Gulf Islands National Seashore announces completion of Opal Beach facilities

The Gulf Islands National Seashore recently announced that major construction of facilities at Opal Beach is complete and visitors may now reserve select picnic pavilions. Park staff began manning the newly constructed entrance station July 11 to provide information and collect entrance fees for visitors to both the Gulf and Sound sides of Opal Beach.

Although major construction has been completed, GINS said recovery from the 2004-2005 storm seasons is still in progress. Asphalt and debris still are scattered and visible. GINS urges visitors to wear shoes while walking on the beach or wading. Some finishing work and installation of showers at the clusters continues and will be completed in upcoming weeks. For safety reasons and for the protection of park resources, visitors should not enter posted closed areas.

For more on this story, see the July 16 issue of the Navarre Press or subscribe online.