Docks to Provide Easier Public Access

National Park Service dock in St. Marys, Georgia

National Park Service

News Release Date: July 22, 2013

Contact: Maggie Tyler, 912-882-4336 x 257

For Immediate Release

Maggie Tyler 912-882-4336 ext. 257

Cumberland Island National Seashore Begins Work on Docks to Provide Easier Public Access

St. Marys, GA. - The National Park Service will soon begin a project to upgrade the National Seashore’s dock facilities including the St. Marys and Dungeness docks improving access under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  

“This project will allow visitors improved access to Seashore facilities,” said National Seashore Superintendent Fred Boyles. “Our docks are often the first impression a visitor has of the Seashore, we are happy to provide a new dock system which will integrate the ADA requirements along with our harsh environmental conditions and provide a better visitor experience.”  

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District provided the engineering design and contract oversight for Atlantic Marine Construction, a company based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.   “As part of the project, the Corps will upgrade and install ramps, as well as floating docks and replace some pilings”, said Drew Smith, Corps project engineer. 

To interrupt the flow of visitors as little as possible, the project will be divided into phases. Starting today the Dungeness dock on Cumberland Island will be closed to all public traffic. Private boats, the Cumberland Island Ferry and park visitors will not be able to access the Seashore at the southern dock during construction. All access to the southern portion of the island will be via the Sea Camp dock including the Dungeness “Footsteps” walk.

 As the project progresses, additional dock closures will be necessary. Phase one includes similar work on the St. Marys dock. 

 Phase two, which is scheduled for 2014, will focus on the Sea Camp and Plum Orchard docks. This work will make the accessibility improvements and slightly re-position the floating docks to obtain better depth around the docks. Additional public notifications will be made as the closure dates approach. 

 Visit the Cumberland Island National Seashore website at www.nps.gov/cuis to see updates on the progress of the docks and the schedule of upcoming closures from the National Park Service.

Phase one of the project is scheduled for completion in September. 

Cumberland Island National Seashore is the largest and southernmost barrier island in Georgia. The park is the home to approximately 36,000 acres of pristine maritime forest, undeveloped beaches, freshwater lakes, wide brackish marshes and over 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated Wilderness. The Seashore was authorized by Congress in 1972 and is administered by the National Park Service. For more information call 912-882-4336 ext 254 or visit www.nps.gov/cuis.

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