Cedar Point Pier Reopens After Ribbon Cutting on April 11, 2022

Posted on: Apr 11th, 2022 | News and Announcements Press Releases featured news

MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. -- Visitors have the opportunity to return to fishing at Cedar Point Pier now that the long-time, family-oriented fishing spot for area residents and travelers alike, reopened as part of the Mobile County Park System.

Mobile County Commissioners Randall Dueitt, Connie Hudson and Merceria Ludgood, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship, Dauphin Island Mayor Jeff Collier and Councilors Gene Fox and Trey Alderman participated in a ribbon cutting on April 11, 2022 to reopen Cedar Point Pier.

Cedar Point Pier, first built in the 1950s, was owned by the McRae family from 1986 to 2021. It was purchased by Mobile County in December 2021 using a $2.2 million state GOMESA grant provided by Gov. Kay Ivey.

“For a community to thrive and maintain engagement, provision or protection of amenities specific to the community’s interests or needs is vital. The acquisition of Cedar Point Pier is an example of my dedication to insuring our community has equal access to natural resources and assurance those resources have the protection of the County Commission moving forward. The Pier, revitalization of Bay Front Park, and ongoing conservation efforts in the area are all projects to build a community around our families, which will in turn, encourage economic growth and sustainability,” said Commissioner Randall Dueitt, who represents District 3.

Alabama Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Chris Blankenship said: “The Cedar Point Fishing Pier and adjacent property are a critical public access site for fishermen without boats and as a potential site to improve access to launch small watercrafts. Upon recommendation from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Governor Kay Ivey was very excited to fund this project from the State’s share of GOMESA funds. This partnership with Mobile County adds to more than a dozen important Coastal Alabama public access projects that Governor Ivey has funded through DCNR during her time as Governor.”

Dauphin Island Mayor, Jeff Collier, said: “Congratulations to Mobile County on the acquisition and reopening of the Cedar Point Pier – a popular place to wet a hook while sharing quality time with friends and family!”

As in previous years, Cedar Point Pier was closed for the winter months and Mobile County used that time for repairs, stabilization and operations planning. Repairs and renovations to the Pier over the winter closure include: removal of unstable, worn structures, temporary stabilization around the bulkhead, grading of the parking area, and the completion of necessary electrical work. The work performed is designed to enhance the safety and stability of the Pier and the safety of visitors enjoying the property.

Two temporary trailers have been placed on the property. One is a restroom trailer and the other will be used as the park office. These trailers, which can be removed in the event of an approaching hurricane, will be replaced in the near future by permanent trailers. Gravel has been added to the landscape and parking has been improved. Additional improvements, which will be implemented over time, are being planned for the pier and surrounding areas.

The practice of not requiring a saltwater fishing license for Alabama residents to fish from Cedar Point Pier continues. Previous rules remain in place, such as a ban on cast nets and crabbing, radios/loud music, open flames, firearms and pets on the pier. In accordance with Mobile County Parks’ System rules, alcohol is not allowed.

No admission fees will be charged during Cedar Point Pier’s first season as a Mobile County park. Cedar Point Pier will be open 24 hours. Sales of ice, snacks, bait and fishing supply sales will be offered in future seasons.

Cedar Point Pier, located at 18250 Dauphin Island Parkway, Coden, AL 36523, has long been considered the Welcome Mat to Dauphin Island, because of its location on AL 193 just north of the bridge to Dauphin Island.

Cedar Point Pier’s improvements are part of Mobile County Commission’s multi-year, $40 million parks improvement initiative that includes $35 million for increased public access to water. Mobile County Commission’s parks improvement initiative is made possible through funding generated by the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA). Authorized uses of GOMESA funds, generated through Alabama’s offshore oil and gas drilling leases, include conserving, protecting and mitigating the impact of such activity by implementing a federally-approved conservation plan. Part of the local conservation plan is to increase public access to shoreline recreational areas which includes Cedar Point Pier.