Jump On In
The Lagoon is Open & Phase I is Complete

The first of the two-phase Buccaneer Island Lagoon renourishment project has come to an end and the rejuvenated look and feel is already drawing Members in.

Through this summer’s enhancement project, the Lagoon was transformed, recreating the desirable swimming and lounging experience of when it was first created in 1952. Over the past three months, the 69-year-old Lagoon underwent extensive beautification, and the results are refreshing.

Phase I of this project, which commenced in early August, saw the removal of years of accumulated silt and organic matter through a process called “sweep diking”. Fresh, new sand was then added to make for a clearer, shallower and more recreation-friendly Lagoon experience.

During this initial stage of renourishment, the overall size of the Lagoon was also reduced slightly, allowing for expanded beach and lounging space, increased landscaping, additional cart parking, and improved accessibility to Buccaneer Island.

“The progress that has been made in the first phase of Lagoon beautification and renourishment is invigorating, and we are thrilled to see Members already enjoying the refreshed area during its first week reopened,” said Mic O’Keeffe, Vice President of Sports & Amenities. “We hope that cleaning up the Lagoon to create a more inviting, swimmer-friendly experience will make the Lagoon an even more popular destination for Members, their children and their grandchildren all season long.”

Keeping It Clean

How does the Club plan on maintaining this clean and clear Lagoon? O’Keeffe shared that “the reduced size of the Lagoon will promote more natural turnover, keeping the water continuously exchanged. We also replaced the pipes that allow water flow from the ocean, through mesh screens and manatee grates, into the Lagoon, which will improve the water exchange.”

Additionally, Mic’s teams plan to increase Lagoon maintenance to keep this shared marine environment beautiful and in top condition for generations to come.

More to Come

Next summer, Phase II of the Lagoon project will begin. In this phase, beautification of the surrounding area will be the goal. Members can look forward to a brand-new pedestrian boardwalk along with a permanent asphalt parking area. The roadway will be enhanced with landscaping and a safe turn around for cars and carts.

For progress photos and to stay in the know on Capital Projects updates, visit oceanreef.com/capitalprojects.

Featured above: The refreshed Buccaneer Island Lagoon, following Phase I of renourishment, taken November 3.