A $7 million boardwalk project in downtown Corpus Christi is now open, featuring commercial docks, seating and long-lasting materials.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A newly rebuilt boardwalk connecting the downtown seawall to the T-head is now open to the public, marking a $7 million investment aimed at revitalizing the city’s waterfront.
The project, led by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, replaces an aging wooden structure with a more durable design built to withstand coastal conditions.
“This project took a little over a year to complete. It was a very substantial project, so we ended up demolishing the old wood structure boardwalk and replacing it with a new concrete and composite decking boardwalk,” said Jonathan Atwood of the Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation Department. “We’re still polishing up a few details, but I would say it’s open and ready for the public.”
City officials said the previous boardwalk, which was more than 30 years old, had deteriorated over time and sustained significant damage during Hurricane Hanna in 2020.
“That structure was already 30-plus years old. Being wood in this environment, with galvanized hardware, it had already started showing its wear and tear and age, and that hurricane helped finish it off for the most part,” Atwood said. “So the goal was to put back a structure that is concrete, composite, stainless hardware that should hopefully last 50-plus years and hold up to this environment out here.”
In addition to the new walkway, the project includes upgraded amenities such as benches, trash cans and 11 docks capable of accommodating up to 22 commercial vessels.
Atwood said the improvements are intended to enhance access to the T-head, a popular destination known for its restaurants and nightlife.
“Yes, I think this is crucial to the downtown area, specifically the People’s T-head. This is one of the main fairways coming from the seawall,” he said. “If you visit Selena, you come walking down onto the T-head. This is the main fairway down T-head.”
City leaders also see economic potential in the expanded dock space, which could support future tourism opportunities, including tour boats along the waterfront.
The boardwalk is now open as finishing touches continue.