The Gulf State Park Pier, one of Alabama’s most loved landmarks, is set to reopen early Saturday morning after taking significant damage from Hurricane Sally in September.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) announced the reopening in a release on Friday. The agency says 725 feet of the pier have been repaired, though the southernmost part of the pier will remain closed due to having suffered more damage than the rest of the structure.
As a precaution against COVID-19 transmission, only 125 anglers and 75 sightseers will be allowed on the pier at one time.
Once reopened, the pier will be accessible to the public 24/7, with park employees on-site between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. each day.
Visitors to the pier will get to enjoy amenities that were part of a renovation of the pier announced before the hurricane struck.
“The entire wood decking and railings have been upgraded with sustainably sourced ipe wood. This hardwood is extremely durable and will increase the life expectancy of the structure. All lighting on the Pier meets the USFWS turtle-friendly standards,” reported ADCNR in a release.
The agency added that the “fish cleaning station has been upgraded and restroom facilities have been refurbished.”
“It is gratifying to be able to start 2021 with the reopening of one of our most significant amenities,” remarked Lamar Pendergrass, Alabama State Parks’ Southern Regional Operations Supervisor, in a statement.
“Opening the Pier is a testament to the resilience and passion of our staff,” he concluded.
Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@new-yhn.local or on Twitter @HenryThornton95.
