Nueces County commissioners are asking for residents' input at a town hall meeting and through an online survey to address the rebuilding of Bob Hall Pier, which has been closed for the past 12 months.
The pier was destroyed by Hurricane Hanna in July 2020. The Category 1 hurricane swept away the pier's T-head and concrete walkway. Padre Balli Park also sustained damage with most of the picnic shelters along the adjacent strip off of the beach destroyed.
An online survey gives residents a chance to share their stories of how they have used the pier in the past two years and rate the importance of its amenities. A comment section at the end of the survey provides space to note any design ideas or other suggestions.
In addition, residents may attend a virtual town hall meeting next week for input on the pier's future. Meeting times are:
- 5 p.m. Thursday, July 22
- 9 a.m. Friday, July 23
Built in 1950, the iconic pier was popular with anglers searching for fish not found in the shallow waters along the shoreline, including grouper and speckled trout. The original timber pier was about 300 feet long at the end of the T-head and cost a little over $17,000 to build. At the time of Hurricane Hanna, the pier was 1,240 feet long.
The pier is part of the 400-acre Balli Park, which remains open. Picnic tables, cabanas, and a public restroom are available. The park is free to beachgoers, but a beach permit is required to park cars on the beach.
alecia@ccbiznews.com
