bridges, and there are applications best suited for boardwalk systems. Especially when it comes to pedestrian bridge design, there is no shortage of options for the engineer or landscape architect of record.

Hopefully what I’m sharing below helps you find the best solution for your project.

PermaTrak Boardwalk and Observation Deck at Mercy Park – Joplin, MO

The PermaTrak featured designer article series showcases top performing landscape architects and engineers who discuss their design perspective, current projects, challenges, and accomplishments.

This month’s featured designer is Patrick Ptomey from MESA Design Group in their Dallas, TX office. Patrick is a landscape designer who works on a full range of projects, from senior living, to campus planning, parks, commercial development, and more.

We talked with Patrick about planning inclusive playgrounds, critical steps and challenges in the design process, and the importance of taking the initiative to collaborate and gain experience in the world of landscape design.

The PermaTrak featured designer article series showcases top performing landscape architects and engineers who discuss their design perspective, current projects, challenges, and accomplishments.

This month’s featured designer is Jonathan Campbell from Kimley-Horn in their Frisco, TX office. Jonathan is a landscape architect who works on a full range of projects, from single-family to commercial.

We talked with Jonathan about how he approaches design, tips for being successful in the landscape architecture world, the Windsong Ranch project, and more.

Using PermaTrak Wedge Panels for Boardwalks with Sharp Turns or Curves

If you’re considering designing a boardwalk or elevated trail with curves or sharp turns, you might be concerned about cost, design limitations, or engineering roadblocks.

Not only is PermaTrak an excellent option for your boardwalk due to its durability and lack of required maintenance, but PermaTrak concrete boardwalks are also versatile in terms of horizontal alignment changes.

Generally speaking, curves, sharp turns or sweeping radii become more common on longer elevated trail or boardwalk segments. This could be a result of designers taking what the site gives them, it could be driven by user experience, or a combination of both. As one example: who wants to run or bike down a perfectly straight boardwalk for miles on end? Even just a simple, gradual curve can break up the monotony and improve the user’s experience.

Boardwalks and Walkovers for Florida Beaches: Permitting, Florida DEP, and Design

Many of us have traveled to Florida with friends or family to enjoy the hundreds of miles of beaches the state has to offer. The tourism industry has a $67 billion economic impact on the state of Florida, with an estimated 87.3 million visitors a year.

So it’s no surprise that enhancing public access to these beaches and providing durable structures to encourage tourist enjoyment of these beaches is a high priority for local towns and cities, as well as county and state agencies.