GULF SHORES — The first public boat ramp on the Bon Secour River had its ribbon cutting last week, officially opening public access to the boat launch, pier and park.

The Launch at CR 6, located at 5587 County Road 6, was funded by the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GoMESA) and a co-investment from Baldwin County. $4.82 million came from GoMESA funds, $1.5 million from County GoMESA funds and $2.6 million came from local Baldwin County funds to support the project, according to a press release on the event.

Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner Chris Blankenship said ADCNR has "about $30 million" assigned to boating access projects across the state. He said The Launch at CR 6 is one of the "larger and nicest of those projects."

"This project is fantastic. It turned out even better than I ever imagined when we first started discussing it," Blankenship said at the event. "… I like to partner with good folks who want to do good things. I look forward to other opportunities to work with Baldwin County Commission and its fine staff to do more good work to the citizens of Baldwin County and the millions of visitors that come here throughout the year."

Baldwin County Commissioner Billie Jo Underwood said the event was held on the five-year anniversary of when she found out about the property.

Underwood spoke on the history of the property, such as the Riverside Inn, which used to be located on the site in the '70s and '80s. She encouraged anyone who had family connections or "unique photos or postcards" to visit the Baldwin County Archives in Bay Minette so they can protect the history of the spot.

She said there was much collaboration with those who live near the new boat launch park during the construction process.

"We wanted to make sure that it fit well with the community," Underwood said.

Paul and Shirley Milner, who live adjacent to the site, said the park was "beautiful" and "amazing." According to Paul Milner, "they did a good job."

He said, "Normally, I've seen a lot of big projects like this, especially up north, where they come in and freaking torch the place, start from scratch. Boom, boom, boom. They're in and out and then all the trees are gone. When (this team) came over here and started the construction they identified each tree they wanted to keep. They put barricades around it so that (the construction) wouldn't affect the trees."

Paul Milner said he used to walk around the site "when nothing was here," before the inn and what's there today. He used to try to grow palm trees using bulbs he found on the property.

While he felt the boat launch park had everything it needed, he said he would like to talk to the commission about putting up a "no swimming" sign because he has spotted many "small gators" in the area along the water.

Construction lasted about a year with lots of "heavy equipment" that could have damaged the trees had they not been protected, Paul Milner said. He said the construction team also put up sea wall barricades to prevent any runoff.

Shriley Milner said the two were going to "definitely enjoy this with our families." She confirmed what Underwood said about collaborating with surrounding residents.

"They were very respectful of the neighbors. All of us, all of our property," she said. "They were very respectful of our property and taking care of everything, so it was amazing to see it go from a very wooded area to this. This is beautiful."