Nature Center Updates
As you visit Gumbo Limbo Nature Center and enjoy all its offerings, you may not be aware of the work taking place behind the scenes. Updates and improvements to the Nature Center are currently underway and further enhancements are being planned and budgeted for over the next five years, including a boardwalk extension, and decking around the Nature Center. We ask that our patrons stay patient as work through these improvements to provide the best experience for our marine life and visitors alike. Please refer to this page for the latest updates and details.
Construction Notice
Construction of our new ADA accessible observation tower has begun! Due to construction, a portion of our boardwalk loop has been closed for your safety. To avoid backtracking, please stay to the western side of the boardwalk loop. We anticipate the completion of this project in Spring 2024.
Click on the "Observation Tower" tab below for more details.
Update: 8/7/23
The permit is still in review.
Update: 7/6/23
The Building Permit is pending. A site walk was conducted with a contractor on 6/28/23. Discussions at the site walk included submittals for tile designs, doors, and hardware. The Contractor will provide the project schedule.
Update: 6/6/23
The Work Order was approved by City Council. A Preconstruction Meeting is scheduled for 6/6/23. The Contractor will submit for the Building Permit.
Update: 5/2/23
The Work Order will go before City Council in May 2023.
Update: 9/22/17
Project inception. The anticipated completion date is 2024.
Update: 8/7/23
The Contractor is working on closing out the permit and final as-builts.
Update: 7/6/23
Outstanding punch-list items are to be completed by the end of July 2023. The final restoration is scheduled for the week of 7/10/23.
Update: 6/6/23
The pump station start-up has commenced. The final punch-list items include:
- Control programming adjustments to lead/lag of the pumps
- Site restoration
- Paving of the driveway
- Restoration of A1A
- Final acceptance of the system
Update: 2/4/13
Project inception. The anticipated completion date is Summer 2023.
The current pump that services Gumbo Limbo was installed 30 years ago and needs replacement. Once installed, the new pump will more efficiently provide clean, clear, and natural ocean water for all the marine life at Gumbo Limbo and the adjacent FAU Marine Laboratory.
Update: 8/29/23
Construction of the ADA-accessible observation tower on Gumbo Limbo's boardwalk has begun. Construction will take place along the easter loop of the boardwalk which will remain closed to ensure the safety of our guests.
The observation tower will stand an estimated 40-feet high overlooking the preserved Tropical Hardwood Hammock with panoramic views of both sides of the barrier island; the Intracoastal waterway and Boca Raton's beaches. This ADA-accessible tower will feature an estimated 700-foot ramp alongside six levels of stairs attached to the boardwalk. The anticipated completion of this project is Spring 2024.
Update: 8/7/23
The Building Permit is still in review.
Update: 7/6/23
The Building Permit is now pending. The Contractor has laid out the footing locations. The Contractor met with City staff on 6/21/23 to review additional site clearing needed to accommodate a crane during the construction.
Update: 6/6/23
Preconstruction was held for the tower on 5/9/23. The Contractor is working on product submittals and on securing the Building Permit.
Update: 5/2/23
The contract books have been executed. The Purchase Order has been issued to the Contractor.
Update: 9/8/15
Project inception. The anticipated completion date is Spring 2024.