~A Call to Action~

The Crowley Boardwalk Restoration Project is Underway

For more than two decades, one of the main attractions at the Crowley Museum and Nature Center is its half mile long, scenic, wooden boardwalk. This trail has been the main hiking path that winds through portions of the pine flatwoods, oak hammock and over the Maple Branch Swamp and Tatum Sawgrass Marsh. The boardwalk guides you to the two-story, Selby Tower overlooking the marsh and the Myakka River. Thousands of visitors, families and school children have enjoyed this unique walk through these diverse natural communities for many years.

Today, the boardwalks advanced wear and tear and Florida’s severe weather conditions including hurricanes and heavy summer rains have caused river flooding that covers parts of the boardwalk and has taken a heavy toll on the twenty year old walkway. The decking and hand rails are weathered beyond repair and are becoming a serious safety issue.

CMNC is taking charge and has committed itself to replacing our precious walkway. The Boardwalk Restoration Project will level and replace the deck and replace the hand rails for the entire length of the boardwalk and even more importantly bring the structure up to code and make it safe for all visitors and for the first time become compliant to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. When the restoration is completed the boardwalk will be a safe and user friendly pathway for our friends of all ages and abilities.

Your help is needed now so that we can begin construction during the dry season and through the spring of 2009. Funding is desperately needed to purchase replacement marine grade lumber and hardware along with contracting with a professional decking company to professionally level the walking surface to complete the renovation. Crowley Museum and Nature Center will provide the tools and equipment necessary to complete the project.

Crowley is also in search of volunteers who are willing to contribute their time (estimated at 1200 labor hours) to complete the building of the walkway.

CMNC has applied for several grants and has approached other philanthropic sources for funding. However, these grants require matching gifts from other sources and that is where we need your support. The Boardwalk Restoration Project is an effort of great financial magnitude in the amount of $240,000.

Your contribution to this project is vital. Without our boardwalk we will lose the connectivity to these beautiful natural lands and its inhabitants. Your gift to the project will directly benefit the Boardwalk Restoration Project. Your gift no matter the amount will help to purchase the supplies and materials needed to complete the renovation.

The gift of your time and expertise is also needed and appreciated. If you have the time, we have plenty of opportunities to assist us with the building process. Scout troops and other groups are welcome! To donate to the Boardwalk Restoration Project click here.

Crowley Museum and Nature Center · 16405 Myakka Road · Sarasota, FL 34240 · Telephone: 941.322.1000
©2009 Crowley Museum and Nature Center. All rights reserved.