Bringing Community and Wildlife Back to Bruce Beach Park

The Bruce Beach Revitalization Project in Pensacola, Florida, creates a redefined recreational space for the community along the city’s waterfront that embraces sustainability and heritage. Improvements to Bruce Beach were initially envisioned by SCAPE as one of the transformational projects conceptualized in their waterfront framework planning efforts for the city. Building on the framework, HDR led the park's design and engineering through construction. The transformed Bruce Beach is now a dynamic resource for Pensacola residents that restores and enhances both local ecology and the community’s connection to the water. 

Promoting Connection to Place

To bolster the city’s efforts to bring the community closer to the waterfront and establish a cultural and educational destination, improvements made to Bruce Beach help bolster the area’s appeal. Outdoor play areas invite families to gather and connect, while interpretive features promote learning and connection to place. Historical exhibits, as well as interpretive signage to mark and commemorate Bruce Beach's African American heritage, invoke a sense of cultural connection to the waterfront and the greater Pensacola area. Content for interpretive signage complementing the central allée was a collaborative effort between SCAPE, HDR and members of the historical community. To create a destination where visitors can find moments of play and respite, additions and improvements to the park include: 

• A restored beachfront and shoreline area with views, trails, a picnic area and a learning garden.
• A plaza to promote the site’s maritime history and Bruce Pool.
• A pedestrian bridge over Washerwoman Creek to Community Maritime Park.
• Lush native landscaping for both the community and wildlife.
• Wildlife-friendly lighting that seamlessly blends with the landscape.

Establishing a Thriving Ecosystem in Pensacola

Revitalizing Bruce Beach Park is an effort to create a healthier and connected community through a restored and fortified landscape. With native plantings, improved stormwater management areas and a specific focus on developing plans that leave protected trees and wetland areas unaffected, the waterfront promotes a thriving ecosystem in Pensacola. Future improvements include additional work to protect naturalized areas and construct additional spaces for outdoor recreation and respite, furthering the city’s efforts to improve health and prosperity for residents and wildlife alike.