FLEMING ISLAND — Known as an ideal, serene hub for getting the best glimpses of what Mother Nature has to offer, Moccasin Slough Park will soon be known for so much more, according to Clay County Parks and Recreation Director Justin Pierce.

A $1.4 million project is set to bring a new boardwalk and educational pavilion to Raggedy Point Road.

As part of the Moccasin Slough Management Plan, Pierce said the county is currently working toward building a 6,800 square-foot elevated boardwalk with an observation tower, three overlook platforms and a Nature Center.

He said this will be a drastic addition to the 225-acre park.

Phase 1, now under construction, includes 2,690-square-feet of the boardwalk, along with an educational pavilion. After receiving funding through a combination of state appropriations and the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP), design and permitting of the boardwalk began in late 2022, with construction commencing back in April.

Phase 1 is set to be completed in 2027.

While the current park was first developed in 2010, it only includes a paved walking trail, playground, pavilion, and exercise stations. Pierce said now, visitors will be able to experience nature, exercise and bird-watching in areas that were previously inaccessible.