News Summary
The City of Beaufort has temporarily closed a portion of Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park after a structural analysis revealed serious deterioration. This closure affects access to the playground and day dock areas to ensure visitor safety. City officials have stated that unauthorized access will be prevented through barriers and signs, and repairs may take years. Despite this, the upcoming Beaufort Water Festival remains on schedule as event organizers work with the city for a smooth transition during the park’s closure.
Beaufort Temporarily Closes Section of Waterfront Park Due to Safety Concerns
The City of Beaufort has announced the temporary closure of a nearly 40-foot wide section of Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, effective Monday, June 30. This decision follows a recent structural analysis that revealed significant deterioration and overstressed piles within the park’s platform structure, ensuring safety for visitors remains the city’s primary concern.
The engineering report was received over the weekend of June 28-29, triggering immediate action. City Manager Scott Marshall emphasized that despite a desire to maintain public access to the park, the safety of the community is the top priority, leading to the closure of portions of the park.
The closure specifically affects the water’s edge side of the park located on the relieving platform structure, significantly impacting access to the day dock and playground areas, which will also be closed until further notice due to ongoing safety evaluations.
Safety Measures and Enforcement
To prevent unauthorized access, city staff will install barriers and signs clearly marking the areas that are off-limits to the public. Areas designated as “no trespassing” will be strictly enforced by city officials, ensuring that visitors do not enter potentially hazardous zones.
Details of the Engineering Assessment
The Waterfront Park, which has served as a vital recreational area for the community since its opening in 1979, was subjected to a thorough inspection by McSweeney Engineers and JMT during a recent engineering assessment. This assessment highlighted serious issues, revealing nearly 50 pilings showing signs of moderate to severe deterioration, many of which are damaged beyond repair. Efforts to extend the lifespan of some of these pilings were previously undertaken by reinforcing them with jackets during past inspections; however, this latest analysis shows that these measures have not been sufficient.
City officials are currently collaborating with engineers to assess the condition of the park and evaluate the potential for reopening these areas in the future. However, repairs or replacements of the affected structures could take “years.” At this point, the anticipated costs associated with these repairs remain unclear.
Impact on Community Events
Despite the closure, all events for the upcoming Beaufort Water Festival, scheduled to begin on July 11, 2025, remain set to proceed as planned. Event organizers are working closely with city officials to ensure that the festival can move forward without any major disruptions.
Keeping the Community Informed
The City of Beaufort is committed to keeping the community informed about the park’s status. Updates regarding the closure and any future developments will be shared through social media platforms and the city’s official website. Residents who have concerns about the park’s closure can reach out to the City’s Public Information Office by calling (843) 941-0997 or sending an email to abrandon@cityofbeaufort.org.
The current situation underscores the importance of maintaining public spaces for community enjoyment while also ensuring that safety standards are upheld to prevent any accidents or injuries.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Beaufort Temporarily Closes Section of Waterfront Park
- WSAV: Part of Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park Closing
- Your Island News: Portion of Waterfront Park Closed
- Wikipedia: Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Parks
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
