Gulf Shores is looking at closing down the boat launch it maintains underneath the State Route 59 bridge and replacing it with more parking for the Waterway Village District and a covered fishing area.

A memo from City Administrator Jon Walker recommended changing the lease agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation “that removes the Canal Park boat launch from the agreement and … terminate access to the boat launch.” Besides the launch and trailer parking, there is also public parking and a dock.

The city council will discuss the proposal at a work session meeting on Aug. 17 at 4 p.m. Councilors could vote on the proposal in the next regular session on Aug. 24.

Walker cited several reasons behind closing the ramp, including a new launch on the Intracoastal Waterway near the former toll bridge that opened in 2022. Amenities there include 284 spaces for boat and car parking, covered pavilions, restrooms and six boat launches. Use of the launch is free.

Another opened in April 2025 on County Road 6 where there are two boat launches, 95 boat and car parking spaces, restrooms, picnic tables, two fishing piers and trails. Launch use there is also free.

Walker also said at times the current launch can be dangerous depending on the currents.

“Even with full throttle, small boats can be overwhelmed by strong tidal flows,” his memo states.

Local fishing enthusiast and columnist David “Pier Pounder” Thornton agreed the new launches can easily provide for boaters’ needs. He said he hopes it stays open for fishing from the bank if the launch under the bridge is closed.

“That park offers a decent place to inshore fish from the bank,” Thornton said. “Somewhat a rarity in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Boatless fishermen seriously need inshore access with lighted piers to deeper waters as an alternative when the Gulf is too rough to fish.”

Illustrations show a covered pavilion under the bridge with water access for fishing along with some green space. If council approves the changes, the city could move forward with plans for the reconfigured parking lot and pavilion under the bridge.