Charlotte County commissioners have approved a path forward for rebuilding Englewood Beach and Chadwick Park, directing Community Services Director Tommy Scott to begin design and permitting for a midrange plan that reshapes hurricane-damaged amenities.
Scott outlined five reconstruction options to replace pavilions, boardwalks, restrooms and showers lost to hurricanes Ian, Adalia, Helene and Milton. Commissioners initially favored a lower-cost approach but ultimately backed the $1.5 million Alternative 3 recommended by Giffels-Webster Engineers. The design trims overall boardwalk length while preserving elevated viewing areas, a defining feature of the beachfront park.
A less expensive $924,000 proposal, Alternative 4, would have removed all linear boardwalks and relied solely on walkovers. Commissioners hesitated, concerned that eliminating shoreline strolls and panoramic views would diminish visitor experience and potentially jeopardize Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursement at the higher project cost.
Alternative 3 would remove the northernmost and southernmost segments of the boardwalk, connect remaining portions to central walkovers and raise the main pavilion and restroom complex by 1 to 4 feet. The design adds an ADA-compliant ramp and aims to strengthen storm resilience while maintaining key public amenities.
Other options ranged from a $172,000 pavilion-free concept that faced permitting challenges to a $2.151 million reconstruction of elevated structures mirroring pre-storm conditions. Giffels-Webster evaluated each plan for storm performance, environmental impact, ADA access, public safety and FEMA eligibility.
By advancing Alternative 3, commissioners signaled support for a balanced redesign that retains signature features while addressing storm vulnerability at one of Charlotte County’s most heavily visited beaches.
