Cocoa Secures $1.49 Million Grant for Lee Wenner Park Dock Redesign

The City of Cocoa has been awarded a substantial grant of $1,494,500 from the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) to advance Phase II of the Cocoa Waterfront Park Dock & Breakwater Project.

 

This initiative aims to revamp the docking facilities at Lee Wenner Park in Cocoa Village, bolstering their resilience against future storms.

 

In November 2022, Hurricane Nicole inflicted significant damage on the existing day slips at Lee Wenner Park, leaving boaters without docking options.

 

The newly secured funds will cover the construction costs necessary to replace these damaged slips.

 

Additionally, the project includes the installation of riprap revetment along the existing bulkhead to mitigate erosion and reduce wave action.

 

A rock barrier will also be constructed to shield the slips from potential future storm impacts.

 

These enhancements are designed not only to restore docking opportunities for boaters but also to create a more robust waterfront infrastructure less susceptible to storm damage, thereby decreasing the need for future repairs.

 

The City of Cocoa is committed to environmental stewardship throughout this project, carefully planning to minimize ecological impacts while enhancing the park's capacity to withstand severe weather events.

 

With this grant, Cocoa takes a significant step toward rebuilding and safeguarding its waterfront, ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for Lee Wenner Park and the community it serves.

 

Project timelines for construction and completion will be determined at a later date.

 

In related developments, a yearlong construction project initiated on September 9, 2024, is set to add nearly 75 parking spaces to Lee Wenner Park in Cocoa Village.

 

This $1.8 million project, funded by the Cocoa Community Redevelopment Agency, aims to enhance parking availability while preserving boat trailer parking for boaters who launch from the park's ramps.

 

During this period, the park, including its parking lot, boat ramps, and the Captain Ed Lanni T-Dock, will be closed.

 

Local businesses are eagerly anticipating the project's completion, recognizing the substantial benefit of increased parking capacity in the Village.

 

These concerted efforts underscore Cocoa's dedication to revitalizing its waterfront amenities, ensuring they meet the needs of both residents and visitors while enhancing the area's resilience to environmental challenges.