Edhat Reader
Gates to the historical landmark will open to the public on Saturday, June 29
By the City of Ventura
The City of Ventura proudly announces the reopening of the historic Ventura Pier, set to welcome the public back at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2024. The pier is restored and ready for community enjoyment after being closed since January 2023 due to severe storm damage.
“The reopening of the Ventura Pier marks a celebratory moment for our community. I am thankful for the swift, coordinated efforts of city staff, the County of Ventura, various state agencies, and our community partners like the Ventura Port District—Harbor Patrol, the Coastal Commission, State Parks, and Pier into the Future,” commented Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder. “Their hard work has ensured the pier’s safety with effective emergency responses, debris clearance, and coastal mitigation efforts and helped preserve an essential piece of our local heritage. We eagerly anticipate welcoming the community back to this cherished landmark.”
The Ventura Pier sustained extensive damage during the winter storms and high surf events of 2023 and 2024, necessitating repairs to ensure its safety and structural integrity. The damage included 37 missing or broken timber piles, 24 dislodged piles, and over 100 damaged or missing braces.
The restoration work included substantial replacements and new installations, including over 3,000 sq ft of decking, new bracing, and hardware, at approximately $3.3 million. FEMA and the state are anticipated to reimburse a significant portion of these expenses.
The City also completed corrosion repairs on the steel sections at the pier’s end and removed about 800 cubic yards of debris from the beach, equivalent to over 50 standard dump trucks. These efforts cleaned the beach for community enjoyment and reduced the risk of large debris re-damaging the pier during high tide events.
Originally built in 1872 and once the longest wooden pier in California, the Ventura Pier extends 1,620 feet and features a blend of timber and steel construction. Recognized as Ventura Historic Landmark No. 20, the pier is a favored locale for fishing, picnics, and enjoying the panoramic views of Ventura County’s coastline and the Channel Islands.
To learn more about the Ventura Pier, visit Cityofventura.ca.gov/
