One of the landmarks in Gulf Shores is the 1,500+ feet pier of the Gulf State Park. The famous fishing spot was damaged in hurricane Sally and has been closed since the 2020 storm. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has been spearheading repairs to the project and is making significant strides in its ongoing efforts to enhance the state's park system.

David Rainer with the Alabama Department of Conservation provided a recent update on the progress of the pier's renovation:

With more than $150 million available for renovations, repairs and construction, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) State Parks System is in the middle of major upgrades and enhancements to help State Parks’ guests embrace and enjoy Alabama’s natural beauty.

State Parks Director Greg Lein said those projects span the entire state, with upgrades planned at many of the 21 Alabama State Parks. Lein gave updates on the projects from south to north, starting with the Gulf State Park Pier damaged during Hurricane Sally. The repairs and construction are progressing on schedule.

“The Pier project is almost done and should be completed in September, and that’s on track with what we expected the whole time,” Lein said. “Also at Gulf State Park, the Beach Pavilion’s bathrooms are being redone with a new HVAC system. That’s very important down at the beach. That’s the public’s primary access to the beach, and it’s heavily utilized from Memorial Day through Labor Day.”

On the north side of Gulf State Park, the old golf course will become an additional campground with plenty of amenities, including a pool, clubhouse, putting green, splash pad and playground. The construction will be done in two phases with about 118 sites in phase I and an additional 145 sites in phase II. Both phases will provide 60-foot by 20-foot sites with 50-amp electrical service, water and sewer, and both back-in and pull-through sites. Other unique features will be included. The current campground at Gulf State Park has 496 improved sites that are often completely booked during peak seasons.