Est. 2006
OBA on Social Media
Blog Layout
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...
Fort Morgan, Ala. – (OBA) – The 3rd Annual Fort Morgan Oyster Fest is set to take place this weekend, February 22nd & 23rd at The Beach Club Resort & Spa. The event features all-you-can-eat oysters, live music, craft vendors, and various activities for attendees; including a larger kids area.
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – After 15 years of dedicated service, Gulf Shores Police Chief Ed Delmore has announced his retirement, effective immediately. Mayor Robert Craft informed the city council of Chief Delmore’s intent during a meeting on Monday, February 17, 2025. Chief Delmore will stay on the force as a special investigator until the end of his term, which ends in November.
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The City of Gulf Shores, in collaboration with the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, is set to host a Vision 2035 Business Stakeholder Workshop on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the Erie Meyer Civic Center. This event seeks input from local business leaders to shape the city's long-term plans, guiding development and resource allocation for the next decade.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Kris Anderson, a senior partner of Yates Anderson law firm in Orange Beach, apologized to the Mayor and City Council saying he may have "jumped the gun" with the lawsuit. However, Mayor Tony Kennon accused Anderson of trying to act like "Superman," being a "despicable individual," and painting the community in a racist light.
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores Golf Club in Alabama has appointed Grant Cole as its new head superintendent. Cole, a Class A Superintendent, previously led Braelinn Golf Club in Peachtree City, Georgia, and has extensive experience in course restoration and southeastern agronomic practices.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Alabama's 14th annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday is set for Friday, February 21, through Sunday, February 23, 2025. During this period, residents can purchase essential severe weather preparedness items without paying the state's 4% sales tax. In some areas, local taxes will also be waived, allowing shoppers to save up to 10% on eligible items.
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The Foley Planning Commission will review several requests for approvals of subdivisions located in the city limits and the city’s planning jurisdiction including a 258-lot development located east of County Road 65 and south of Dairy Lane. Staff will recommend approval.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The 33rd Annual Orange Beach Seafood Festival and MAAAC Car Show is set to take place this Saturday, February 22, 2025, at The Wharf in Orange Beach. The event, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., promises a day filled with culinary delights, live entertainment, arts and crafts, and an impressive display of classic automobiles.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Recent research on inshore fish species in Alabama has revealed surprising findings about their movements and spawning habits. Scientists at the University of South Alabama (USA) have been tagging southern flounder, speckled trout, red drum, and tripletail to track their migration patterns.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Turquoise Place, a luxury beachfront resort in Orange Beach, Alabama, has been named one of the Top 100 Luxury Resorts in the World by Luxury Lifestyle Awards. This honor highlights the resort's exceptional service, world-class amenities, and memorable guest experiences.
