The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority (ECUA) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony this morning, July 30, 2025, to celebrate the official reopening of the Bayou Marcus Boardwalk, following the successful completion of a $4 million, 13-month restoration project. Despite a heat index in the triple digits, the event drew interested community stakeholders, local leaders, and ECUA staff.
In attendance were members of the ECUA Board: Ms. Vicki Campbell, Chair; Ms. Lois Benson, District 2 Representative; and Mr. Larry Williams, District 3 Representative, along with Mr. Dave Murzin, member of ECUA’s Citizens’ Advisory Committee.
ECUA Executive Director J. Bruce Woody welcomed guests and introduced Board Chair Vicki Campbell, who reflected on the personal significance of the site. “When I was first elected to the ECUA Board, I visited all our facilities and this boardwalk was one of my favorites,” said Ms. Campbell. “We used to have all sorts of wildlife such as turkeys and bunnies. This is such a wonderful place for our community to get exercise and get in touch with our local wildlife!”
Mr. Woody followed with a detailed overview of the project and its broader significance.
“I would like to recognize the excellent contribution from all ECUA staff and the partner companies that worked together to make this project a reality. The original boardwalk was built in 1996 and was ready to be replaced after serving us well for nearly 30 years. The boardwalk primarily serves as the structure that carries the piping which conveys reclaimed water from the plant and distributes it along the route to nourish the wetlands. We took it one step further and decided to use the boardwalk as a resource to give back to the community and the environment.”
Woody also noted the upgraded materials used in the restoration. The new decking is constructed with Vantage™ composite plastic from MoistureShield, a durable, environmentally resilient product expected to last up to 50 years.
Ms. Tammy Thurow, President and CEO of the Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce, also spoke during the event, saying “It’s so wonderful being partners with ECUA; they truly care about the environment and our community.”
Now officially open to the public, the restored Bayou Marcus Boardwalk offers a mile-and-a-half elevated trail through the Bayou Marcus Wetlands — a pristine ecosystem and recognized site along the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Located near Perdido Bay, the boardwalk provides visitors of all ages with an immersive natural experience, ideal for birdwatching, photography, and quiet reflection in nature.
Approximately 6.2 million gallons of reclaimed water from the nearby Bayou Marcus Water Reclamation Facility (BMWRF) flow daily into the wetlands, sustaining a wide array of native wildlife, including deer, otters, bobcats, turkeys, turtles, and numerous bird species.
The project was completed with the support of several key contractors:
Mott MacDonald, engineering consultants
Talcon, the prime contractor, responsible for demolition of the previous decking and installation of the new piping
AAC, Inc., installer of the new decking
Decks & Docks, supplier of the composite decking material
The trailhead is located approximately 300 yards from the public parking area at 3050 Fayal Drive, Pensacola, FL. All are encouraged to visit and enjoy this revitalized community resource.
For more information, please visit the Bayou Marcus Boardwalk page on the ECUA website. To view a short drone video of the boardwalk click here.
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