Gulf State Park Pier will close for renovation, maintenance work
Gulf State Park • April 14, 2020
50-by-18 elevated observation to be added at the end of the pier
(OBA®) – The Gulf State Park Pier will soon close to visitors as the park begins an exciting $2.4 million renovation project that will modernize one of the Gulf Coast’s top attractions.
The Gulf State Park Pier will undergo a major renovation that includes replacing the wooden decking and handrails of the 10-year-old landmark, creating a new observation deck and installing turtle-friendly lighting. At the octagon located on the south end of the pier, a new 50-by-18-foot elevated observation deck will be constructed above the existing pier deck, which will give visitors approximately 850 additional square feet of viewing-space.
The new decking, built with sustainably sourced Ipe (pronounced ee-pay) boards, is designed to hold up for decades against the exposure to saltwater, wind and rain.
The new observation desk will be equipped with an elevator, making it handicap- accessible. The project will also include refurbishing the offices, restrooms, concession area and bait shop on the pier. The pier is expected to be closed to the public beginning May 11 through mid-July.
“Visiting the Gulf State Park Pier is almost a rite of passage for people who come to Gulf Shores,” said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “Because it is such an important part of our park, we are absolutely dedicated to maintaining the pier and ensuring it is safe and accessible to our many thousands of guests. We also want to make it is as environmentally friendly as possible for sea turtles and other wildlife.”
The project was approved and funded by the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Program, Alabama Trustee Implementation Group. Commissioner Blankenship represents the State of Alabama on this group.
The Gulf State Park Pier is one of the longest on the Gulf Coast. It is 20 feet wide
and provides 2,448 feet of fishing space.
Gulf State Park Pier Rennovations FAQ
What is happening?
The Gulf State Park Pier will undergo a major renovation that includes replacing the structure’s wooden decking and railings, as well as installing new turtle-friendly lighting, building a new observation deck, and refurbishing office, bathroom, concession and bait shop areas of the pier.
When will this happen?
Construction will close the pier from May 11 through mid-July, meaning the pier is expected to be closed to the public for approximately two months.
Why is the renovation needed?
The existing pine decking and handrails are approximately 10 years old and are in need of repair and replacement. The new decking and handrails will consist of panels made of sustainably sourced Ipe (pronounced ee-pay), a hardwood product that is naturally resistant to rot, abrasion, weather and insects. The use of Ipe should increase the structure’s life expectancy, which should translate into
cost savings because it won’t have to be replaced as often. In addition, the panels can be removed
and stored, which is a major safety feature for the inevitable arrival of a hurricane on the Gulf Coast.
How much will the project cost?
The renovation cost is $2.4 million and is being funded by the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Program, Alabama Trustee Implementation Group. Conservation Commissioner Chris Blankenship represents the State of Alabama on this group.
Why is the renovation needed now?
The permitting process was complicated, as officials paid special attention to environmental
concerns, especially with the project’s potential impact on sea turtles and other wildlife. That process pushed the work to the spring and summer instead of the preferred off-peak winter months. The new lighting — in the parking lot and on the pier — will be “turtle friendly” and will eliminate any adverse impact caused by the current lighting.
Will anything new be added?
Yes. The renovation includes construction of a 50-by-18-foot observation deck that will be elevated 10 feet, 6 inches above the existing octagon at the south end of the pier. The new deck will add about 850 square feet of additional viewing space for pier visitors. An elevator will allow the deck to be handicap accessible.
In addition, upgrades will be made to the fish cleaning station that should make life easier for anglers who use the pier for fishing.
For further information, please contact Lamar Pendergrass at 251-948-7275 x 2126 or lamar.pendergrass@dcnr.alabama.gov.
Share this article w/ Friends...
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Orange Beach will host a community blood drive this month, offering residents the chance to help save lives close to home. The LifeSouth Bloodmobile will be parked at Orange Beach City Hall for the one-day event. Donors can walk in or schedule an appointment in advance. All donors will rec
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The South Alabama Land Trust is bringing two wildlife experts together to discuss one of Alabama's smallest yet most important coastal residents. The organization, known as SALT, is hosting a free public event focused on the endangered Alabama Beach Mouse. The event is part of SALT's ongoin
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Annual National Shrimp Festival is inviting people to help create a new name for its fans. Organizers have launched an online contest for submissions. The winning entry will receive a swag bag from the festival’s merchandise tent. The contest aims to replace the usual term for attendees
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The Solid Waste Disposal Authority of Baldwin County will waive battery disposal fees during a local collection event. The effort aims to provide residents with a safe way to dispose of batteries. Officials ask residents not to place batteries in household trash or recycling bins. The free
Baldwin County, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin County pet owners now have access to a discount voucher program to help cover the cost of spaying or neutering their animals. The Baldwin County Animal Shelter offers vouchers to residents across the county. The program has operated for nearly two years and continues to help thou
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Experience the Oyster is returning to The Hangout in Gulf Shores, Alabama, for its fifth year, bringing together some of the South's best chefs and oyster farmers for a full weekend of coastal cuisine. The event is presented by Murder Point Oysters, a well-known Alabama oyster company that
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Swimmers, cyclists and runners are gearing up for one of Alabama's most beloved endurance events. Registration is now open for the 19th annual Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon in Gulf Shores. The Hangout will serve as race headquarters for the event. Athletes of all experience level
Robertsdale, Ala. — (OBA) — The Baldwin County Fair has been a fixture in south Alabama since 1948, drawing tens of thousands of visitors to Robertsdale each fall. Organized by the Baldwin County Cattle & Fair Association, the event features carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, livestock competitions, and locally pr
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Parrot Heads will return to Gulf Shores this fall for Meeting of the Minds. The gathering celebrates Jimmy Buffett, trop rock music, and the community built around his songs. Live music and charity events are planned. The Hangout will again be the center of the celebration.
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Foley Community Library is launching a new public education series this fall, with the first event addressing a topic that affects yards, forests, and wetlands across the Gulf Coast. The library's new Bites and Insights series will feature experts discussing topics of local importance.
