Beaufort, October 2, 2025
News Summary
A portion of the waterside promenade at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in Beaufort is closed due to significant structural issues. The closure, effective immediately, follows an engineering assessment revealing deterioration of the supporting platform and pilings. While this area is off-limits for safety, the remainder of the park remains open. The city plans a complete platform replacement and is engaging the community for input on design options and future usage as part of its Dynamic Adaptive Policy Pathways approach.
Beaufort has temporarily closed a portion of the waterside promenade at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park due to structural issues. The closure, effective June 30th, follows a recent engineering assessment that revealed significant deterioration of the supporting relieving platform and pilings. Although this section of the park is off-limits for safety reasons, the remainder of the park will remain open for public use.
The assessment report from the City of Beaufort indicates that repairs to the promenade are no longer feasible, necessitating a complete replacement of the platform. Key findings of the engineering evaluation highlight that flooding begins at 6.0 ft (NAVD88) and that while improvements could provide protection up to 9.05 ft, levels above 11.0 ft are not practical to achieve.
The city has adopted a Dynamic Adaptive Policy Pathways (DAPP) approach for long-term decision-making concerning the platform. Currently, the city and engineering team are progressing through Phase 1B and Phase 2 of their plan, which includes:
- Expanding the land survey to Bay Street for accurate cost-benefit analysis.
- Exploring design options using adaptive modeling for varying sea levels.
- Efforts to reopen the Day Dock through new permitting and design initiatives.
- Investigating grant opportunities to fund future work on the platform.
The engineering team is assessing various preliminary alternatives, which include rebuilding the platform at the same or smaller size, replacing it with a seawall or floating/hybrid structures, and designing for potential commercial dockage for cruise ships. Community input is actively being sought on critical questions, including future usage of the Day Dock and preferences regarding design alternatives.
A Phase 2 kick-off meeting will soon be arranged to collect community and stakeholder feedback regarding the ongoing waterfront project. Although the affected promenade is closed and marked off with fences, caution tape, and engineering teams emphasizing public safety, surrounding areas of the park are considered safe for visitors. Even with these changes, the Beaufort Water Festival, scheduled to run from July 11th to 20th, is still set to proceed as planned.
Initially, the playground area was closed due to safety concerns; however, it has since been reopened by the city. The city’s focus remains on developing an action plan that addresses ongoing concerns, with an anticipated full report from engineers expected by mid-July or early August. The recent structural report indicated that concrete piles supporting the relieving platform are deteriorating after 50 years of exposure to marine conditions, with some experiencing overstress or breaks.
City leaders have reiterated the importance of public safety and acknowledged the quick response from the engineering team in handling the predicament.
FAQ
What portion of Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park was closed?
A portion of the waterside promenade at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park was closed.
Why was the promenade closed?
The closure was prompted by a recent engineering assessment revealing significant deterioration of the supporting relieving platform and pilings.
Is the rest of the park open to the public?
Yes, the rest of the park remains open.
What repairs are planned for the promenade?
The report indicates that repairs are no longer a viable option, and full replacement of the platform is necessary.
What is the expected flooding risk for the promenade?
The assessment notes that flooding begins at 6.0 ft (NAVD88) and improvements could protect up to 9.05 ft, but protection above 11.0 ft is unfeasible.
What approach is the city using for long-term decision-making?
The city plans to use a Dynamic Adaptive Policy Pathways (DAPP) approach.
What are the next steps for the city and the engineering team?
The city is advancing into Phase 1B and Phase 2, which will include expanding the land survey, exploring design options, reopening the Day Dock, and investigating funding opportunities.
When will the next public input meeting be held?
A Phase 2 kick-off meeting will be scheduled soon to gather community and stakeholder feedback on the waterfront project.
What safety measures have been implemented?
A fence, caution tape, and engineers surround the affected promenade area to emphasize public safety concerns.
Key Features of the Promenade Closure
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure Date | June 30th |
| Reason for Closure | Structural deterioration of supporting platform and pilings |
| Assessment Findings | Flooding starts at 6.0 ft (NAVD88), protections feasible only up to 9.05 ft |
| Future Plans | Full replacement of the platform using DAPP approach |
| Community Engagement | Public input on design alternatives and usage of Day Dock |
| Next Scheduled Meeting | Phase 2 kick-off meeting to be scheduled |
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park Temporarily Closes Section Due to Safety Concerns
- WSAV: Part of Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park Closing Ahead of Beaufort Water Festival
- Your Island News: Portion of Waterfront Park Closed Over Safety Concerns
- WJCL: Structural Issues May Close Chambers Waterfront Park in Beaufort
- Wikipedia: Beaufort, South Carolina
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.
