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Boardwalk

A boardwalk is an elevated footpath, walkway, corridor, or causeway typically constructed along a beach or shore using wood or other materials, designed to provide pedestrian access while minimizing environmental impact on underlying wetlands, surface waters, or sandy terrain.^[1] The term originates from the wooden planks laid parallel to form the pathway, often raised on pilings to protect against tides and erosion.^[2] The modern boardwalk concept was pioneered in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in June 1870, when railroad conductor Alexander Boardman proposed a temporary eight-foot-wide wooden walkway to keep sand out of railroad cars and nearby hotels during the summer tourist season.^[3] This innovation quickly evolved into permanent structures that boosted coastal tourism by creating dry, accessible promenades separate from the beach.^[2] By the late 19th century, boardwalks became central to seaside resorts, featuring amusements, shops, and eateries. Today, boardwalks serve both recreational and ecological purposes, with notable examples including the 2.7-mile Coney Island Boardwalk in New York City, a landmark waterfront promenade built in 1923 that accommodates diverse economic classes and hosts events year-round, and the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk in Florida, originally constructed in 1923 as a cement walkway and renovated in the early 2000s for enhanced durability against storms.^[4]^[5] These structures face ongoing challenges from climate change, such as sea-level rise and erosion, prompting adaptations like elevated designs and resilient materials in national parks and urban coastal areas.^[6]^[7]

Overview

Definition

A boardwalk is an elevated footpath or walkway constructed primarily for pedestrian use, typically consisting of parallel planks—traditionally wooden but increasingly composite materials—laid perpendicular to supporting joists or beams to form a continuous surface. These structures are raised above the ground or water level by varying heights depending on the site, typically from 0.4 meters for low-profile designs to several meters for elevated structures over water or wetlands, to traverse uneven, sandy, wet, or fragile terrain such as beaches, marshes, or wetlands.^[8]^[9] The term "boardwalk" originates from the combination of "board," denoting wooden planks, and "walk," signifying a path for ambulation; it first appeared in English in 1872, describing planked routes over sandy or marshy areas.^[10] Early applications, such as the inaugural boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1870, highlighted its role in providing stable passage over beach sand to protect both users and the underlying environment.^[3] Functionally, a boardwalk acts as a low-water bridge or small viaduct, channeling foot traffic while avoiding direct contact with mud, water, or soft ground, thereby distributing weight across supports to reduce soil erosion and habitat disruption. Standard widths range from 1.2 to 3 meters to accommodate single-file or two-way pedestrian flow, with lengths scalable from brief access trails to extended promenades spanning several kilometers.^[11]^[12]^[13]

Primary Uses

Boardwalks primarily serve recreational purposes as elevated promenades along coastal areas, offering dedicated pathways for leisure activities such as walking and jogging, with some allowing or featuring adjacent paths for cycling, while providing unobstructed scenic views of the ocean and shoreline. In prominent examples like the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, a pedestrian promenade with a parallel bike path that extends three miles from 2nd to 40th Streets along the oceanfront, these structures integrate seamlessly with surrounding amenities including hotels, restaurants, shops, and amusement attractions to enhance visitor enjoyment and facilitate pedestrian movement parallel to the beach.^[14]^[15] Such designs promote safe, sand-free traversal, concentrating foot traffic away from dunes and fragile beachfront ecosystems to prevent erosion and vegetation damage.^[16] In environmental contexts, boardwalks provide essential access to sensitive natural habitats like wetlands, parks, and nature reserves, enabling exploration through trails that minimize human impact on the terrain. By elevating pathways above ground level, they allow for activities such as birdwatching, educational nature walks, and wildlife observation without trampling delicate vegetation or accelerating soil erosion and compaction.^[17]^[18]^[19] For instance, boardwalks in wetland areas like those at Beaver Hollow facilitate close interaction with ecosystems while safeguarding biodiversity and supporting conservation efforts.^[20] Boardwalks also act as transitional pathways, bridging urban developments with natural coastal or waterfront sites to improve connectivity and accessibility for recreation and observation. These structures often extend from city promenades or streets to piers, observation decks, or beach access points, as seen in California's diverse piers and boardwalks that link inland areas directly to the Pacific Ocean for enhanced public enjoyment.^[21]^[22] For temporary applications, boardwalks are deployed as short-term solutions at events, festivals, or construction sites to create stable routes over soft, muddy, or uneven ground, ensuring safe pedestrian navigation without long-term environmental disturbance. Modular or wooden variants, such as those used in construction zones, distribute weight evenly to avoid ground compaction and provide quick-install access paths for workers or attendees.^[23]^[24]

History

Early Origins

The early origins of boardwalks lie in ancient engineering efforts to navigate marshy and unstable terrains, where planked or logged structures provided stable passage for people and goods. In Roman Britain during the 1st century AD, engineers addressed the challenges of wetlands by constructing raised causeways for military roads and trade routes. Similar techniques were employed along the Fen Causeway, a 1st-century Roman route spanning the marshy Fens from Peterborough to Denver, using gravel to elevate the path above the waterlogged soil.^[25] During the medieval period, wooden walkways continued to serve utilitarian purposes in Europe's fenlands and wetlands, enabling access for farming, herding, and local transport. In the 13th century, inhabitants of what is now Berlin built a multi-layered plank causeway across marshy ground near the Spree River to support early urban expansion and safe passage during the city's founding era. This structure, measuring 6 meters wide and at least 50 meters long, consisted of oak, pine, and birch trunks laid in three horizontal layers, preserved by peat and later excavated in 2022.^[26] Such constructions were common in low-lying European regions like the English Fens and Dutch polders, where timber paths on piles or brush facilitated movement over peat bogs and tidal marshes without sinking into the mud.^[27] In colonial America, 17th-century settlers in New England adapted similar approaches to access salt marshes for agricultural purposes, likely constructing simple wooden structures over tidal wetlands to reach areas for salt hay harvesting and livestock grazing. These early paths allowed farmers to traverse the soft, inundated ground during low tides, supporting the local economy reliant on marsh resources. By the 18th century, informal plank trails emerged along coastal trade routes in regions like New Jersey, where they prevented vehicles and pedestrians from bogging down in sandy beaches during commerce and fishing activities. The first documented permanent boardwalk in the United States appeared in the 1870s in Atlantic City, New Jersey, initially as a utilitarian walkway to keep sand out of hotels and rail cars along beachfront properties.^[3] Throughout these periods, the primary motivations for boardwalks remained practical: agricultural access, transportation of goods, and traversal of unstable terrains by foot or draft animals, predating their later recreational roles.

Rise in Tourism and Recreation

The transformation of boardwalks from utilitarian pathways to central features of leisure and commerce began in the late 19th century, particularly along the United States' East Coast, where they became integral to seaside resorts. The pioneering example was the Atlantic City Boardwalk in New Jersey, constructed in 1870 as the first permanent recreational boardwalk in the country.^[28] Initially one mile long and eight feet wide, it was built at a cost equivalent to half the town's annual tax revenue to keep sand out of hotels and railroad cars while providing a dedicated promenade for visitors.^[28] This innovation quickly proved popular, attracting tourists to the area's beaches and boosting local commerce, and it inspired a nationwide trend in coastal development.^[3] By 1900, the proliferation of boardwalks had accelerated, with numerous such structures along the U.S. East Coast integrating entertainment elements like pavilions, shops, and early amusement rides to enhance visitor experiences and stimulate economic growth.^[29] Resorts like Coney Island in New York, which saw significant recreational development by 1889 including piers and attractions, exemplified this shift, drawing millions annually and transforming boardwalks into vibrant commercial hubs.^[30] These expansions not only protected shorelines but also concentrated leisure activities, fostering a culture of seaside vacationing that supported hotels, vendors, and transport infrastructure.^[29] Parallel developments occurred in Europe during the Victorian era, where promenades served similar roles in promoting health benefits and social outings. In England, Blackpool's promenade, extended between 1856 and 1870, became a key attraction with the opening of piers like the Central Pier in 1868, emphasizing sea air's therapeutic effects and drawing working-class crowds for promenading and entertainment.^[31] In France, the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, initiated in the 1820s and widened throughout the 19th century, catered to affluent English visitors seeking mild winters and coastal health cures, evolving into a symbol of leisurely seaside culture by the late 1800s.^[32] The 1920s marked the "Golden Age" of boardwalks, characterized by electrified amusements, grand piers, and mass tourism fueled by rising incomes and rail access, with Atlantic City's boardwalk exemplifying the era's opulence through attractions like the Steel Pier.^[33] However, post-World War II shifts toward automobile-dependent travel and suburbanization led to their decline, as families opted for car trips to diverse destinations over fixed resort stays, causing many boardwalks to fall into disrepair by the mid-20th century. Preservation efforts in the late 20th century, including landmark designations and restorations, revived interest, repositioning boardwalks as cultural heritage sites and sustainable tourism draws.^[34]

Military and Temporary Applications

During World War I, duckboards—interlocking wooden planks or mats—were widely deployed by British and Allied forces starting in 1915 to navigate the waterlogged and muddy terrain of the Western Front, particularly in the Flanders region of Belgium. These structures, often raised on A-frames to elevate them above standing water and sludge, allowed soldiers to traverse trenches and open ground without sinking into the mire, which could otherwise immobilize troops and exacerbate exposure to disease. Placed at the bottom of trenches to cover drainage sump-pits and extended across no-man's-land or communication routes, duckboards spanned extensive sections of the 475-mile front line, with millions of feet of timber consumed in their production to support ongoing operations. Their use significantly reduced the incidence of trench foot, a debilitating condition caused by prolonged exposure to damp and cold, which had previously led to thousands of non-combat casualties; for instance, in muddy sectors like the Ypres Salient, the presence of duckboards markedly lowered medical evacuations related to foot infections.^[35]^[36]^[37]^[38]^[39] In World War II, prefabricated plank systems evolved for rapid deployment in challenging environments, notably in the Pacific Theater where U.S. engineers constructed temporary bridges and runways over coral atolls and reef-fringed islands to facilitate troop landings and logistics. Materials like pierced steel planking (PSP), standardized interlocking metal panels, were air-dropped or shipped to sites such as Guadalcanal and Tarawa, enabling the swift creation of elevated paths that withstood heavy vehicle traffic on unstable coral surfaces. Later conflicts, including the Vietnam War, saw similar portable boardwalk adaptations in jungle settings, where U.S. and Allied forces built modular plank bridges over swamps, rivers, and dense undergrowth to support troop movements and supply lines, often using lightweight timber or composite sections that could be assembled by small engineering teams under combat conditions. These systems minimized delays from terrain obstacles, allowing for more efficient patrols and resupply in areas like the Mekong Delta, where traditional roads were absent.^[40]^[41] Post-war, temporary boardwalks found applications in disaster relief and construction, providing safe access over flooded or unstable ground without permanent infrastructure. Following events like the 1953 North Sea flood, which inundated coastal areas in the Netherlands and UK, emergency teams deployed makeshift plank paths to reach isolated communities and deliver aid, bridging breached dikes and submerged fields to expedite rescue operations. In modern construction sites, portable duckboard-style mats—often precast concrete or composite panels—are routinely used to create walkways across soft, erodible soils, preventing worker accidents and soil compaction during excavation or foundation work. These temporary installations, distinct from fixed recreational or environmental boardwalks, prioritize quick setup and removal to support short-term needs in high-risk zones.^[42]^[43] Military and temporary boardwalks emphasize modularity and portability, typically featuring lightweight sections around 1x2 meters that interlock without specialized tools for rapid assembly and disassembly by hand. Designs often incorporate raised supports to distribute weight evenly over mud, sand, or debris, using materials like treated wood, aluminum, or synthetics for durability in adverse conditions. This approach, refined from wartime necessities, influences contemporary modular variants by enabling scalable, reusable solutions for urgent scenarios.^[44]^[45]^[46]

Types and Designs

Beach and Coastal Boardwalks

Beach and coastal boardwalks are elevated wooden or composite promenades constructed parallel to shorelines in marine environments, designed to withstand exposure to saltwater, waves, and tidal fluctuations. These structures typically feature long, linear pathways supported by pilings driven into the sand or seabed, raising the deck at least 0.6 meters above the high water mark to mitigate flooding, erosion, and damage from storm surges. Widths vary but can reach up to 10 meters to accommodate heavy pedestrian crowds, as seen in prominent examples like the Atlantic City Boardwalk, which spans 18 meters in places to handle tourist volumes.^[8]^[47] Design adaptations for these boardwalks include straight or curved layouts that conform to natural beach contours, with minimum curve radii of 5 meters to ensure safe navigation around dunes and obstacles. Safety railings, typically 1.1 meters high for pedestrians, line the edges to prevent falls, often constructed from corrosion-resistant materials like galvanized steel or stainless steel to endure salty air. Evening usability is enhanced by pathway lighting fixtures positioned low along the deck to illuminate walking surfaces without excessive glare, guiding users while minimizing light pollution in coastal ecosystems. These elements originated from early tourist needs but have evolved for durability in harsh marine conditions.^[8]^[48] Commonly found along sandy Atlantic and Pacific coasts, such boardwalks are integrated with dune systems to channel foot traffic away from fragile vegetation, reducing overwash risks during storms by preserving natural barriers. Examples include the elevated promenades at Virginia Beach on the Atlantic side and Manhattan Beach on the Pacific, where designs elevate pathways over dunes to protect against wave action and erosion.^[49]^[50] Maintenance focuses on combating saltwater corrosion, which accelerates decay in untreated wood through salt crystal formation and marine borer activity. Structures employ pressure-treated timbers or naturally resistant hardwoods, with stainless steel fasteners to extend longevity, but periodic replanking is essential every 10-20 years due to plank exposure to moisture and UV degradation. Pilings, treated to H6 marine standards, last 25-35 years in high-salinity zones like the Gulf Coast, requiring inspections for rot and replacement to maintain structural integrity against ongoing wave impacts.^[8]^[51]^[52]

Inland and Wetland Boardwalks

Inland and wetland boardwalks are engineered pathways designed to provide access to sensitive non-coastal environments such as marshes, swamps, and forests while minimizing ecological disturbance. These structures typically feature narrower paths, often 1 to 2 meters wide, to accommodate small groups of visitors and reduce the footprint on fragile terrain. The walkways wind through vegetated areas, supported by low posts or helical piles that screw into the ground without extensive excavation, thereby avoiding damage to roots and soil layers. This support system ensures stability in soft, waterlogged substrates common to wetlands.^[53]^[54] Design adaptations emphasize interpretive and educational purposes, with zigzag or looped routes that follow natural contours to highlight diverse habitats like shrublands, open water, and forested wetlands. Board sections are often spaced or elevated to permit wildlife passage underneath, preserving movement corridors for animals such as amphibians and small mammals. These configurations promote low-impact exploration, allowing visitors to observe ecosystems without trampling vegetation.^[53]^[55] Common locations include national parks and urban greenways, where boardwalks facilitate activities like birdwatching and environmental education. For instance, the Anhinga Trail in Everglades National Park features an elevated boardwalk looping through sawgrass marsh, offering close views of alligators and wading birds while protecting the underlying habitat. In urban settings, such as the Willow Creek Greenway in Beaverton, Oregon, these paths connect communities to natural areas amid development.^[56]^[57] Integration with nature prioritizes low-profile aesthetics, using natural materials like wood to blend seamlessly with surroundings and incorporating features such as benches and observation platforms for rest and viewing. These elements enhance user experience without dominating the landscape, ensuring the boardwalk serves as a subtle conduit for appreciation rather than a prominent alteration. Modular options can enable quick installation in such settings, though detailed variants are addressed elsewhere.^[53]

Elevated and Modular Variants

Elevated boardwalk designs feature structures raised above ground or water level, often several meters high depending on site conditions, supported by steel or concrete pilings driven deep into the substrate to withstand flooding and erosion in vulnerable coastal or wetland environments. These pilings, such as helical steel screws or precast concrete caissons, minimize soil disturbance while allowing natural tidal flows and water passage beneath the walkway, reducing hydrodynamic pressures during storms. For instance, in flood-prone areas like U.S. northeastern wetlands, concrete caissons provide durable elevation for pedestrian paths, ensuring longevity of 50-75 years under wet conditions.^[58]^[54]^[59] Modular boardwalk systems consist of prefabricated sections made from lightweight materials like aluminum or recycled plastic composites, which connect via snap-together or interlocking mechanisms for rapid assembly without specialized tools. Aluminum frames with composite decking, for example, attach to support structures using hidden fasteners, enabling easy transport and on-site reconfiguration for trails in parks or seasonal recreational areas. Plastic-based variants, such as fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) panels, offer corrosion resistance and are commonly used in remote eco-trails where relocation may be needed due to environmental shifts. These systems facilitate expansion by adding sections incrementally, as seen in customizable waterfront paths that adapt to varying site layouts.^[60]^[61]^[62] Hybrid variants integrate elevated or modular elements with accessibility features like integrated ramps meeting ADA standards and sustainable additions such as solar-powered LED lighting along the pathways. In eco-tourism settings, these designs combine raised aluminum sections with gentle ramps for wheelchair access and wildlife-friendly solar fixtures that illuminate trails without grid dependency, enhancing nighttime safety while preserving dark skies. For example, coastal boardwalks in sensitive habitats employ such hybrids to promote inclusive nature experiences.^[18]^[63]^[64] The primary advantages of elevated and modular variants include significantly faster installation—often completing in days compared to months for traditional fixed constructions—and greater adaptability to dynamic landscapes, such as those affected by rising sea levels. Prefabricated components reduce on-site labor and disruption, while elevated pilings inherently accommodate flood events by permitting water flow underneath, supporting long-term resilience in climate-vulnerable regions. This modularity also allows for straightforward repairs or relocations, minimizing downtime and environmental impact during maintenance.^[65]^[62]^[66]

Construction and Materials

Structural Components

Boardwalks are engineered structures designed to provide stable pathways over unstable terrains such as beaches, wetlands, or dunes, with their structural integrity relying on interconnected components that distribute loads and resist environmental forces. The primary elements include foundations, supports, decking, and safety features like railings, each tailored to site-specific conditions including soil type, water exposure, and expected usage. Foundations form the base of boardwalk stability, typically consisting of pilings driven into the substrate to counteract shifting sands, soft soils, or tidal movements. Common types include wooden pilings made from treated timber, such as Southern Pine meeting AWPA UC4C or UC5A-C standards for fresh or saltwater environments, with minimum tip diameters of 7-8 inches and embedment depths ranging from 8-12 feet in fresh water to site-specific depths of 7-18 feet in wetlands for helical piles. Steel pilings or screw-in helical anchors are also used, particularly in rocky or wet soils, where helical piles with 3- to 7-foot extensions achieve depths up to 18 feet to develop sufficient soil resistance against uplift and lateral forces. These pilings are spaced approximately 8-10 feet apart, with depths generally 2-5 meters (6.5-16 feet) to ensure load-bearing capacity, as determined by geotechnical analysis per standards like AS 2159 or US Army Corps of Engineers guidelines.^[67]^[54]^[8]^[68] Supports, including cross beams (or headstocks) and joists, elevate and reinforce the walking surface above the foundations. Cross beams, often double 150x75 mm treated hardwood bolted with M20 fasteners, span up to 3 meters between pilings to transfer loads evenly. Joists, typically 75 mm wide hardwood or 2x8 to 3x10 inch Southern Pine stringers, are spaced 40-60 cm (16-24 inches) on center to support decking while allowing for spans of 3-3.5 meters, with pile spacing around 3 meters adjusted for soil tolerances. These elements bear pedestrian loads and incorporate bracing, such as raked piles or cross-bracing, to resist lateral forces from wind or waves, using galvanized or stainless steel connections in corrosive environments.^[8]^[67] Decking consists of planks laid perpendicular to the joists, providing the user interface with gaps for drainage and expansion. Planks are typically 35x70 mm or 35x120 mm treated hardwood, or 2x6 inch No.1 Southern Pine, nailed or clipped in place with stainless steel fasteners, featuring gaps of 1/8 to 1/4 inch (3-6 mm) or up to 13 mm maximum to prevent water pooling and accommodate wood movement. Joins are staggered, with plank lengths up to 3.6 meters, and widths at least 120 mm for accessibility with wheeled devices. Railings, when required for elevated or coastal boardwalks, are installed at a height of approximately 1 meter (42 inches nominal) from the deck surface, including a top rail, intermediate rail, and posts to meet safety standards for pedestrian protection.^[8]^[67]^[69] Load considerations in boardwalk design ensure durability under pedestrian traffic, environmental stresses, and dynamic forces, with engineering focused on even weight distribution across components. Uniform distributed loads are typically designed for 4-5 kPa (80-100 psf) for the decking and joists, including a minimum live load of 50 psf (2.4 kPa) for pedestrian use, plus dead loads of 0.85-1.25 kPa from the structure itself. Concentrated loads, such as 4.5 kN point loads or 1.8 kN over 350 mm², account for crowd dynamics, while wind, wave, and seismic factors require serviceability limits like span/360 for deflection under uniform loads per AS 1170.1 or AASHTO standards. Foundations and supports are engineered for up to 500 kg/m² total capacity in high-traffic areas, with variations in material selection influencing component sizing for corrosion resistance or longevity.^[8]^[67]^[54]

Traditional vs. Modern Techniques

Traditional boardwalk construction in the late 19th century relied heavily on manual labor and rudimentary tools, particularly for elevated structures like those developed in Atlantic City during the 1870s and 1880s. Workers used sledgehammers to drive wooden pilings into the sand manually, often supplemented by simple drop hammers powered by human or animal effort, as steam-powered equipment was not yet widespread for such applications. Lumber was hand-sawn on-site from local timber sources, and assembly involved basic framing techniques without precise measurement tools, leading to extended construction timelines; for instance, the initial mile-long Atlantic City boardwalk in 1870 and subsequent elevations, such as the 1884 version raised 5 feet on pilings, required months of labor-intensive work by teams of dozens to complete even short segments.^[70]^[71] In contrast, modern boardwalk construction employs advanced machinery and digital tools to enhance precision and speed. Hydraulic pile drivers, often mounted on excavators or specialized rigs, are used to install pilings efficiently, allowing for deeper and more uniform penetration compared to manual methods; these devices can drive helical or timber piles for boardwalks in coastal or wetland environments with minimal ground disturbance. Laser leveling systems ensure accurate alignment of decking and supports, maintaining even grades across uneven terrain, while computer-aided design (CAD) software facilitates detailed planning, simulating load-bearing capacities and environmental factors before groundbreaking. Additionally, drone surveys provide high-resolution aerial assessments of sites, identifying topography, vegetation, and access challenges to optimize layout and reduce on-site surprises.^[72]^[73]^[74]^[75] The evolution of boardwalk building processes has shifted from labor-intensive on-site milling and assembly to factory prefabrication, where components like deck panels and railings are manufactured off-site under controlled conditions. This transition minimizes material waste—often by up to 90% through precise cutting—and reduces overall labor requirements by approximately 50% by streamlining installation to simple bolting or connecting of pre-built modules. Prefabrication also allows for better quality control, as seen in modular systems for wetland boardwalks that arrive ready for rapid deployment.^[54]^[76]^[77] Safety advancements in contemporary techniques further distinguish modern practices from their historical counterparts. OSHA-compliant scaffolding systems, including modular aluminum frames with guardrails, provide stable elevated work platforms during piling and decking phases, significantly lowering fall risks that plagued early builds. Non-slip coatings applied to temporary walkways and tools during construction enhance worker traction on sandy or wet surfaces, reducing slip-and-fall incidents by promoting better grip in dynamic environments. These measures, combined with automated equipment, have substantially improved site safety records compared to the manual hazards of the 19th century.

Material Selection

Traditional materials for boardwalk decking often include pressure-treated pine or cedar, which offer natural resistance to decay but have a typical lifespan of 15-25 years depending on maintenance and exposure.^[78]^[79] These woods are chemically treated or naturally rot-resistant, yet they remain vulnerable to fungal growth and rot in persistently wet or coastal environments, necessitating regular sealing and inspections to extend usability.^[80]^[81] Modern alternatives prioritize longevity and low maintenance, such as composite lumber made from recycled plastic and wood fibers, which resists insects, UV degradation, and moisture while lasting 25-50 years with minimal upkeep.^[82]^[83] For structural supports in corrosive settings like saltwater exposure, aluminum provides superior resistance to rust and environmental degradation, ensuring structural integrity over decades without frequent replacements.^[84]^[85] Material selection hinges on balancing durability, cost, and sustainability factors. Traditional wood decking materials typically range from $20-50 per square meter, while composites cost $50-100 per square meter, reflecting the latter's enhanced performance but higher initial investment.^[86] Environmental considerations emphasize sourcing FSC-certified timber to promote responsible forestry and biodiversity protection, alongside adherence to local regulations that prohibit or restrict tropical hardwoods to prevent deforestation and illegal logging.^[87]^[88] Recent innovations enhance boardwalk resilience through permeable decking designs that facilitate water flow and reduce pooling, minimizing erosion risks in rainy or tidal areas.^[89] Additionally, incorporating recycled ocean plastic into decking and supports boosts coastal applications by diverting marine debris from landfills and improving durability against wave impacts and salt corrosion.^[90]

Notable Examples

Iconic North American Boardwalks

The Atlantic City Boardwalk in New Jersey, opened in 1870 as the world's first boardwalk, stretches approximately 6.4 kilometers along the coastline and was initially constructed to keep sand out of hotels and streets.^[3]^[28] It features prominent casinos, legalized in 1976 to revitalize the local economy following mid-20th-century decline, and the historic Steel Pier, an amusement pier that debuted in 1898 with diving horse shows and other spectacles before closing in 1982 due to fire damage.^[91]^[92] Ongoing restorations since the 2010s have focused on enhancing non-gambling attractions to attract diverse tourists.^[93] In Ocean City, Maryland, the boardwalk dates to 1902, when hotel owners built a wooden walkway to improve guest access to the beach, evolving into a 4.8-kilometer path lined with shops, eateries, and amusement rides.^[94]^[95] Known for its family-oriented atmosphere, it hosts annual events such as Springfest and Sunfest, drawing crowds for music, crafts, and beach activities that emphasize nostalgic seaside recreation.^[96] The Virginia Beach Boardwalk in Virginia, first established in the 1880s with wooden planks between 12th and 16th Streets, now spans 4.8 kilometers as a 28-foot-wide elevated concrete promenade from 1st to 40th Street, rebuilt in the 20th century for durability.^[97]^[98] It provides direct access to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and incorporates storm-resistant features from the 1990s-2000s U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project, including a widened beach, seawall, and groins to mitigate hurricane damage.^[14]^[99] A notable Canadian example is the Stanley Park Seawall pathway in Vancouver, British Columbia, a paved coastal route where construction began in the 1910s—specifically in 1917—and the 9-kilometer loop around the park was completed by 1980, blending with natural forest trails and ocean views.^[100]^[101] This urban-nature hybrid offers scenic walks amid totem poles, gardens, and wildlife, serving as a vital recreational link between the city and the Pacific waterfront, though it is a seawall rather than a traditional elevated boardwalk. These iconic boardwalks share common traits as key economic drivers for regional tourism, with major sites like Virginia Beach attracting over 14 million visitors annually as of 2024, generating billions in spending on lodging, dining, and entertainment.^[102]

International Boardwalks

One of the earliest and most iconic international coastal promenades similar to boardwalks is the Blackpool Promenade in the United Kingdom, constructed starting in 1868 as part of the town's transformation into a Victorian seaside resort.^[103] Spanning approximately 11 kilometers along the Irish Sea coast, it features seasonal illuminations that have drawn millions since their inception in 1879, evolving the site from a modest spa destination into a vibrant entertainment hub with piers, arcades, and cultural events.^[104] The promenade's design emphasizes pedestrian accessibility and leisure, reflecting 19th-century British coastal tourism trends. In Australia, the Bondi Beach coastal path, developed in the 1880s amid the suburb's growth as a recreational area, exemplifies adaptive seaside infrastructure integrated with urban life. Approximately 1 km long along the beach, this paved walkway offers panoramic ocean views and connects to broader fitness trails, underscoring Bondi's role as a center for surfing culture since the early 20th century, where annual competitions and community events promote active lifestyles.^[105]^[106] The Scheveningen Boulevard in the Netherlands, originating in the 19th century as a resort extension of The Hague, integrates a pier walkway approximately 0.37 km long, engineered to withstand North Sea storms through reinforced concrete structures and flood barriers. Built initially as a wooden pier in 1901 and later modernized to about 370 meters, it combines leisure promenades with resilient design elements like elevated sections and wave-deflecting pilings, highlighting Dutch expertise in coastal protection; the broader promenade extends about 4 km.^[107]^[108]^[109] In Asia, Sentosa Island in Singapore features modern elevated eco-boardwalks, such as the 670-meter Sentosa Boardwalk opened in 2011, which traverses mangrove habitats to promote biodiversity and sustainable tourism. These structures incorporate themed gardens, including mangrove zones with native flora, and utilize renewable energy features like underwater turbines, aligning with the island's goal of carbon neutrality by 2030. Recent enhancements as of 2025 include improved accessibility and eco-monitoring to address sea-level rise.^[110]^[111] Globally, European promenades like those in Blackpool and Scheveningen tend to be integrated with public transport networks, such as trams and trains, facilitating day trips from nearby cities, whereas Asia-Pacific examples, including Sentosa's expansive networks, prioritize larger leisure zones with integrated resorts and eco-trails for prolonged visitor engagement.^[112]^[113]

Environmental and Cultural Impact

Ecological Benefits and Challenges

Boardwalks provide significant ecological benefits by elevating pathways above sensitive terrains, thereby minimizing human-induced disturbances such as soil compaction and erosion in wetlands and coastal areas.^[20]^[19] By directing foot traffic onto durable surfaces, these structures reduce vegetation trampling and preserve natural soil structures, allowing plant roots and microbial communities to thrive without interruption.^[114] Additionally, boardwalks facilitate non-invasive habitat monitoring, enabling researchers and conservationists to observe wildlife and ecosystem dynamics while limiting direct contact with fragile environments.^[115] Despite these advantages, boardwalk construction and maintenance present ecological challenges, particularly during installation phases where noise from piling and machinery can disrupt local wildlife behaviors, causing temporary displacement of birds and mammals.^[116] A notable concern involves the use of preservative-treated wood, which can leach chemicals like copper, chromium, arsenic, and zinc into surrounding soils and waterways, potentially affecting aquatic organisms and sediment quality in wetland ecosystems.^[117] These risks are often mitigated through the adoption of composite or recycled plastic materials, which exhibit lower leaching rates and greater durability in moist environments.^[118] In the context of climate change, elevated boardwalk designs enhance adaptation to sea-level rise, projected to increase globally by 0.29–1.10 meters by 2100, by maintaining access and structural integrity in inundation-prone areas without exacerbating flood risks.^[119]^[120] Furthermore, incorporating permeable materials in boardwalk decking supports stormwater management by allowing water infiltration, reducing runoff volumes and pollutant transport into adjacent ecosystems.^[121] Case studies illustrate these dynamics effectively, as seen in the Everglades National Park where boardwalks like the Anhinga Trail traverse sawgrass marshes, preserving these unique habitats by preventing visitor-induced erosion and enabling safe observation of biodiversity hotspots.^[122] However, even with such protections, occasional challenges arise, such as the inadvertent spread of invasive species through visitor traffic on boardwalks, which can introduce seeds or propagules to previously undisturbed areas despite mitigation efforts.^[123]^[124]

Cultural Significance

Boardwalks have long served as evocative symbols in American popular culture, capturing the essence of seaside leisure and romance. The 1964 song "Under the Boardwalk" by The Drifters, written by Kenny Young and Arthur Resnick, topped charts at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and portrays a clandestine lovers' rendezvous shaded from the sun amid the sounds of amusement parks and ocean waves, embodying mid-20th-century summer escapism.^[125] In film, boardwalks often backdrop tales of thrill and nostalgia; for instance, the 1987 horror classic The Lost Boys prominently features the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk as a vibrant, vampire-haunted carnival setting that blends funfair excitement with underlying menace. As communal gathering spaces, boardwalks foster social bonds and annual traditions that reinforce community identity. In Wildwood, New Jersey, the Boardwalk Craft Show has become a staple event since its inception, held on select summer weekends with vendors offering handmade goods along the promenade, drawing families for a blend of shopping, entertainment, and beachside relaxation.^[126] These venues evoke a profound nostalgia for pre-digital eras of unhurried seaside outings, where the rhythmic crash of waves and distant calliope music provided simple joys away from modern distractions, a sentiment echoed in cultural reflections on boardwalks as timeless summer sanctuaries.^[127] Boardwalks intertwine economic vitality with cultural heritage, enhancing local pride while generating substantial revenue through tourism. Along the Jersey Shore, these promenades contribute to New Jersey's record $50.6 billion in visitor spending in 2024, supporting jobs and businesses tied to seasonal influxes that sustain regional economies.^[128] Preservation efforts, such as New Jersey's $100 million Boardwalk Preservation Fund launched in 2024, underscore commitments to maintaining authentic experiences amid pressures from over-commercialization, with investments in 18 towns aimed at repairing infrastructure to preserve nostalgic charm rather than succumbing to excessive development.^[129] Internationally, boardwalks find parallels in literary depictions of promenades as democratizing public spaces. In 19th-century England, Charles Dickens highlighted such venues in his travel writings, describing a 1869 visit to Blackpool's seafront promenade as "a delicious walk by the sea," where diverse social classes mingled freely along the shore, fostering unexpected interactions in an otherwise stratified society.^[130]

References

[1]
N.H. Admin. Code § Env-Wt 102.26 - "Boardwalk" | State Regulations
"Boardwalk" means an elevated walkway designed for use by pedestrians or non-motorized vehicles, or both, to allow access over wetlands or surface waters, ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
[2]
Under the Boardwalk | Timeless - Library of Congress Blogs
Jun 26, 2015 · The city used its tax revenues to build an eight-foot-wide temporary wooden walkway from the beach into town that could be dismantled during the ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
[3]
Atlantic City's First Boardwalk - June, 1870
Alexander Boardman, a railroad conductor, conceived the idea of constructing a boardwalk as a means of keeping sand out of the railroad cars and hotels. The ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
[4]
Climate Change Connections: New Jersey (The Jersey Shore)
Aug 11, 2025 · The boardwalk itself, once just a convenient way to separate the sandy beach from hotels and storefronts, hosts iconic arcades, games, rides, ...
[5]
[PDF] Coney Island (Riegelmann) Boardwalk - NYC.gov
May 15, 2018 · Coney Island's boardwalk is one of the best- known waterfront promenades in the world. The 2.7-mile boardwalk has given people of all economic ...
[6]
[PDF] Hollywood Beach Resort History
Jul 23, 2025 · One of the most impactful efforts was the revitalization of the Hollywood Beach. Broadwalk. Originally constructed with wooden planks, the ...
[7]
Boardwalks: Building Tourism - Nature Bridges
Jul 11, 2023 · Boardwalks are a way to get from one place to another, especially through rough or environmentally sensitive terrain. Many boardwalk ...
[8]
[PDF] Boardwalk Design Guide - Wilson Timbers
To speed up the installation process, it is suggested that the f nished deck width be 0.1 m under the nominal timber length. This allows an additional 50 mm ...
[9]
Key Considerations for Designing Highly Elevated Boardwalks
Sep 30, 2024 · Highly elevated boardwalks are pedestrian walkways that stand at least 15 feet above the ground or water level.
[10]
boardwalk, n. meanings, etymology and more | Oxford English ...
The earliest known use of the noun boardwalk is in the 1870s. OED's earliest evidence for boardwalk is from 1872, in the writing of F. M. A. Roe. boardwalk ...
[11]
[PDF] Wetlands Rules: Index of Project-Specific Information for ... - NH.gov
Apr 14, 2021 · Boardwalk means an elevated walkway designed for use by pedestrians or non-motorized vehicles, or both, to allow access over wetlands or ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[12]
Boardwalk/Walkover | Abbott Construction
A boardwalk is an elevated footpath, walkway, or causeway built with wooden planks that enables pedestrians to cross wet, fragile, or marshy land.<|control11|><|separator|>
[13]
Boardwalk & Pedestrian Bridge Widths: 5' to 14' Clearance [Photos]
Apr 26, 2024 · These vary from 4' clear width for single lane traffic to a 14'-6'' clearance, which allows for multiple lanes of pedestrian and cyclist traffic.
[14]
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Stretching from 2nd to 40th Streets along our world-famous Oceanfront, the Virginia Beach Boardwalk may just be the quintessential Virginia Beach experience ...
[15]
Virginia Beach Boardwalk
A park-like atmosphere that goes on for miles, lined with hotels, restaurants, beach playgrounds, retail shops, attractions as well as the iconic three-mile ...
[16]
Walkovers & Boardwalks on the Beach - Florida DEP Guidelines
Dec 8, 2016 · Provide protection for beach topography · Prevent disruption to vegetation and coastal ecosystem from foot traffic · Allow access for pedestrians ...
[17]
How Boardwalks and Trails Enhance Wetland Access While ...
Jan 30, 2025 · Accessible boardwalks make wetlands more inviting for education and recreation. They facilitate nature walks, birdwatching, and environmental ...
[18]
How to Bring Nature Closer with Boardwalks
Jan 10, 2024 · Elevated Walkways An elevated walkway can provide a unique perspective of the landscape. Visitors can experience nature from a different ...
[19]
THREE REASONS WHY BOARDWALKS ARE YOUR BEST OPTION
Jan 10, 2019 · However, since boardwalks are elevated, they allow the nature that is below to remain largely untouched and safe from disruption. Boardwalks do ...
[20]
Benefits of Boardwalks - Friends of the North Pikes Creek Wetlands
All foot traffic through the wetland is confined to this elevated walkway, which allows the nature that is below it to remain largely untouched and safe from ...
[21]
Piers & Boardwalks | Visit California
A diverse collection of piers and boardwalks dot the California coastline and each provides easy access to the majesty and power of the Pacific Ocean.
[22]
THE 15 BEST United States Piers & Boardwalks (2025) - Tripadvisor
The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is a special walking area, one of the top places in the US to walk, bike, etc. It goes 1.5 miles in each ...
[23]
Temporary Sidewalks in Construction Areas - National Traffic Designs
Wooden Boardwalks. Wooden boardwalks are another option for temporary sidewalks in construction areas, especially in locations with softer or uneven ground.
[24]
https://primamat.com/pages/portable-walkways
[25]
A brief history of the Great Fen
People used stilts, punts and bone ice skates to make their way across the fens. Rights to cut reed were carefully controlled and managed by manorial courts.
[26]
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/397241079_State_of_preservation_of_a_medieval_wooden_causeway_found_in_Berlin_city_centre
[27]
[PDF] Pre-industrial Roads Trackways Canals IHA - Historic England
Oct 1, 2018 · Long distance routeways, used for special purposes developed during the medieval period, such as pilgrims routes leading to famous shrines, or ...
[28]
History of Atlantic City
The first boardwalk built in the United States was in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1870. A petition was presented to City Council on April 25, 1870 for the ...
[29]
Why Do Beaches Have Boardwalks? - Award-Winning Author
Jul 24, 2018 · And the boardwalk supposedly took its name not from the wooden boards but from the structure's designer, Alex Boardman.
[30]
By Charles Denson | Coney Island History Project
John and Louise raised their family in a three-story brick building ensconced below the last turn of the L.A. Thompson Scenic Railway on West 8th Street, a ...
[31]
A History of Blackpool - Local Histories
Mar 14, 2021 · In the years 1856-1870, a Promenade was built along the seafront. Then in 1863, North Pier opened. Central Pier followed in 1868. Then in ...
[32]
https://geriwalton.com/nices-promenade-des-anglais-or-the-avenue-of-the-english-in-the-1800s/
[33]
https://www.thedigestonline.com/new-jersey/atlantic-city-boardwalk/
[34]
Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk Highlights - NYC Parks
After the city secured title to property along the beachfront, the $3 million beach improvement and boardwalk construction began in 1921. The immense ...Missing: 1889 | Show results with:1889
[35]
duckboard, British, First World War | Imperial War Museums
They were used throughout the First World War being usually placed at the bottom of the trenches to cover the sump-pits, the drainage holes.
[36]
Laying the duckboards, France 1917 - Australian War Memorial
Depicts soldiers from a Pioneer unit laying a duckboard track across muddy fields in a war damaged landscape, probably in the Ypres Salient, France in 1917.
[37]
Trench Diseases of the First World War
... duck-boards to keep the men's feet dry. The so-called wooden inverted 'A Frame' proved particularly efficient at supporting the duck-boards above water ...
[38]
Duckboards - Spartacus Educational
Wooden planking, known as duckboards, were placed at the bottom of trenches and across other areas of muddy or waterlogged ground.
[39]
Life in the trenches of the First World War
By November 1914 there was a continuous line of trenches covering some 400 miles from Switzerland to the North Sea. ... Note scaling ladders (duckboards) across ...
[40]
[PDF] Engineer Aviation Units in the Southwest Pacific Theater ... - DTIC
This research demonstrates that aviation engineer units rapidly constructed these airbases and provided the necessary facilities for land-based aircraft so that ...
[41]
[PDF] NAVY SEABEE OPERATIONS PACIFIC THEATER DURING ...
In the Pacific Theater, coral reefs prevented the deeper draft landing vessels from beaching. By mid 1944 most Pacific-based LSTs were fitted with two pre ...
[42]
[PDF] The Corps of Engineers: The War Against Japan - GovInfo
Contributions of the Corps of Engineers to victory in war, and to our country's peacetime history, are well known and appreciated. The skill.<|separator|>
[43]
North Sea Flood 1953 - Association of Drainage Authorities
Feb 1, 2018 · The 1953 North Sea flood was a devastating disaster caused by a storm and spring tide, with water levels over 5.6m, causing 307 deaths in ...Missing: boardwalks | Show results with:boardwalks
[44]
Precast concrete duckboards
Create safe temporary pedestrian walkways around construction sites with our precast concrete duckboards. They're quick to install, reusable and more ...
[45]
SignaRoad® Composite Construction Mats for Temporary Roadways
SignaRoad composite mats provide heavy-duty ground protection & create reliable portable roadways & safe accessways for vehicles, equipment & pedestrians.
[46]
FAUN TRACKWAY | Military Systems and Technology
FAUN Trackway designs and manufactures a range of high-quality portable access systems for use in military and civilian disaster and emergency relief ...
[47]
The Atlantic City Boardwalk: A Wooden Walkway to the Sea
Jun 8, 2021 · This initially mile-long wooden walkway from the beach into the town was erected in 1870 to solve a problem not anticipated by the Town's ...
[48]
Boardwalk Lighting: Key Considerations in Lighting Projects
Pathway lights are designed to guide pedestrians along the boardwalk, providing focused illumination on walking surfaces. These fixtures are typically lower to ...Missing: adaptations railings
[49]
Boardwalks: How They Protect the Dune Ecosystem - Nature Bridges
May 20, 2022 · Boardwalk pathways provide a trail that helps keep our feet away from the fragile plants and animals. Sand fences are also an effective way to keep the dunes ...
[50]
The Best Boardwalks of the West - Sunset Magazine
Jun 3, 2019 · Few activities beat strolling a boardwalk in the summer with an ice cream cone. Here are the best boardwalks of the West.
[51]
How Long Do Wood Pilings Last in Saltwater? - Building Products Plus
Sep 15, 2025 · Gulf Coast (Texas, Louisiana, Florida). Warm waters, high salinity, aggressive marine borers; Lifespan: 25–35 years with proper treatment; ...Missing: boardwalk plank replanking
[52]
The Life Expectancy of a Deck—And When to Replace It
In Corpus Christi, a pressure-treated wood deck will typically last 10 to 15 years, assuming it's sealed regularly and kept dry. The high humidity and salt in ...
[53]
[PDF] CONSTRUCTING WETLAND BOARDWALKS AND TRAILS
Key elements include access, parking, boardwalk/trail, signing, and brochures. Steps include forming a group, identifying objectives, and inventorying the area.
[54]
[PDF] Innovative Foundations for Boardwalks and VIewing Platforms
Digging holes or driving piles into swampy ground and building up stone and log cribbing are conventional techniques for constructing elevated boardwalk ...
[55]
Guide to Wetland Boardwalks | PermaTrak
These resources exist to help you throughout the process of planning, designing, and constructing a boardwalk over wetlands, mangroves, and marshes.
[56]
Anhinga Trail - Everglades National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Mar 17, 2025 · Trail Description: This self-guiding trail winds through a sawgrass marsh, where you may see alligators, turtles, anhingas, herons, egrets, and ...Missing: design | Show results with:design
[57]
[PDF] Willow Creek Greenway Boardwalk Design Review, Variance and ...
The project involves a raised boardwalk through the Willow Creek riparian, wetland ... otherwise required by the City's Engineering Design Manual Standard Drawing ...
[58]
Boardwalk Foundations: Which Type Is Right for My Project?
Sep 8, 2021 · When geographical and soil conditions allow, the best choice for the boardwalk foundation is the PermaTrak precast concrete pier system. It is ...
[59]
Helical Piles for Flood Zones | Premium Technical
Premium Technical Services offers a broad range of steel foundation piles used to support boardwalks in environmentally sensitive areas.
[60]
Trail & Boardwalk Systems | FWM Docks & EZ Dock Northeast
FWM offers maintenance-free, pre-fabricated, and customizable systems, including aluminum and floating poly options, that are easy to install and ...Missing: snap | Show results with:snap
[61]
Boardwalks | TimberStrong
Aug 30, 2023 · TimberStrong boardwalks use a hidden fastener system and composite decking, with prefabricated aluminum sections, attached to aluminum frames, ...Missing: modular plastic snap
[62]
Design & Install FRP Boardwalks - Wagners CFT
Our prefabricated, modularised designs make for quick and easy installation. ... From remote trails in national parks, to major thoroughfares in populated ...
[63]
Greenshine's Wildlife-Friendly Solar Lighting
Greenshine's turtle- and wildlife-friendly solar lighting systems are already being used in: Coastal communities and beachfronts – for boardwalks, pathways, and ...Missing: hybrid accessibility
[64]
Exploring Sustainable Boardwalk Design with York Bridge Concepts
Dec 16, 2024 · YBC's boardwalk designs begin with a thorough assessment of the site. This includes studying soil, vegetation, water flow, and local wildlife.Missing: inland features
[65]
PermaTrak System: Benefits of Removable Boardwalk Sections
Jul 23, 2025 · PermaTrak's modular boardwalk system makes it easy to remove and replace damaged sections without tearing out entire spans or shutting down ...
[66]
Boardwalk Construction - Struktis
Our modular approach moves most work off-site, so on-site installation is typically much shorter than traditional methods—especially in sensitive or hard-to- ...
[67]
[PDF] MARINE CONSTRUCTION GUIDE | Culpeper Wood Preservers
The combination of pile caps and the stringer system form the part of the structure that carries the decking live load (assumed 50 psf), plus dead load, to the ...
[68]
[PDF] US Army Corps of Engineers "Design of Pile Foundations"
Jan 15, 1991 · This manual provides design guidance intended specifically for the geotechnical and structural engineer but also provides essential information.
[69]
[PDF] Trail Bridge Rail Systems - USDA Forest Service
A standard railing shall consist of a top rail, intermediate rail, and posts. The railing shall have a vertical height of 42 inches nominal from the upper.Missing: components | Show results with:components
[70]
Pile Driving Part I: Introduction to Hammers and Techniques
Feb 25, 2020 · In the nineteenth century, a number of advances allowed for greater use of driven piles. First, steam replaced human power to turn the ...
[71]
Resorts and Recreation (Chapter 4) - National Park Service
Jan 10, 2005 · The boardwalk was a collection of flashy signs, lights, and products that must have seemed particularly urban during the first years of the automobile.
[72]
Helical Piles for Dock and Boardwalk ... - Blog - PierTech Systems
Apr 23, 2021 · The PierTech hydraulic single speed drivehead is chosen based upon what torque needs to be reached to install the helicals. The Pier Tech system ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[73]
https://www.engineersupply.com/Construction-Laser-Levels-Explained.aspx
[74]
555. Free Download Professional Boardwalk CAD Drawing with Full ...
Detailed analysis of a wooden boardwalk CAD drawing: structure, foundation, materials. Free DWG file download for architects and engineers.
[75]
Construction | DroneDeploy
Construction management software to monitor site conditions throughout the project lifecycle. Use drones, 360 cameras and robots to capture data.Missing: modern boardwalk techniques hydraulic pile laser<|control11|><|separator|>
[76]
The Sustainable Benefits of Offsite Construction
Using offsite construction methods can reduce waste by up to 90%. This is because prefabricated components are made to exact specifications in a controlled ...
[77]
Making modular construction fit - McKinsey & Company
May 10, 2023 · McKinsey analysis suggests that modular techniques could allow home builders to accelerate end-to-end project timelines by 20 to 50 percent while reducing ...
[78]
Pressure Treated Wood: Maximizing Longevity Outdoors
Pressure-treated wood lasts 20-40 years, but regular cleaning, protective finishes, and proper installation help maximize its longevity.
[79]
The Best Decking Material Guide 2025 USA | Sidex
Apr 12, 2025 · Cedar decks can last 20-25 years and is one of the best decking materials for homeowners in the United States, particularly in regions where its ...
[80]
Pros and Cons of Traditional Wood Decks
Apr 22, 2014 · Pros: Naturally resists rot & decay, nice real wood look, can be stained any color Cons: Softest of all the wood decking, needs lots of maintenance, shorter ...
[81]
Rot-Resistant Recycled Materials for Decks - Eco Home Repair
Jul 25, 2025 · For medium resistance to rot, consider loblolly pine, European larch, or western red cedar. To get the most out of these woods, focus on ...Missing: boardwalk | Show results with:boardwalk
[82]
How Long Does Composite Decking Last? Lifespan & Factors
Jan 6, 2025 · Typically, composite decking can last 25 to 30 years or more when properly maintained. Some high-end products even boast warranties extending up to 50 years.
[83]
Composite Decking: Durable Solution for Marine & Outdoor
Wood Plastic Composite (WPC), combining recycled wood fibers and polymers ... Highly resistant to moisture, UV rays, insects, mold, and rot. Fire Rating.<|separator|>
[84]
Buy Aluminum Gangways for Floating Docks - EZ Dock
The gangways are made from corrosion-resistant 6000 series aluminum and are not only strong, but they are low maintenance and can be easily cleaned.
[85]
Boardwalk and Bridges - Gangways - Elmar Marinas
We design and manufacture aluminium gangways of any dimensions and for any loading conditions. We also provide the associated structural design report and shop ...
[86]
https://www.decksdirect.com/knowledge-builders/cost-of-composite-decking
[87]
Wood - Forest Stewardship Council
Sourcing FSC-certified timber is a smart choice for sustainably minded builders. You'll protect the integrity of your brand while making real change for the ...
[88]
[PDF] TROPICAL TIMBER: A GUIDE TO RESPONSIBLE SOURCING AND ...
Buyers and financial institutions should be aware that environmental, social and governance risks may be reduced but not eliminated by adherence to FSC ...
[89]
DuxxBak® Dekk Composite Decking
With its patented water-shedding design, DuxxBak keeps the space beneath your deck dry—no gutters needed. It resists fading, warping, cracking, and mold, all ...
[90]
Boardwalk-makeover:-NYC-using-plastic-concrete-to-rebuild-Coney ...
Aug 28, 2015 · And some are saying a plan to replace the tropical wood boards with concrete and recycled plastic lumber will be the final ruin of the iconic ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[91]
Atlantic City and Casino Gambling History
In 1870, and costing half the town's tax revenue that year, an eight foot wide wooden foot walk was built from the beach into town. This first Boardwalk, which ...
[92]
The History of Atlantic City's Original Steel Pier - WPG Talk Radio
Dec 3, 2021 · The world-famous Steel Pier in Atlantic City opened its doors to an anxiously waiting public on June 18, 1898, in time for the beginning of a fast-approaching ...
[93]
Atlantic City's Steel Pier and Boardwalk undergoing major revamp to ...
Purchased by the Catanoso family in 2011, the Steel Pier is currently undergoing a US$100m (€88m, £65m) renovation, which is creating new rides and restoring ...
[94]
The Ocean City Boardwalk Guide - Best of the Boardwalk
History of the Ocean City, MD Boardwalk. Established in 1902 ... The Ocean City Boardwalk dates back to 1902 when several hoteliers decided they and their guests ...
[95]
Ocean City Boardwalk Guide: Best Food, Fun & Hotels
The Ocean City Boardwalk is nearly three miles long with family-friendly activities, restaurants, shops, bike strolls, arcades, and attractions like Dumser's ...
[96]
Ultimate Guide to the Ocean City Boardwalk | Long & Foster
The Ocean City Boardwalk is a 3-mile iconic attraction with entertainment, dining, shopping, and classic amusement rides, and a blend of nostalgia and ...Missing: length | Show results with:length
[97]
All About the Virginia Beach Boardwalk
Nov 9, 2018 · First built in 1888, the boardwalk was actually made of boards or wooden planks that ran between 12th and 16th Streets in conjunction with ...Missing: 4.8 km resistant
[98]
Virginia Beach's Boardwalk through the years: It wasn't always ...
Sep 7, 2020 · The 3-mile long, 28-foot wide path is the resort area's enduring link, stretching from 1st to 40th streets at the Oceanfront.
[99]
Virginia Beach Hurricane Protection and Storm Damage Reduction ...
May 31, 2019 · Completed in 2001, the Virginia Beach Hurricane Protection System was comprised of three parts: A widened 100 foot beach at 9-feet above sea ...
[100]
Stanley Park Seawall walk - City of Vancouver
The 10-km or 13,123-step seawall loop around Stanley Park is Vancouver's most popular fresh-air attraction. The beautiful area now known as Stanley Park was ...
[101]
Seawall in Vancouver
Walking and cycling around Stanley Park on the Seawall. The 9 km portion around Stanley Park takes two to three hours to walk, or one hour to cycle. Visit ...Missing: 1910s | Show results with:1910s
[102]
Virginia Beach tourism brings in $3.7 billion during 2022 - WVEC
Nov 15, 2023 · A recent economic impact study found that Virginia Beach had 13.6 million visitors in 2022. Visitor spending amounted to $2.4 billion.Missing: North American
[103]
History of the Blackpool Illuminations From 1879 To Present Day
May 5, 2020 · The illuminations were put into operation for 31 days. By 1929, all three of the piers were lit up. In the same year, the illuminated Gondola ...
[104]
The lights illuminating Blackpool prom since 1879 - BBC
Sep 27, 2025 · Millions continue to flock to Blackpool to see the town's famous lights display, which began in 1879.<|separator|>
[105]
Travel guide to Bondi Beach - Tourism Australia
The Bondi to Coogee Walk strings together the Eastern Suburbs' breathtaking beaches, each boasting their own distinctive character. Discover beachside cafés, ...
[106]
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk | HELLO BONDI
Ben Buckler to Bondi Beach: about 0.5 km; allow 10 minutes; Bondi Promenade: 1 km; allow 15 minutes; South Bondi to North Bronte: about 1.5 km; allow 45 minutes ...
[107]
Scheveningen Promenade and Beach, Hague - GPSmyCity
The Promenade at Scheveningen stretches 2.5 miles. Beside the pleasant sandy beach one may encounter innumerable diversions. There are the colorful Esplanade, ...
[108]
World's most beautiful piers - CNN
Jul 28, 2014 · Scheveningen pier stands out because of its unusual construction, which comprises four island-type sections and upper and lower areas. The ...Missing: walkway | Show results with:walkway<|separator|>
[109]
[PDF] New Sentosa Boardwalk Poised to Boost Island Resort's ...
Guests can enjoy Sentosa's unique island-charm even before they set foot on the island through five tropical landscapes, namely mangrove, rock ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[110]
Welcome to YWL website
The 620m long Sentosa Boardwalk, being constructed alongside Sentosa Gateway Avenue, provides an effective link between the existing waterfront promenade of ...
[111]
https://www.ywlgroup.com/ref_SentosaBW.html
[112]
[PDF] Reimagining the Future of Transport across Asia and the Pacific
These include aging infrastructure, slow integration of transport modes and networks, challenges in asset maintenance, and a lack of institutional capacity.
[113]
How Recycled Plastic Boardwalks Help Protect Natural Habitats
Recycled plastic boardwalks offer a sustainable alternative that not only reduces environmental impact but actively helps protect the landscapes they traverse.Missing: resilience | Show results with:resilience
[114]
FAQ: Effect of Boardwalks on Vegetation and Wildlife - American Trails
Trails and boardwalks should be located in less sensitive areas of a wetland and adjacent lands, away from rare or endangered vegetation and wildlife. Trails ...
[115]
[PDF] William Brooks Park Boardwalk Extension and Bird Observation ...
Jan 2, 2014 · ... construction noise, such as installation of infrastructure at Brooks Park, would likely move away from the noise (R. Clay, ADWFF,. November ...
[116]
[PDF] Environmental impact of preservative-treated wood in a wetland ...
Preservatives leached copper, chromium, zinc, and arsenic into rainwater, and elevated levels were found in soil/sediment near the boardwalk, but no taxa were ...
[117]
Going Green: Finding Environmentally Friendly Boardwalk Materials
Jul 10, 2013 · The material's impact to the surrounding environment ... chemicals eventually leaching out of the wood and into the surrounding soils.
[118]
[PDF] Sea Level Rise Adaptation Strategy - California State Parks
The original trail was moved inland to reduce further damage to the trail and to increase the pathway's resilience to sea level rise. The new boardwalk was.
[119]
Of time and tide: the complex impacts of climate change on coastal ...
Sea-level rise. By 2100, sea-level rise is projected to be 0.29–1.10m across more than 95 per cent of the world's oceans, progressing at rates of 4–15mm/year ...
[120]
Permeable pavements - LID SWM Planning and Design Guide
Apr 3, 2023 · Permeable pavements allow stormwater to drain through the surface into a stone reservoir, infiltrating into the soil or temporarily detained.
[121]
https://wiki.sustainabletechnologies.ca/wiki/Permeable_pavements
[122]
BOARDWALK NATURE TRAILS: A STRATEGY TO MITIGATE THE ...
Findings support the boardwalk as a viable solution that offers both ecological protection and inclusive access, representing a practical balance between human ...Missing: primary | Show results with:primary
[123]
On the Trails: Arboretum Boardwalks
Staying on paths minimizes land disturbance and ecological issues, such as trampling plants, spreading invasive species, and disrupting wildlife and habitat.
[124]
Under The Boardwalk by The Drifters - Songfacts
The group was distraught over Lewis' death, and their subsequent performance added a tinge of melancholy to the song, which is about spending some time under a ...
[125]
Boardwalk Craft Show - The Wildwoods, NJ
The Boardwalk Craft Show is on the southern end of the Wildwoods Boardwalk, offering handcrafted items, and is open Saturdays 9am-5pm & Sundays 9am-3pm, from ...
[126]
10 top American boardwalks - NBC News
Aug 27, 2009 · When it comes to pop culture, boardwalks have birthed many a touchstone. For instance, salt water taffy reportedly originated in 1883 on the ...
[127]
New Jersey Tourism Reports Record-Breaking Growth in Spending ...
May 8, 2025 · Visitors spent a record $50.6 billion in New Jersey in 2024, up 3.1% from 2023, with a total economic impact of $80.4 billion across state ...
[128]
'A delicious walk by the sea': Charles Dickens in…
Charles Dickens may never have given a reading in Blackpool but his unexpected visit in April 1869 gave the town more than a passing connection with the great ...