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March 31, 2016Lakes Edge Way Boardwalk
Bespoke Masterpieces Since 1985
Private Boardwalks, Dock, & Bridges In Odessa, Florida
Hidden within a landscape of mature oak trees, native wetlands, and Florida wildlife, the Lakes Edge Way Boardwalk offers visitors an immersive experience through one of nature's most beautiful environments. Designed and constructed by York Bridge Concepts, this custom timber boardwalk was created to celebrate the surrounding ecosystem while providing safe, accessible, and memorable access through the property's natural features.
Stretching more than 700 feet through the wetlands, the boardwalk meanders through the landscape, allowing visitors to experience the sights, sounds, and beauty of the environment from an elevated perspective. Featuring custom-designed handrails, multiple covered overlook structures, and a dramatic elevated treehouse observation area, the boardwalk transforms a simple walking path into a destination experience.
Through the Decero™ Design-Engineer-Build process, York Bridge Concepts delivered a structure that blends seamlessly into its surroundings while providing lasting value for residents and visitors alike.
A Boardwalk Designed Around Nature
The vision for Lakes Edge Way centered on creating an outdoor experience that allows people to connect with nature without disrupting it.
Rather than altering the landscape, the boardwalk was designed to work with the site's existing features, including:
- Native wetlands
- Mature oak canopies
- Natural wildlife habitats
- Existing topography
- Scenic water features
- Forested environments
The result is a pathway that feels like a natural extension of the landscape itself.
Visitors can move through the environment while remaining immersed in the beauty of Florida's native ecosystems.
More Than a Walkway
The Lakes Edge Way Boardwalk was designed as a complete recreational experience rather than simply a means of transportation.
Throughout the boardwalk, visitors encounter unique architectural features that encourage exploration and engagement.
These include:
Three Covered Overlook Areas
Strategically placed along the route, the covered overlooks provide shaded resting points where visitors can pause and enjoy views of the surrounding wetlands and woodlands.
Elevated Treehouse Observation Area
One of the most distinctive features of the project is the elevated treehouse platform.
Accessible by a dramatic 20-foot staircase, the structure provides a unique vantage point above the surrounding canopy, offering visitors an entirely different perspective of the landscape.
Meandering Pathway Design
Rather than following a rigid linear alignment, the boardwalk glides naturally through the environment, creating a more immersive and enjoyable experience.
Together, these elements transform the boardwalk into a destination that encourages exploration, recreation, and appreciation of nature.
Preserving Florida Wetlands
Wetlands are among Florida's most valuable natural resources, supporting biodiversity, water quality, and flood mitigation.
York Bridge Concepts designed the Lakes Edge Way Boardwalk to minimize impacts on these sensitive environments while improving public access.
Benefits of elevated boardwalk construction include:
Habitat Protection
Visitors can experience the wetlands without disturbing vegetation or wildlife.
Reduced Soil Disturbance
Elevated construction minimizes impacts to the natural ground surface.
Improved Water Flow
The structure allows natural hydrology to continue uninterrupted beneath the boardwalk.
Long-Term Environmental Stewardship
The boardwalk provides sustainable access while helping preserve the ecological integrity of the site.
This approach reflects YBC's commitment to balancing recreation with environmental responsibility.
Decero™ Design-Engineer-Build Excellence
Every York Bridge Concepts project is developed through the Decero™ Design-Engineer-Build process.
This integrated approach allows the team to customize every aspect of the project based on:
- Site conditions
- User experience goals
- Environmental requirements
- Architectural preferences
- Long-term maintenance objectives
For Lakes Edge Way, the result was a boardwalk that feels purpose-built for its environment rather than imposed upon it.
The custom details and architectural elements create a unique experience that could not be replicated through a standardized design.
Custom Architectural Features
The Lakes Edge Way Boardwalk incorporates several distinctive design elements that elevate the project beyond a traditional trail system.
Specialty Hand Rail System
The custom handrail design contributes to the boardwalk's unique visual identity while providing safety and durability.
Covered Observation Structures
The overlook pavilions provide shelter, gathering opportunities, and enhanced viewing experiences throughout the route.
Elevated Viewing Platform
The treehouse observation area serves as a focal point and destination feature within the boardwalk system.
Natural Material Integration
Southern Yellow Pine construction complements the surrounding landscape and reinforces the project's connection to nature.
Building with Timber
Timber remains one of the most effective materials for boardwalk construction in environmentally sensitive settings.
Benefits include:
Natural Aesthetic Appeal
Timber blends seamlessly into forest and wetland environments.
Renewable Resource
Wood is a sustainable building material when responsibly sourced.
Design Flexibility
Timber allows for custom shapes, architectural features, and site-specific solutions.
Visitor Comfort
The warmth and texture of wood create a more inviting experience than many alternative materials.
Long-Term Performance
Properly engineered timber boardwalks provide decades of reliable service.
Boardwalk Specifications
Project Name: Lakes Edge Way Boardwalk
Location: Odessa, Florida
Type: Boardwalk
Width: 6' Overall (5' Clear)
Length: Approximately 700'
Height: 12' Above Grade
Capacity: 85 PSF
Span Type: Repetitive Span
Material: Southern Yellow Pine
Crossing: Wetlands
Hand Rail: Specialty Series
Creating Meaningful Connections with Nature
The Lakes Edge Way Boardwalk demonstrates how thoughtful design can create powerful connections between people and the natural world.
By weaving through forests and wetlands while offering opportunities for observation, reflection, and exploration, the boardwalk provides an experience that encourages visitors to slow down and engage with their surroundings.
Today, the boardwalk stands as a lasting example of York Bridge Concepts' ability to create infrastructure that respects the environment, enhances recreation, and inspires those who use it. Through innovative design, quality craftsmanship, and environmental stewardship, Lakes Edge Way has become a destination where architecture and nature exist in perfect harmony.