Gulf Shores residents rally to save boat launch: ‘I’d hate to see us lose it’

Steve Burrow has been using the Canal Park boat launch on the Intracoastal Waterway for 25 years, and he says he’s never launched his boat from anywhere else in the coastal area. He hopes that doesn’t change.“To me, it’s the only ramp on the island that can get you to the big water around us,” Burrow told the Gulf Shores City Council on Monday.Burrow was among dozens of residents who packed the council chambers during a work session to oppose a recommendation that the city close the Canal Park boat launch.Bert Scott, Lee McMichael, Joyce Gwyn, Alvin Jones, and others urged city leaders to keep the launch open. No decisions were made at the meeting. The work session served as an opportunity for the public to voice their concerns about the proposal closure. “I’ve used that boat launch for years,” said Fred Van Forle, a retired city firefighter. “It’s very convenient for us and I’d hate to see us lose it.”City recommendation The standing-room-only crowd turned out after city staff, led by City Administrator Jon Walker, recommended shutting down the launch, which opened in 1999 under a 20-year cooperative agreement with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.City officials cited several reasons for the proposed closure.First, two newer public boat launches have opened nearby. The Launch at ICW, which opened along Cotton Creek Drive west of the Foley Beach Express in 2022, sits on 47 acres with 1,700 feet of waterfront, six boat ramps, 284 parking spaces, a large pavilion and picnic areas. A second launch along Baldwin County Route 6 opened in 2025.City staff also described the Canal Park launch as potentially hazardous for inexperienced boaters because of fast-moving tides, heavy Intracoastal Waterway traffic, nearby barges and proximity to bridge infrastructure.In addition, officials said the surrounding area has changed dramatically since the launch site opened more than two decades ago.Located within Gulf Shores’ Waterway Village district, the launch sits along 24th Avenue, a corridor redesigned with narrower travel lanes, reduced turning radii, wider sidewalks and on-street parking to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment near popular restaurants such as Acme Oyster House and Tacky Jack’s.A new $24.7 million pedestrian bridge under construction in Gulf Shores, Ala., as pictured on Monday, June 29, 2026.John SharpNearby is a large $24.7 million pedestrian bridge under construction.The city also pointed to the Waterway Village Zoning Overlay District, adopted in 2012, which envisions a more walkable, mixed-use downtown and entertainment district. According to the staff analysis, the boat launch and trailer parking represent an “underutilization of public right-of-way” that could instead be used to address parking and zoning needs for future retail, restaurant and mixed-use developments.Council reactionsIf the council ultimately closes the launch, the city said it would seek permission from the Alabama Department of Transportation to redesign the Canal Park area beneath Alabama State Route 59 with a canal overlook, additional green space and more vehicle parking “to better fit the current and future uses” of the Waterway Village District.At least one council member has already voiced opposition to the idea.Councilman Joe Garris said the ramp serves as an important alternative when weather limits access to other launches. He also noted that charter boat operators use area boat ramps year-round.“I would like and hopefully for the council to understand that not only for the charter boat use but for individual use who have family members that visit during Christmas and Thanksgiving and to fish in the canal, to keep it open as is,” Garris said.The discussion has also generated questions about nearby property ownership.On social media, some residents questioned whether land near the launch owned by Councilman Phillip Harris could present a conflict of interest. Before public comments began Monday, Harris announced that he would not participate in either the discussion or any future vote.“I do have ownership interest in the property in Waterway Village and property on either side of this boat launch,” Harris confirmed. “I won’t be making any comments on it. If this does come to a point where there is a vote, I will not participate in a vote so you don’t misinterpret my silence today that I don’t care or am listening.”Councilman Steve Jones informally surveyed the audience about how many people use the launch and concluded there was little doubt that it remained heavily used.Several residents said closing the boat launch would force them to drive farther and navigate the heavily traveled Route 59 corridor to reach one of the newer facilities.“It’s inconvenient,” said Bruce Winfrey, who frequently uses the Canal Park launch with his children during the summer. “It provides a good service to the community whose business and livelihoods depend on it.”Many speakers praised the city’s efforts to transform Waterway Village into an entertainment district serving local residents, rather than beach tourists, while arguing that water access should remain part of the district’s identity.“I appreciate what is happening with the Waterway District and how it’s improving the area,” said Alvin Jones. “It’s interesting, to me, it’s called the Waterway Village. I think you need to wade into the water.”