One of the many unique features of the new St. Petersburg Pier will be the circular Marina near its center. Boaters will enter the Marina under a large archway on the north side of new pier. This welcoming arch completes the circle of the Marina, and is also a stairway offering yet more views of our beautiful Bay. The current pier has some boat slips and moorings on the sides and end, but often the waters are too choppy for boats to dock. The new Marina, located within the pier, is more of a harbor for small boats. It will be a floating dock with wave attenuators calming the waters to make docking easier. While built to accommodate powerboats, the city has decided to allow only people powered watercraft such as kayaks, paddleboats, canoes, and small sailboats. A destination in itself, the new Marina will have a bait shop, concessions, boat rentals, and a souvenir shop. There will also be public restrooms adjacent on the Overwater Drive. The pier's trolley will make one of its stops at the Marina. Plans are for this new trolley to be open-air, electric, and accommodate wheelchairs.
On the old pier, it was fun to watch others out in the Bay kayaking, paddleboarding, sailboarding, and enjoying similar water sports. When a group of kayakers went by, people often moved closer to the edge for a better view. The same will be true on the new pier, but now you can watch the launching and docking of a variety of people powered watercraft right in front of you at the new Marina. With all these enthusiasts coming and going, renting boats, and others just watching, the new Marina will be a popular attraction - a fun place to be whether one participates or just observes.
You can view all the activities from either the Overwater Bridge, Overwater Drive, or the Marina Overlook – the curved connection between the two. Of course, you can watch from the Marina itself, and maybe get a bite to eat as well. Most of these viewing areas will be shaded by the canopy, and there will be benches to sit and relax. Also, from the Marina you'll have front row seats for whatever is projected on the canopy. The eastern side of canopy, facing the city, can act as a movie screen for images. Some of the latest funding approved by City Council will go to the further design of the new pier's Marina and fishing platforms. With each successive design, more details and improvements have been added. It will be exciting to see the latest Marina designs. But whatever the details, this unique Marina inside of a pier will be like no other. Pier into the future, and maybe you can see it already. The Marina at the New St. Petersburg Pier. Let's get it built!
http://www.buildthepier.com/
http://www.thenewstpetepier.com/
