GRAND HAVEN, Mich. - The south pier in Grand Haven State Park had been closed since 2016 for reconstruction, that is until Friday, Aug. 17, 2018.
Crews put the finishing touches on the structure Thursday, Aug. 16. It reopened to the public on Friday just before 11 a.m.
Early reviews of the new pier from walkers are positive.
"Very nice, good job," said Evelyn Kinder from Grand Haven.
"I was actually waiting for it to reopen because I like fishing here," said Andrew Benke from Rockford.
“It is exciting to see the completion of the work to the south pier navigation structure after almost two years,” said Tom O’Bryan, Lake Michigan Area Office, area engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The work was slowed by high water levels. Water levels have risen since the pier was last open to the public, resulting in waves overtopping the structure more frequently. Slippery conditions can exist.
“The safety of all that use the Grand Haven pier is always a concern, especially because the structure has not had pedestrian traffic for a couple of years,” said O’Bryan. “I just want to remind all that it can be slippery when wet. Do not go out during high seas but enjoy from a distance.”
The public is invited to bring their own food and drink for a celebration picnic at 6 p.m. The iconic catwalk should be set back on the pier next year.
In case you missed it, our Jon Mills was there when one hospice patient got to see the finished pier early. You'll want to make sure to check out that heartwarming story.
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Matt Gard is the Senior Producer of 13 ON YOUR SIDE Mornings. If you have a story idea, you can contact him on Twitter, @mgard_wzzm13 or by e-mail, MattGard@wzzm13.com.