Arnolds Park State Pier and Boardwalk, Lake Okoboji

Arnolds Park amusement park has occupied the shore of Lake Okoboji, Iowa, for more than a hundred and thirty years. The public pier that extends it has been restored, as the centrepiece of the Imagine Iowa Great Lakes regeneration programme.

The works created a nature walk along Preservation Plaza, connected to the pier by a timber boardwalk. The decking uses heavy-section Kebony Clear boards intended for boardwalk construction.

The design team wanted a natural appearance, a long service life and behaviour suited to intensive public use at the water's edge. Kebony modified wood was selected for its durability, but also because it retains grip when wet and does not splinter, two decisive criteria for a surface walked on barefoot. Client: Imagine Iowa Great Lakes. Landscape architect: Hoerr Schaudt Landscape Architects. Contractor: Steffes Companies.