DAPHNE, Ala. — The May Day Park boat launch re-opened to the public last Friday after being closed since mid-February because of construction.

Construction cost the city approximately $700,000, according to City Clerk David Cohen.

The Wallace-Braeu Sports Fishing Foundation grant covered more than $455,000 of the cost. Remaining costs were paid through the lodging tax revenue the city incurs, according to Cohen.

There will be a boat launch grand opening party 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 24; the event will feature an 18-piece orchestra, according to Recreation Director David McKelroy.

May Day Park closed in February when construction of the new boat launch site began — and when the park received several improvements such as new play area equipment. The park was re-opened in May but the boat launch site was still being worked on.

“This is sort of an unofficial re-opening of the entire park; all its entities,” McKelroy said.

The city plans to dedicate the boat ramp to Victor Guarisco, a Daphne native who spent nearly half his life as a Jubilee City politician. He served as Daphne’s mayor from 1976 to 1992 and as a city councilman from 1952 to 1976.