Matthews | DCCM provided comprehensive concept planning, master planning, engineering, and landscape architectural services for Vilano Beachfront Park on Vilano Road in St. Johns County, Florida. The project aimed to seamlessly integrate the preservation of the natural coastal environment with the historic character of the area, creating a unique space for civic engagement and social recreation.

Key features of Vilano Beachfront Park include a 1,300-square-foot pavilion that seats up to 190 people, designed to host concerts, educational events, and community gatherings. The pavilion incorporates rotating panels, which can be opened to provide ocean views or closed for events, and is equipped with performance lighting that is directed away from the Vilano Town Center, also considering turtle nesting season regulations.

Additional upgrades to Vilano Beachfront Park focus on enhancing accessibility and visitor experience. These include new changing stations, a recreational area featuring a climbing play structure, new outdoor showers, renovated restrooms, and improved parking with restriping for ADA compliance. A mobimat provides accessible beach entry along the northern boundary, while updated dune walkovers, including an ADA-compliant viewing turnaround, allow easy access for all. Vilano Beachfront Park provides the only disability-accessible beach in St. Johns County, with a wheelchair-accessible path to the sandy beach and a wooden ocean-viewing ramp. These enhancements ensure an inclusive coastal experience for all visitors.