Historic Ventura Pier set to reopen this weekend

VENTURA, Calif. – For the first time in nearly 18 months, visitors will be able to walk the Ventura Pier this weekend.

“So excited for such a long time. I was wondering what it would be like to go all the way to the end," said resident Stephanie Massman of Ventura.

"When I found out that they’re opening it I got really excited and I’m super excited to go and hang out and see what’s over there," said beach goer Carly Durrer.

The Ventura Pier, which closed IN January 2023, underwent extensive repairs to ensure its safety and structural integrity.

Last year's winter storms caused significant damage, including 37 missing or broken timber piles, 24 dislodged pilings, and more than 100 damaged or missing braces.  

“As it was, unfortunately, we had to keep it closed to our community for so long, but we knew it was so critical to get it to where we needed it to be to open it our community," said deputy public works director Mary Joyce Ivers of the City of Ventura.

"Given the weather we had damage it’s done it before," said resident Mary Schilken of Ventura.

City leaders of Ventura are expecting hundreds around the community will be celebrating the opening of the pier this weekend.

“More like 1000-plus. So many people in the city of Ventura have been waiting for this and our city has 100+ thousand people I think 20% of them will be here. They may not all be here at once I hope because the pier many not hold with that many," said council member Liz Campos of the City of Ventura.

The Ventura Pier was Built in 1872 and was once the longest wooden pier in California, stretching 1,620 feet.

"This pier is an icon for our city. And we want to make sure that we keep it up and keep it going so everyone can enjoy it for their life lifetime," said president Ronda Holden of Pier into the Future.

"This event is a long-awaited celebration and a major milestone in preserving our cherished coastal landmark. We are thrilled to reopen the pier for all to enjoy," stated City Manager Bill Ayub. "City staff, along with the County of Ventura and local and state agencies, swiftly responded to emergencies, cleared debris, reopened public areas, and implemented coastal mitigation efforts to ensure the Pier's safety."  

The City expects about 93 percent reimbursement from FEMA and the State for the pier repairs, which total $3.384 million.

In addition, the nonprofit Pier Into the Future gave the city a $40,000 donation to support restoration efforts.

Funding includes $430,000 from Measure O, a half-cent sales tax approved by voters in 2016, and the remainder from the general fund. 

Built in 1872, the Ventura Pier was once the longest wooden pier in California.

Designated as Ventura Historic Landmark No. 20, the pier remains a favorite attraction for fishing, picnics, sunset strolls, and breathtaking views of Ventura County's coastline and the Channel Islands. 

Got more information about the Ventura Pier, visit cityofventura.ca.gov/VenturaPier