Crews in Clearwater Beach will begin fencing off parts of Pier 60 Park this week for a major renovation project.
The project includes widening and extending Clearwater's Beach Walk. The Beach Walk would be extended from Pier 60 to Mandalay.
City leaders said extending the walkway will keep the beach feel while improving the pedestrian traffic flow. Residents said the traffic flow near the Pier can be a problem.
"It does get congested right here in the evenings and stuff," said Clearwater Beach resident Rich Peterson.
The renovation project also includes tearing down retaining walls near the playground, adding benches and expanding the green space at Pier 60 Park.
The park's lawn is frequently used for Sunset Cinema's Movies in the Park.
City leaders said the outdoor movie theater will be closed until the renovation project is complete.
Pier 60 and the playground will remain open during the renovations.
The project is expected to be completed by February 2016.
This is the final phase of the city's plan to renovate Pier 60 Park.
The city also installed a new welcome sign and added a flag plaza to highlight each branch of the military.
The entire project is costing the city $500,000.