Craig Park Seawall Replacement (Phase 1)

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**UPDATE** 6/3/2026

The boat ramp, gangway, and float dock are now OPEN! They will remain open until further notice.

Previous Updates

5/28/2026 -Beginning immediately and continuing through the remainder of the project, approved work hours will be extended from daylight hours until 10:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Crews will continue adjusting schedules around tides. *Some days may end before10:00pm but will not exceed 10:00pm*


PURPOSE

To protect Craig Park from tidal flooding by raising the elevations around the perimeter of the park.

EXISTING CONDITIONS

  • The existing sidewalk and seawall are failing in parts around the permitter of Craig Park. Failing sidewalk sections have undergone “patch” repairs over the past few years, but they have intermittently and frequently been closed to pedestrians for safety reasons.
  • In most places the sidewalk sits at approximately +/- 2.0 feet above mean sea level.
  • The existing observation deck (the dock on the east side of Spring Bayou) sits at approximately 3.0 feet above mean sea level and is supported by a shallow sea wall. It is structurally failing and is at risk of eventual collapse.
  • A $2M grant from the Federal Government (secured through efforts of Representative Gus Bilirakis) is being used to cover a significant portion of the cost of the project. The grant covers only the waterfront adjacent to Craig Park from the boat ramp to and including the observation deck. The remaining waterfront on the north side of Spring Bayou will be completed as a later second phase.

IMPLEMENTATION

The project goal will be accomplished by the following:

  • Replacement of most of the seawall with a new seawall at a higher target elevation (5.0 feet or more above sea level)
  • Replacement of the existing sidewalk at the new elevation.
  • Replacement of the existing observation deck at the new elevation.
  • Addition of a short grassy berm (less than 2-feet above grade) around the western side of the park at the new elevation.
  • Replacement of seawall cap along the western side of the park (no seawall replacement is necessary in that portion of the project).
  • Protection of the War Memorial including additional drainage
  • Addition of drainage inlets, manatee protection grates, pipes, and stormwater check valves to prevent tidal influx throughout the park.
  • Other various repairs as needed.
  • No changes are proposed to the boat ramp or the boat ramp parking area at this time.

Events @ Craig Park- Events will NOT be affected by any construction activities.

  • Tuesday, June 23 from 10am-1pm, Playdate and Popsicles in the Park
  • Saturday July 4th from 10am-1pm, 4th of July Picnic
  • Wednesday July 22 from 11am-1pm Playdate & Popsicles in the Park


Flooded sidewalk at Spring Bayou.Flooded sidewalk along Spring Bayou.



**UPDATE** 6/3/2026

The boat ramp, gangway, and float dock are now OPEN! They will remain open until further notice.

Previous Updates

5/28/2026 -Beginning immediately and continuing through the remainder of the project, approved work hours will be extended from daylight hours until 10:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Crews will continue adjusting schedules around tides. *Some days may end before10:00pm but will not exceed 10:00pm*


PURPOSE

To protect Craig Park from tidal flooding by raising the elevations around the perimeter of the park.

EXISTING CONDITIONS

  • The existing sidewalk and seawall are failing in parts around the permitter of Craig Park. Failing sidewalk sections have undergone “patch” repairs over the past few years, but they have intermittently and frequently been closed to pedestrians for safety reasons.
  • In most places the sidewalk sits at approximately +/- 2.0 feet above mean sea level.
  • The existing observation deck (the dock on the east side of Spring Bayou) sits at approximately 3.0 feet above mean sea level and is supported by a shallow sea wall. It is structurally failing and is at risk of eventual collapse.
  • A $2M grant from the Federal Government (secured through efforts of Representative Gus Bilirakis) is being used to cover a significant portion of the cost of the project. The grant covers only the waterfront adjacent to Craig Park from the boat ramp to and including the observation deck. The remaining waterfront on the north side of Spring Bayou will be completed as a later second phase.

IMPLEMENTATION

The project goal will be accomplished by the following:

  • Replacement of most of the seawall with a new seawall at a higher target elevation (5.0 feet or more above sea level)
  • Replacement of the existing sidewalk at the new elevation.
  • Replacement of the existing observation deck at the new elevation.
  • Addition of a short grassy berm (less than 2-feet above grade) around the western side of the park at the new elevation.
  • Replacement of seawall cap along the western side of the park (no seawall replacement is necessary in that portion of the project).
  • Protection of the War Memorial including additional drainage
  • Addition of drainage inlets, manatee protection grates, pipes, and stormwater check valves to prevent tidal influx throughout the park.
  • Other various repairs as needed.
  • No changes are proposed to the boat ramp or the boat ramp parking area at this time.

Events @ Craig Park- Events will NOT be affected by any construction activities.

  • Tuesday, June 23 from 10am-1pm, Playdate and Popsicles in the Park
  • Saturday July 4th from 10am-1pm, 4th of July Picnic
  • Wednesday July 22 from 11am-1pm Playdate & Popsicles in the Park


Flooded sidewalk at Spring Bayou.Flooded sidewalk along Spring Bayou.



  • Construction Working Hours **UPDATE**

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    As the Craig Park Seawall Project moves forward, here is a quick project update.

    Beginning immediately and continuing through the remainder of the project, approved work hours will be extended from daylight hours until 10:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Crews will continue adjusting schedules around tides.

    The extended hours are intended primarily to allow crews to continue working through sunset and to use the remaining evening for cleanup and preparation activities, such as tying rebar and organizing materials. Loud construction activities, including concrete demolition and concrete pumping, will remain limited to daytime hours.

    Construction efforts are currently focused on completing the boat ramp area and gangway first in order to restore full public access as quickly as possible. At this time, the boat ramp remains open for use; however, the floating dock and gangway remain closed during construction.

    The floating dock and gangway are currently anticipated to reopen in mid-June, weather and construction conditions permitting.

    The City appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as work continues toward project completion.

    Project Web Page: https://connecttarponsprings.com/craig-park-seawall

    OPTIONAL SECTION ADDRESSING QUESTION/COMMENTS

    Some of the questions asked by residents focus on the project's timing and the start area. Craig Park is not only one of the City's primary boat launches but also a central hub for numerous recreation programs, community events, and more. In addition to the technical challenges, the planning for this project needed to consider all these factors comprehensively to minimize disruption to residents. To get project updates on your phone*, text SEAWALL to 94033. *Standard texting rates may apply.

    As the Craig Park Seawall Project moves forward, here is a quick project update.

    Beginning immediately and continuing through the remainder of the project, approved work hours will be extended from daylight hours until 10:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Crews will continue adjusting schedules around tides.

    The extended hours are intended primarily to allow crews to continue working through sunset and to use the remaining evening for cleanup and preparation activities, such as tying rebar and organizing materials. Loud construction activities, including concrete demolition and concrete pumping, will remain limited to daytime hours.

    Construction efforts are currently focused on completing the boat ramp area and gangway first in order to restore full public access as quickly as possible. At this time, the boat ramp remains open for use; however, the floating dock and gangway remain closed during construction.

    The floating dock and gangway are currently anticipated to reopen in mid-June, weather and construction conditions permitting.

    The City appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as work continues toward project completion.

    Project Web Page: https://connecttarponsprings.com/craig-park-seawall

    OPTIONAL SECTION ADDRESSING QUESTION/COMMENTS

    Some of the questions asked by residents focus on the project's timing and the start area. Craig Park is not only one of the City's primary boat launches but also a central hub for numerous recreation programs, community events, and more. In addition to the technical challenges, the planning for this project needed to consider all these factors comprehensively to minimize disruption to residents. To get project updates on your phone*, text SEAWALL to 94033. *Standard texting rates may apply.

  • Construction Zones, Electrical, Drainage, Grass Berms & Sidewalks

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    Construction Zones will consist of replacing the concrete caps, sheet pilings, and sidewalks. This work will be completed first and any be re-opened for use until new electrical and sidewalks need to be replaced.

    There will be additional shorter closings during the install periods for Electrical, Drainage infrastructure, grass berms & Sidewalks.

    Construction Zones will consist of replacing the concrete caps, sheet pilings, and sidewalks. This work will be completed first and any be re-opened for use until new electrical and sidewalks need to be replaced.

    There will be additional shorter closings during the install periods for Electrical, Drainage infrastructure, grass berms & Sidewalks.

  • What is a Construction Zone?

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    Construction Zones will consist of all concrete work that needs to be performed 1st. These will be the first to prioritize keeping certain sections of the park only closed for short periods of time.

    Construction Zones will consist of all concrete work that needs to be performed 1st. These will be the first to prioritize keeping certain sections of the park only closed for short periods of time.

Page last updated: 12 Jun 2026, 05:24 AM