Public Works

Davies Boat Launch Facility Improvements

   

Aerial of Davies Boat Launch area

Davies Boat Launch area prior to improvements

Launch ramp prior to improvements (December 2025)

Pavement in need of improvements prior to construction (December 2025)

Restrooms prior to improvements (December 2025)

Trash enclosure prior to improvements (December 2025)

  

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Additional project updates and information will be published on an ongoing basis.

Click here for project updates.

Background

The Davies Boat Launch Facilities Improvements project focuses on revitalizing one of the city's primary waterfront recreation destinations. The site plays an important role in supporting public access to coastal activities and serves a wide range of visitors including boaters and community members.

Over time, the facility has experienced wear and aging infrastructure, highlighting the need for a comprehensive effort to enhance its overall condition, safety, and functionality. This project represents a long-term investment in maintaining the sites role as a reliable and accessible recreational asset, while supporting continued public use enjoyment of the waterfront.

Timeline

Project timeline is set barring weather delays and other unforeseen circumstances.

Objectives

• Enhance boater safety
• Improve facility functionality and user experience
• Increase operational efficiency
• Extend the useful lifespan of waterfront infrastructure

Project Features

• Launch ramp replacement
• Parking lot pavement renovation
• Restroom building restoration
• Trash enclosures
• Boat washing station
• Fish cleaning station
• EV charging stations

Project Funding

This project is supported with Tidelands funds, Marina funds and grants from the Division of Boating and Waterways.

More Information

Davies Boat Launch Facility Improvements Project Presentation - March 9, 2023            

Project Updates

April 2026

Construction to begin facility improvements is set to begin in May 2026. Please note the parking lot and access to the boat launch and its facilities will be closed beginning April 27, 2026, until project completion in early 2027.

Visit the launch ramps webpage to view a list of alternative boat launch options in the city of Long Beach.

December 2025

The project team has prepared updated design plans incorporating value-engineering refinements, while ensuring that the performance objectives of the project and regulatory requirements were still maintained. With these updates complete, the City re-advertised the project for public bidding, and bids were received on December 9, 2025. The project team is reviewing all bids for responsiveness. Upon the completion of this review, staff anticipates bringing a recommendation for contract award to the City Council in Winter 2026. Further updates will be provided as the bid evaluation process concludes.

August 2024

After receiving grant funding for engineering, permitting, material, and construction improvements, the City finalized construction documents for the project. In September 2023, the project was advertised for public bidding, with final bids received in November 2023. The bids received exceeded the available project budget, resulting in the rejection of all bids. The project team has been actively involved in value engineering and redesign efforts to ensure that the new project design aligns with the approved budget.

The project team is committed to moving forward with a design that satisfies both the City's standards and approved project budget. Stay tuned for updates on when the project will be re-bid.

March 2023

In January 2023, the City was awarded $6,000,000 for engineering, permitting, material, and construction improvements for the project. Acceptance and appropriation of the grant is expected in March 2023. In 2022, with the support of earlier DBW Grant and Tidelands funding, the City began the engineering, design, and permitting phases to rehabilitate and improve the Davies Launch Ramp.

On March 9, 2023, a project update presentation was given to the Marine Advisory Commission.