Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

This multi-faceted renovation project focused on revitalizing and expanding the recreational and visitor infrastructure at Tarpon Bay and its surrounding amenities. The project began with the complete demolition and replacement of a 170-foot wooden boardwalk, including new wood decking, support members, and piles. Five observation windows were integrated into the new boardwalk, enhancing wildlife viewing opportunities. RV accommodations were upgraded with the construction of two new roofed parking stalls and reinforced concrete pads—each with full utility hookups. The concessionaire building received significant updates while remaining operational, including the installation of new polyurethane foam insulation under the roof deck, new ceiling tiles, and a custom-designed aluminum gutter and downspout system. This new drainage was connected to an 8,000-gallon rain catchment system built on a new concrete pad.

SITEWIDE IMPROVEMENTS ENHANCE SAFETY, ACCESSIBILITY, AND VISITOR EXPERIENCE

Additional improvements included a new shade structure over the Tarpon Bay recreation deck made from high-density polyethylene fabric rated for 150 mph winds. Roof repairs were completed on three maintenance buildings—addressing copings, gutters, downspouts, and flashing around roof penetrations. A new 45-foot by 15-foot viewing platform was installed along Wildlife Road, constructed on wood piling supports with composite decking and safety guardrails, engineered to handle 100 PSF live loads. Finally, the main parking lot underwent a complete rehabilitation: milling, resurfacing, layout of new parking spaces, and replacement of concrete curbs and sidewalks—all designed to elevate the site’s accessibility and long-term use.