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Local civic, business and community leaders gathered to cut a ceremonial ribbon and celebrate the re-opening of iconic Gulf State Park Pier, on Friday, Sept. 13.
The pier underwent an extensive renovation and re-opened to the public last month, and Friday’s event allowed community leaders to show their appreciation for the Gulf Coast landmark.
“If you want to get an understanding of why our state is called ‘Alabama the Beautiful,’ all you need to do is stand on the pier here at Gulf State Park,” said Chris Blankenship, commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resource. “There’s no better spot to enjoy God’s creation than by seeing a sunrise or sunset from the Gulf State Park Pier.”
The pier closed from November 2023 to August 2024, for the $13.6 million renovation project, which was led by contractor MD Thomas Construction, based in Orange Beach. In September 2020, Hurricane Sally destroyed a 200-foot section of the pier and caused other damage. The repairs to the pier were paid with funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Deepwater Horizon Natural Resources Damage Assessment (NRDA) funds and State Park revenues. Commissioner Blankenship serves as the Lead NRDA Trustee for Alabama.
ADCNR navigated a lengthy process to obtain federal permits for the renovation and repair work, and the renovated pier opened last month to rave reviews from locals and tourists.
“We couldn’t have completed this project, which made the pier better than ever, without support from my fellow NRDA trustees, local governments and state and federal legislators,” Blankenship said. “The pier is an iconic spot on Alabama’s Gulf Coast, and it’s wonderful to have it open for business again.”
While the pier’s restaurant, gift shop, and beach access are fully operational, the observation deck, located above the octagon on the pier’s south end, will re-open soon.
In addition, officials also note admission fees for sightseers, anglers and others are in effect, as follows.
Parking: $10, all day
Fishing (All Day):
- Adult – $9
- Veteran – $6
- Campground/Lodge Guest – $6
- Children under 12 years – Free
- Weekly Fishing Permit – $41.00
- Monthly Fishing Permit – $81.00
- Six Month Fishing Permit – $161.00
- Annual Fishing Permit – $321.00
In addition, all anglers must possess a valid fishing license.
Sightseeing (All Day)
- Adult – $2 ($3 beginning Oct. 1, 2024)
- Veteran – Free
- Children under 12 years – Free
- Gulf State Park Campground/Lodge Guests – Free
Gulf State Park encompasses 6,150 acres of unique landscape on the Gulf of Mexico and features nine diverse ecosystems to explore, including freshwater lakes, dunes, pine savannas, marshes, woodlands and beaches. Drawing more than 2 million annual visitors, the park offers hiking, biking, fishing, exploring, geocaching and paddling, as well as miles of sugar-white public beaches. Overnight accommodations include RV camping, Lakeside Cabins, Eagle Cottages and The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel. Learn more here.
