In 2024, a former parking lot was targeted for a complete transformation into a beautiful recreational area – DC Alexander Park. The project aimed to not only improve the overall aesthetics of the area, but also address the ongoing threats of rising sea levels while reinforcing the city’s commitment to sustainable coastal development. Situated in Fort Lauderdale, the area and project members knew they had to plan for the harsh realities of the sea environment. The salty air creates a more corrosive atmosphere to endure over time meaning the selection of materials and its ability to withstand the challenging environment was essential to providing reliable and safe infrastructure.

At the center of this new recreation area stands a unique, cantilevered overlook that provides visitors a stunning view of the beach and ocean. The structure is an engineering marvel that appears to defy gravity at certain angels. In this extreme coastal environment, the team needed to carefully consider a method of corrosion protection for the steel members to avoid degradation.

Early in the planning process, it was determined that hot-dip galvanizing would provide the best solution for corrosion protection. Not only would they benefit from the durability and longevity of galvanizing, but they would also save time and money due to the maintenance free nature of the coating. Since most of the galvanized material was covered with an aluminum wrap, the steel would be difficult to access for touch up like a painted coating would require. Due to the long history of successful hot-dip galvanizing projects in coastal regions, the owner could rest assured the steel structures would be well protected for the long haul.

The galvanizer chosen for the project supported the customer throughout the project with exceptional customer service and technical support. In the design phase, they assisted with vent and drain hole placement to ensure a quality finish. Then, during production, they provided expedited processing to meet the project’s installation timeline requirements. Overall, the teams involved were able to effectively communicate to ensure the project was completed on-time.

A crucial component of this revitalization project was the creative approach to protecting the vulnerable shoreline. The designers integrated vegetation “root” dunes and rubberized surfaces to protect from storm surges and re-established a hammock around the perimeter that will serve as a sponge for rainfall and saltwater flooding. A ramping dune naturally directs park-goers up the twenty-five-foot overlook that becomes part of the resilient infrastructure as well as an accessible experiential landscape element. Galvanized steel played a pivotal role in realizing this vision. Its durability and corrosion resistance allowed the designers to focus on creating an immersive, accessible, and enduring public space without the worry of deterioration. From the elevated overlook to the structural elements supporting ramps and plazas, galvanizing proved essential in preserving these public features for nearly 100 years into the future.

DC Alexander Park stands as a transformational model for other coastal cities facing similar environmental pressures. Welcoming all ages to meet in the open ocean air space, the project enhances the surrounding areas including the Intercoastal Waterway, Swimming Hall of Fame, and nearby marina’s, restaurants and hotels. Fort Lauderdale's use of galvanizing has set a new standard in coastal park design—showing how cities can invest in beauty, resilience, and sustainability all at once.