The repaired Matlacha Pier, a popular fishing location, reopened for public use on March 13. The pier and park were severely damaged by Hurricane Ian and repairs have finally been made. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAROL SCOTT

The pier in Matlacha Community Park has officially re-opened, since its closure due to damage caused by Hurricane Ian in 2022.

Matlacha Civic Association President Carol Scott said members would have liked a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the occasion, but the moment did not present itself. That notwithstanding, Scott expressed gratitude on the behalf of Matlacha and Pine Island residents who have waited with bated breath for the re-opening.

“People came up here and opened it up and everyone was so excited. It did not take long for people to get on that pier. We had fisher-people and other people were walking their dogs on it — taking pictures. It was fun,” Scott said.

Matlacha Park itself is a place destined for family excursions, Scott said, bringing joy to the island for many years.

“It was fun and joy and now it’s fun and joy again. The children’s section of the park has a little pirate ship and they’ve just done a beautiful job with it — the restoration turned out to be very nice,” Scott said.

The repaired Matlacha Pier, a popular fishing location, reopened for public use on March 13. The pier and park were severely damaged by Hurricane Ian and repairs have finally been made. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAROL SCOTT

According to Scott, restoration of the park equipment and the re-opening of the pier leaves the kayak launch next on the agenda for Matlacha Park.

“It’s quite nice that we’re getting back to normal after 18 months. I don’t think any of us were expecting this much devastation from a hurricane,” said Scott.

Matlacha Community Park is at 4577 Pine Island Road in Matlacha.