Contractors will begin removing the boardwalk and the performance pier at Navarre Park over the next two weeks.

JENNIE McKEON @JennieMnwfdn

NAVARRE — Contractors will begin removing the boardwalk and the performance pier at Navarre Park over the next two weeks.

The work will be done by barge to avoid disrupting visitors to the park.

“We’ve already blocked off the areas that will be removed so it won’t impact visitors,” said Santa Rosa County spokeswoman, Brandi Whitehurst.

The boardwalk and the pier are some of the deteriorating infrastructure that need to be removed as part of the park’s upcoming master plan.

In October, the Santa Rosa County Commissioners voted to fund the first phase of the master plan. The first phase includes repairing and demolishing old infrastructure, filling the duck pond, expanding the parking lot by 55 spaces and updating the stormwater system.

Whitehurst said removing the stage and boardwalk has to be done before any repairing can be done.

The Navarre Park is centerally located in Navarre off U.S. Highway 98 and has nearly 6,000 visitors each year. When the master plan is completed, it will include a new butterfly vivarium, playground equipment, another public restroom, more parking and improved picnic shelters. Many of the park improvements come from multiple public comment periods, according to Distric 4 Commissioner Rob Williamson in a previous Daily News story.

Funding for the first phase of the master plan is roughly 3.6 million, which will come from District 4 recreation funds, Tourist Development reserves, District 4 local option sales tax funds and RESTORE Act money.