Corpus Christi residents and visitors celebrated the reopening of Cole Park Pier and Plaza, 2600 Ocean Drive, on Friday, Dec. 17, with live music, hot cocoa, cookies, a children's play area, fishing, giveaways, and more. 
Mayor Paulette M. Guajardo and City Manager Peter Zanoni conducted the official ribbon cutting and lighting of the pier. Park improvements include a new pier and plaza, canopies, lighting, seating, fishing areas, and cleaning stations.
Work on reconstruction of the pier began in February 2021. Originally built in the 1930s, the pier was first destroyed in 1945 and not rebuilt until 1971. Hurricane Harvey caused damage in August 2017, and the pier was closed in April 2018 due to structural deficiencies. In April 2019, the walkway panels connecting the pier to the shore collapsed into the bay. 
City staff began working with Jacobs Engineering in December 2019 to design a new, more modern and user-friendly pier and plaza.
“The rededication of our beloved Cole Park Pier will be one of the most exciting days in the history of Corpus Christi,” Mayor Guajardo said prior to the ceremony.
The first 300 people to arrive were given water bottles, backpacks, and a commemorative postcard. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department offered mobile interactive education on pier fishing.