Gulf State Park Pier Expected to Open by Summer

If you're ready for redfish or hankering to hanghas enabled designers to create a structure expected
some tackle just for the halibut, the wait is almostto withstand a Category 3 hurricane. The design also
over. Officials have announced that they expect theis expected to dramatically reduce the time needed
Gulf State Park Pier to be ready in May, just in timeto made repairs after storm damage occurs because
for summer visitors.the damage should be mostly cosmetic and not
The pier's completion has been a long time coming,structural.
but that somehow seems suitable because the pier isSafety is important, but anglers and others who will
long -- at 1,512 feet, it will be the longest in the Gulfbe using the new pier want to be able to appreciate
of Mexico. It will be 20 feet wide and 20 feet highits amenities. These include its size, as it is several
and will be outfitted for the comforts ofhundred feet longer than its predecessor and is more
outdoorsmen of all ages and ability levels.than twice as wide across the octagon. The additional
The new pier is at 20800 E. Beach Blvd. in Gulflength is especially important on days when the Gulf
Shores. When it is completed, it will have twois rough, because anglers can cast into deeper,
restroom facilities, a tackle shop and a concessionclearer water where fish still will be swimming -- and
stand with dining facilities inside and out. The entirebiting. Local fishermen expect the additional territory
structure is American with Disabilities Act-compliant,to yield excellent results for highly desirable species
and it features special railings designed so anglers inof fish. At least one local expert has said he expects
wheelchairs can pull up and have a place to set theirthe new pier's size alone to be responsible for double
tackleboxes, bait and other items at lap-level orthe number of good days of fishing. It also is higher
higher rather than having to reach down to theabove the water.
ground.Picnic tables will be a welcome "site" for those who
A 65-foot octagon over the coast's second sand barwant to take advantage of the view and the warm
will offer prime fishing for cobia, king mackerel andbreezes of the Gulf of Mexico, but the snack bar will
tarpon, information from the Alabama Gulf Coasthave air-conditioned seating for those who come
Convention and Visitors Bureau states. Artificial reefshungry, empty-handed and looking for a respite from
will be added to bring in more fish and will bethe sun.
accessible by boat. Some plans call for the remnantsAlabama requires anglers to be licensed for fishing,
of the old pier to be used in creating the artificialand those licenses will be available at the pier
reefs, but permitting issues have yet to be decided.alongside bait, tackle and other necessities.
Built in 1968, the original pier was a fixture of theNot everyone who uses the pier will be there for the
Alabama Gulf Coast until it became a casualty offishing. Some will come to enjoy the sun or to watch
Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Local and state officials tookfor wildlife. Locals have reported seeing all types of
the opportunity provided by Ivan to overhaul amarine life from the old pier, including whales and
significant portion of Gulf State Park, updating andmanatees.
modernizing where possible, tearing down andState and local officials visited several popular piers in
rebuilding elsewhere.the region as plans for the new Gulf State Park Pier
When officials realized a facelift to the aging pierwere crafted. Having new safety and comfort
would be as expensive as a new pier, they opted forfeatures plus the best options other locales have to
a modern replacement. State-of-the-art engineeringoffer makes Gulf State Park truly a "keeper.