Howell Park Drainage Ditch Restoration Project

The City of Atlantic Beach is undertaking a pilot project to restore a significant section of the drainage ditch within Howell Park. This ditch, a vital park feature and city drainage system, has accumulated excess sediments, resulting in a shallow depth, poor water flow, and limited ecological benefits. This restoration aims to improve the ditch's aesthetics, health, and functionality.

August 2025 Update:  Dredging is complete and two sections of bulkhead have been constructed. Additional trees will be planted in the fall, with planting along and in the waterway to be done in the spring. An ADA parking pad will be installed in the park soon and then the parking lot will be cleaned up with a new surface and designated parking stalls. 

July 2025 Update: Excavation is nearly complete, with more than 800 cubic yards of material removed to increase hydraulic capacity and improve aquatic habitat. The focus is now on restoration, including reconstructing walking paths and parking areas and installing new plants and trees.

Project Overview:

• Who: City of Atlantic Beach, working with Jax Utilities Management.
• What: Pilot project to restore a section of the drainage ditch in Howell Park.
• Where: The project will impact the entire ditch system, from the north bridge to the Pine Street entrance, with a specific focus on the section between the middle bridge and the Turtle Pond.

Key Goals:

• Erosion Control: Prevent further bank erosion through vegetation restoration or protective barriers.
• Vegetation Management: Stabilize soil, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat by replanting native vegetation.
• Water Quality Improvement: Filter water by creating vegetation buffers.
• Wildlife Habitat Restoration: Enhance habitat for local wildlife by increasing ditch depth and planting aquatic vegetation.
• Flood Prevention: Stabilize and improve the hydraulic function of the drainage ditch.

How the Restoration Will Be Carried Out (Planned Method):

• The targeted section of the ditch will be temporarily dammed.
• Wildlife (fish, turtles, etc.) will be relocated.
• Muck and debris will be excavated to restore the ditch's depth.
• The west ditch banks will be resodded.
• Emergent aquatic plants will be planted along the east bank.

Contact Information:

For any questions or concerns, please contact City Engineer Steve Swann at sswann@coab.us or 904.247.5874.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to improve Howell Park for everyone.

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