07-24-2009, 12:10 AM
The long wait is over. Alabama Gov. Bob Riley has cut the ribbon officially opening the new pier at Gulf State Park to the public. This highly-anticipated $14.8 million project is now the longest pier on the Gulf of Mexico and Alabama's only public pier on the Gulf. The original pier was destroyed by Hurricane Ivan in 2004.
The pier has several new features including indoor concession-area seating, indoor retail space for tackle and souvenirs, mid-pier comfort stations, and wheelchair accessible rail fishing. At 1,540 feet long, 20 feet wide, and boasting 2,448 feet of fishing space available along the rails, it's much larger than the previous pier and can accommodate up to 30 people on the octagon-shaped end of the pier.
In addition to a saltwater fishing license or pier license, the daily fishing permit is $8 for adults and children over the age of 12. For children under age 12, who would like to fish while the adults watch, the charge is $4. The sightseeing only fee for adults is $3. Weekly, monthly, semi-annual and annual permits are available. For more information, including a complete list of pier rules and regulations, visit the Gulf State Park section of www.alapark.com.
After exploring the new pier visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the multiple recreational opportunities that Gulf State Park has to offer that range from tennis to swimming, to an 18-hole of championship-style golf course. There are also more than 10 trails to choose from in the park with most offering abundant opportunities to view a broad range of wildlife. And of course there are the two miles of white sun-kissed beaches to enjoy.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama's natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.
The pier has several new features including indoor concession-area seating, indoor retail space for tackle and souvenirs, mid-pier comfort stations, and wheelchair accessible rail fishing. At 1,540 feet long, 20 feet wide, and boasting 2,448 feet of fishing space available along the rails, it's much larger than the previous pier and can accommodate up to 30 people on the octagon-shaped end of the pier.
In addition to a saltwater fishing license or pier license, the daily fishing permit is $8 for adults and children over the age of 12. For children under age 12, who would like to fish while the adults watch, the charge is $4. The sightseeing only fee for adults is $3. Weekly, monthly, semi-annual and annual permits are available. For more information, including a complete list of pier rules and regulations, visit the Gulf State Park section of www.alapark.com.
After exploring the new pier visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the multiple recreational opportunities that Gulf State Park has to offer that range from tennis to swimming, to an 18-hole of championship-style golf course. There are also more than 10 trails to choose from in the park with most offering abundant opportunities to view a broad range of wildlife. And of course there are the two miles of white sun-kissed beaches to enjoy.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama's natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR, visit www.outdooralabama.com.