After a $5 million renovation, Galveston County and City of Galveston are proud to announce the opening of Lee and Joe Jamail Bay Park on 61st Street in Galveston.

Formerly known as Washington Park, the area had been in disrepair since Hurricane Ike but plans for renovations preceded the storm.

“The county received a state grant for repairs and upgrades to the boat ramp in 2007, but the hurricane struck before construction could begin,” County Judge Mark Henry said. “What has finally made this possible is the additional funding from so many different sources; it’s made this project quite a unique venture.”

The Jamail Foundation, FEMA, Texas Parks & Wildlife, Galveston County, City of Galveston, IDC Funding and the Rotary Club of Galveston funded the project which took about 13 months to complete.

Amenities include a boat ramp on the north side of the bridge with truck/trailer parking spots, the park on the south side and a steel pedestrian bridge connecting them. It also includes a parking lot with 23 spaces, two new fishing piers, landscaping and three new pavilions with picnic tables.

Officials with the county, city, state and the Jamail Foundation will celebrate the grand opening of the park on Tuesday Dec. 13 with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. The community is invited to attend.