News Summary
The City of Beaufort has closed the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park due to serious safety issues with the park’s infrastructure. City Manager Scott Marshall stated that the indefinite closure is essential for public safety, affecting popular amenities just days before the annual Beaufort Water Festival. Concerns had been raised regarding deteriorating structural integrity, prompting discussions on repair costs exceeding $100 million. Local businesses worry about the financial impact and foot traffic loss during this critical tourist season, as the city seeks solutions to maintain safety and community events.
Beaufort – The City of Beaufort has closed the entire stretch of the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park as of June 30, 2025, due to significant safety concerns regarding the structural integrity of the platform. City Manager Scott Marshall indicated that the closure would be indefinite, emphasizing that it is crucial for public safety. This closure affects the popular waterfront playground and downtown day dock, but the downtown marina remains operational.
Measures taken include removing all swings along the waterfront. Notably, the closure occurs just 11 days before the start of the annual Beaufort Water Festival, which runs from July 11-20, a major community event that typically generates between $8-10 million in revenue.
The decision to close the park stems from reports of deteriorating infrastructure. The park, initially built in 1974, was expected to last between 50-60 years. Recent structural assessments have revealed severe deterioration and overstressed pilings supporting the promenade, raising alarm among city officials. The city has been aware of these concerns, particularly regarding the relieving platform, for over a decade. A five-year inspection in 2024 had already highlighted significant problems, leading to restrictions on cruise ships docking at the waterfront.
The estimated cost for necessary repairs or potential replacement of the park’s infrastructure could exceed $100 million, a sum that has prompted discussions about the future of the waterfront. Local businesses, especially those in proximity to the waterfront, have expressed concern over the economic repercussions of the park’s closure, particularly concerning foot traffic and tourism, which are critical for their operations.
Despite the waterfront park being off-limits, organizers of the Water Festival plan to continue with events as scheduled, though they are currently assessing any potential adjustments that might be necessary given the park’s closure. A physical barrier has been erected to prevent public access to the closed area effective immediately following the announcement.
The city plans to convene with engineers on July 1 to explore options for repairing the park and determining the next steps. These discussions will be crucial in deciding how the city can address the pressing safety concerns while ensuring that significant community events like the Water Festival can proceed with minimal disruption.
Officials have underscored the importance of maintaining public safety above all, acknowledging that while the infrastructure issues may not have come as a complete surprise, the urgency of action has now intensified. The city aims to keep residents and visitors informed as plans develop and progresses toward a safe and sustainable resolution for the beloved waterfront area.
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Additional Resources
- WSAV
- Wikipedia: Beaufort, South Carolina
- WJCL
- Google Search: Beaufort Water Festival
- Post and Courier
- Google Scholar: Henry C Chambers Waterfront Park
- Your Island News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Waterfront
- Explore Beaufort SC
- Google News: Beaufort Waterfront Park
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.
