LA PLATA, Md. — As plans move forward for the future Pope’s Creek Waterfront Park, a question raised during the Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, Charles County Board of Commissioners meeting centered on public boat access: Will the project include a traditional boat launch?
The question arose during the Resilience Authority of Charles County’s annual briefing, which included an update on the proposed living shoreline project near the former Gilligan’s Pier property along Pope’s Creek.
Commissioner Gilbert “BJ” Bowling said limited public boat access remains a frequent concern among residents.
“One of the complaints I get is about access to boat ramps — we’re surrounded by water,” Bowling said. “So finding places where we can put boat ramps for our watermen and for recreational boaters.”
Deputy Director of Recreation, Parks and Tourism Sam Drury said the current master plan for the former Gilligan’s site does not include a traditional boat ramp.
“Currently with the master plan that we have designed out there at Gilligan’s, it does not include a boat ramp for boat launch,” Dyer said. “It does include an accessible fishing and boating pier that boats could tie up to provide access, but not an actual one.”
Stacy Schaefer, executive director of the Resilience Authority of Charles County, said the project will still provide water access features along Pope’s Creek, including a soft launch area for kayaks.
“There will be an area for soft launching for kayaks,” Schaefer said. “The one side you can be fishing from. On the other side of the pier is lower and it’s for boats — there are cleats there for the boats to tie up.”
The discussion underscored the balance county officials are attempting to strike at the former Gilligan’s site — expanding public access to Pope’s Creek while addressing erosion, flooding and long-term shoreline resilience.
“By repurposing the former Gilligan’s Restaurant into a public park, we’re not only enhancing recreational opportunities by providing access to the water, but also addressing the impacts of climate change with the planned shoreline and habitat restoration,” Drury stated in a 2024 news release.
Living Shoreline Project Status
The Pope’s Creek Waterfront Park Living Shoreline Design project received $120,865 in federal funding through the Coastal Zone Management Act, according to a May 6, 2024, Charles County Government news release. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources submitted the project for funding, which was awarded to the Resilience Authority of Charles County.
The project is intended to use nature-based shoreline stabilization methods to address erosion, flooding and habitat loss. Design plans include vegetated headlands and native marsh plantings to improve water quality and shoreline stability.
Presentation materials shown during the Feb. 3 meeting indicated the NOAA funding supports continued design coordination with neighboring property owners and permitting agencies. Officials said the project is currently in the permitting phase.
“The Pope’s Creek living shoreline, we received a NOAA grant in 2024 to design and permit. This is now in permitting. In fact, we just got questions from the Army Corps of Engineers, which is a normal part of the permitting process. And of course, we’re working with the neighbors on either side of Pope’s Creek this year,” Schaefer said.
Property Acquisition Background
Charles County acquired the 17.54-acre former Gilligan’s Pier waterfront property in 2021 using $1,791,875 in Program Open Space funding approved by the Maryland Board of Public Works. The total acquisition cost was $2.2 million, according to a Dec. 1, 2021, county news release.
A portion of the property includes a beach and pier with 12 boat slips. Earlier acquisitions connected the site to the 2.75-mile Pope’s Creek Rail Trail from Route 301 to the Potomac River waterfront. The purchase was consistent with the county’s Land Preservation, Parks and Recreation Plan.
Click here to view the final report for Popes Creek Waterfront Park.
Watch the Feb. 3 Meeting: CCGTV
See the complete Feb. 3, 2026, Presentation here.
Learn about upcoming Park Planning and Development here.
Got a tip or photo? Text us at 888-871-NEWS (6397) or email news@thebaynet.com.
Join The BayNet Membership for exclusive perks and zero ads.
Don’t miss a story—sign up for our newsletter!
