SJC Receives Resiliency Award for Alpine Groves Park Shoreline Restoration Project

• 14 January 2025
• Category: SJC News Parks and Recreation
• Tags: 2025

St. Johns County received the Northeast Florida Regional Council’s Resiliency Award for the completion of the Parks and Recreation Department’s Alpine Shores Grove Park Shoreline Restoration Project.

“There continues to be engaging and transformational work happening across Northeast Florida,” Northeast Florida Regional Council CEO Beth Payne said. “It is an honor to celebrate those projects and initiatives that enhance local communities in the region.”

The $908,681.29 project at Alpine Groves Park (2060 SR 13, St. Johns) involved the design, permitting, and construction of a rock revetment to stabilize the shoreline. The area’s environment resources were mapped out, then a system was designed and engineered to stabilize the bluff and restore the shoreline with native plants to preserve the wetlands ecosystem. The plantings will not only preserve the natural elements of Alpine Groves Park but also protect its shoreline from future erosion and the potential impacts of rising water levels.

The Office of Public Affairs produced a video to celebrate the project’s completion.

“Alpine Groves Park is one of the jewels of the St. Johns County park system, and this project was vital to keeping it for future generations to enjoy,” Parks and Recreation Director Ryan Kane said.

NEFRC says the project was selected for the Resiliency Award because it demonstrated how an area can utilize resilient strategies to preserve some of its unique natural assets. While not the first use of a nature-based solution in the region, it stands out as a milestone in St. Johns County and an effective and intended use of the funds from a program dedicated to resiliency. The project can serve as a demonstration of how nature-based solutions can be integrated into future County programs.

“We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of this project, which would not have been possible without the invaluable support of the Board of County Commissioners and St. Johns County administration, as well as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, through their award to the County of a Resilient Florida grant,” Project Manager Tim Connor said. “A heartfelt thank you to Public Works for their unwavering dedication during project delivery, as well as to INTERA Inc. for their expert design and engineering and S.E. Cline Construction for their professional efforts. This collective partnership was key in ensuring the project’s success, and we look forward to its positive impact on our community.”

St. Johns County was recognized for the project at the 21st Annual Regional Awards for Excellence and Elected Officials Luncheon on Jan. 9.

“This shoreline restoration project was a significant success for the future of Alpine Groves Park,” Natural Resources Superintendent Nathan Otter said. “By stabilizing the shoreline, we are safeguarding the park and its amenities, ensuring that they remain a space for everyone to enjoy. St. Johns County is proud to be recognized with the Resiliency Award from the Northeast Florida Regional Council for this important project.”