The new city dock and boat launch is now open and ready for public use.

City officials reopened the dock Friday, March 23.

The new dock is nearly 900 feet in length, more than double the length of the dock it replaced, and almost twice as wide as the old dock.

City officials note the new dock greatly expands moorage for visiting boats, and increases the area for launching and retrieving trailered boats. The boat launch ramp has been extended to allow trailered boats to launch at lower tides.

Other features of the new dock include all-aluminum framing with non-slip decking, improved lighting, potable water and electrical connections, new sewage disposal facilities, and a concession float that will offer kayak and paddleboard rentals. A lower, side dock will give easy access for hand-powered watercraft, according to the city.

A grand opening celebration will be scheduled for May.

Mark Epstein, engineering project manager, said the dock was finished on time and on budget.

“The dock was completed within the allotted number of contractual working days, and although we haven’t posted the final pay request yet, the project will be within budget,” Epstein said.