July 3, 2025

Beaufort Closes Section of Waterfront Park Due to Safety Concerns

News Summary

The city of Beaufort, South Carolina, has announced the immediate closure of a section of Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park due to severe structural deficiencies. The decision follows assessments that revealed significant deterioration and overstressed piles in the relieving platform. While the area is closed for public safety reasons, the rest of the park remains open, allowing scheduled events like the Beaufort Water Festival to proceed as planned. The city is committed to addressing the repair needs while ensuring minimal disruption to the community.

Beaufort, South Carolina, has announced the immediate closure of a 40-foot-wide section of Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park effective June 30, due to serious public safety concerns. The closure specifically impacts the relieving platform along the park’s waterfront edge, which has been found to be structurally deficient following a recent assessment.

Structural evaluations conducted by McSweeney Engineers and JMT revealed significant deterioration and overstressed piles within the relieving platform, indicating that the platform can no longer safely support pedestrian loads. Following the structural assessment, city staff convened on June 29 to review the findings and confirmed the urgent need for the closure to ensure public safety.

The city’s top official highlighted that the safety of the community is the primary concern, and the closure was not expected until the alarming findings of the assessment were disclosed. There is currently no timeline established for when the relieving platform might be repaired or replaced, though the city intends to work with the community to minimize disruption during this period.

Despite the closure, the rest of Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park remains open to the public and safe for pedestrians. This allows for the continuation of popular events such as the Beaufort Water Festival, which is scheduled to take place from July 11 to July 20. The festival is anticipated to attract thousands to the area, despite the partial closure.

Details of the Structural Findings

The relieving platform, a concrete-supported structure integral to the promenade and walkway along the waterfront, was put under scrutiny as part of a comprehensive engineering assessment initiated in 2024. This assessment aims to address long-term planning for the park’s infrastructure.

Key findings from previous inspections indicated accelerated aging conditions, prompting further detailed evaluations from February to June 2025. The results, received on June 27-30, 2025, concluded that immediate action was necessary due to the deteriorating conditions of the concrete piles, with some broken and others overstressed.

Timeline of Events

June 2024: A five-year structural inspection by McSweeney Engineers reveals accelerated aging conditions in the park infrastructure.
July-December 2024: City staff develop long-term budgeting options and issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ).
February-June 2025: Engineering teams conduct detailed investigations and evaluations of the structural integrity.
June 27-30, 2025: Structural analysis is completed, recommending immediate closure due to safety concerns.
July 1, 2025: City staff confirm the plan for closure with engineering teams.

Future Plans

The City of Beaufort is committed to continuing its evaluations regarding the repair or replacement of the relieving platform as part of ongoing capital improvement initiatives. City representatives have indicated that this process could take years, reflecting the complexity and importance of ensuring a safe and functional waterfront for the community.

To enforce the closure and protect public safety, the city will be placing barriers and signage around the affected area. As one of Beaufort’s essential recreational assets, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park has served as a focal point for numerous city-hosted events since its opening in 1979, and preserving its safety and integrity is of utmost importance to the city.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Beaufort’s Waterfront Park Closed Indefinitely Due to Structural Risks
Beaufort Waterfront Park Closes Amid Safety Concerns
Beaufort Waterfront Park Faces Closure Due to Safety Issues
Beaufort Promenade Closed Indefinitely Due to Safety Concerns
Beaufort Celebrates Independence Day with American Flag on Bridge
Temporary Closure of Waterfront Park in Beaufort
Beaufort Closes Section of Waterfront Park for Safety
Beaufort Waterfront Park Closure Due to Safety Concerns
Dragon Boat Races Bring Community Together for a Cause
Beaufort City Council Passes $73 Million Budget

Additional Resources

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.

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.

Stay Connected

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Submit