To protect the sensitive grasses along the Lake Superior shoreline, the City of Duluth partnered with Modular Trail Structures to design and install a boardwalk and viewing platform that would provide safe public access to Park Point Beach—without disturbing the fragile ecosystem.

Engineered for Extreme Weather

Lake Superior’s shoreline is subject to intense storms and powerful wave surges, making durability a top priority. MTS collaborated with city officials to develop a boardwalk system specifically designed to withstand storm surges and large waves, ensuring long-term performance in a harsh coastal environment.

Dual Footing System for Stability

To meet the structural demands of the site, two types of footings were used:

• Non-penetrating bearing plate footings supported most of the boardwalk, preserving the shoreline with minimal disruption.

• On the beach, Diamond Pier footings provided permanent, storm-resistant support where conditions were most extreme.

Simple Design, Smooth Installation

Despite the complexity of the site and environmental requirements, the simplicity of the MTS design allowed the City of Duluth to complete the installation without hiring additional contractors—saving time and resources while protecting the shoreline.