Gulf State Park Pier Reopens

The renovated Gulf State Park Pier reopened on August 19, welcoming people to the landmark for the first time in more than nine months. The pier closed in November 2023 for the $13.6-million renovation project, with contractor MD Thomas Construction of Orange Beach leading the work. Hurricane Sally destroyed a 200-ft section of the pier and caused other damage in September 2020 just as it was set to reopen after an extensive renovation. A majority of the park’s amenities, including the gift shop, restaurant and beach access, reopened Monday. The pier’s elevated observation deck, located at the octagon on the pier’s south end, remains closed and won’t be accessible to the public until a new elevator is installed to make it compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Additional work will continue for the next few weeks, although it will not prevent visitors from using the pier. A formal ribbon-cutting and community celebration is being planned for a later date.