Beaufort SC, September 27, 2025
News Summary
Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in Beaufort is set to remain closed for up to five years due to serious structural issues. The promenade has been shut down since early summer, and recent inspections revealed extensive failure of the concrete support structures. With repair costs estimated at over $100 million, city officials are exploring various repair options while ensuring that community events can still be held in other areas of the park.
Beaufort’s Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park is undergoing an extended closure due to significant structural issues that have arisen over the past few months. The park’s promenade has been closed since early summer, primarily due to safety concerns regarding the infrastructure that supports it. City officials have indicated that the path along the river may remain closed for up to five years while comprehensive repairs or replacements are completed.
The city manager, Scott Marshall, has estimated that the cost of these necessary repairs could exceed $100 million. This substantial figure highlights the importance of the Waterfront Park to Beaufort, as it plays a vital role in both the city’s riverside identity and local economy. The park serves as a community hub and a crucial draw for tourism, making the urgency of repairs even more pressing.
Recent inspections have revealed alarming conditions with the waterfront’s current structure. A total of 570 concrete piles, which support a 36-foot-wide relieving platform, are failing. The promenade is now considered unsafe, leading to restricted public access to the adjacent 200-foot day dock. Cruise ship docking has already been discontinued due to these structural concerns, prompting city planners to address the situation swiftly. In the meantime, temporary measures are being developed to restore access to the day dock while the long-term plans take shape.
Consultants have presented multiple options for fixing the waterfront, and the city has narrowed these down to three primary alternatives: rebuilding a new relieving platform, constructing a seawall, or creating a hybrid structure that may incorporate floating docks. These alternatives are essential to consider given that flooding risks have been noted during spring tides at the current elevation of 6 feet. Future designs for the waterfront are taking into account potential sea level rise and may raise the structures to an elevation of 11 feet.
The Waterfront Advisory Committee is in favor of further studies on possible seawall options and backfilling. City officials are actively exploring funding sources for these substantial repairs and have discussed the potential inclusion of the Waterfront Park repairs in a future county penny tax referendum to help mitigate the burden on taxpayers.
While the promenade remains closed, city officials confirm that events such as the Beaufort Water Festival will still take place in the open areas of the park, ensuring some activities and community engagement can continue despite the challenges posed by the park’s closure. Additionally, the design and repair plans will consider the interests of local businesses regarding the possibility of allowing commercial vessels to dock at the waterfront.
To gather more insights on the community’s needs and preferences, public input sessions are planned. The consultants will be further studying the identified repair options to cater to the diverse perspectives within the community.
As the city navigates this complex situation, the focus remains on creating a safe, sustainable, and functional waterfront park that will serve the community for years to come.
FAQ
Why is Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park closed?
The promenade has been closed to the public for three months due to safety concerns regarding the structural integrity of the waterfront.
How long will the promenade remain closed?
The path along the river may remain closed for up to 5 years while the relieving platform is replaced or repaired.
What is the estimated cost of repairs?
The estimate for the costs of repairs could be over $100 million.
What alternatives are being considered for repairs?
The city has narrowed it down to three alternatives: rebuilding a new relieving platform, constructing a seawall, or a hybrid structure that could include floating docks.
Are there any immediate impacts on public access?
Public access to the 200-foot day dock has been restricted since the promenade closure.
Will events still take place in the park?
Events such as the Beaufort Water Festival will proceed in the park’s open areas despite the promenade’s closure.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure Duration | Up to 5 years |
| Estimated Repair Costs | Over $100 million |
| Primary Repair Options | Rebuild relieving platform, Construct seawall, Hybrid structure |
| Public Access Restrictions | Restricted access to day dock |
| Community Events | Beaufort Water Festival will continue |
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- WTOC
- WJCL
- Explore Beaufort SC
- Your Island News
- Wikipedia: Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
- Google Search: Beaufort Waterfront Park repairs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beaufort, South Carolina
- Google News: Beaufort Water Festival
- Carolina Coast Online
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.
