Beaufort, October 9, 2025
News Summary
The Waterfront Advisory Committee in Beaufort has met to discuss rebuilding options for the promenade in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, closed due to structural issues. Three proposals are on the table, including a new platform, a seawall, or a hybrid design with floating docks. Public input is encouraged, and the city plans to create a survey for broader community involvement. A Special Called meeting is set to ensure community feedback is considered before finalizing the rebuilding plans.
Beaufort – The Waterfront Advisory Committee convened its monthly meeting on October 6, 2025, to discuss critical rebuilding options for the promenade located in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, downtown Beaufort. This promenade has been closed since June 2025 when a 40-foot-wide section near the water was fenced off due to significant structural concerns.
An analysis conducted on the promenade showed considerable deterioration and overstressed pilings within the park’s platform structure. Following this analysis, a joint meeting with the Beaufort City Council was held on September 23, 2025, where the council outlined three potential solutions to address the promenade’s issues. These options are: rebuilding a new relieving platform, replacing the existing overhang with a seawall, or constructing a hybrid structure that includes floating docks.
To move forward, the city has tasked McSweeney Engineers with creating preliminary renderings and details for each of these proposals. These will be presented to both council members and the public for consideration. During the recent committee discussions, the need for public input was highlighted, with a community feedback survey suggested as a means to gather opinions.
Committee members noted that while downtown business owners would be directly impacted by any changes, a general online survey is expected to encourage broader community involvement. In addition, a Special Called meeting is planned for October to discuss and vote on the proposed survey before the next monthly session scheduled for November 3.
Concerns surrounding the expected duration of the project were also raised, particularly the visual impact of the current fencing, which could remain in place for 3 to 5 years. To mitigate this, suggestions included enhancing the aesthetics of the fencing with artwork from local artists. City Manager Scott Marshall pointed out that despite the fenced-off area, community events such as the Beaufort Shrimp Festival still attracted good attendance in the park.
The committee’s discussions also touched upon future infrastructural developments, including the feasibility of building facilities for accommodating cruise ships, even if the current interest in such enhancements is limited. City Councilman Josh Scallate stressed the need for planning that considers potential future needs while minimizing ongoing maintenance responsibilities.
The urban landscape surrounding Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park will undergo a thorough evaluation concerning safety and aesthetic improvements throughout these ongoing discussions. The committee aims to make informed decisions that support the park’s integrity while fostering community engagement in the rebuilding process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the closure of the promenade in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park?
Since June 2025, a 40-foot-wide section of the promenade near the water has been closed off with temporary fencing due to structural concerns.
What options are being considered for rebuilding the promenade?
The council identified three potential proposals: rebuilding a new relieving platform, constructing a seawall instead of an overhang, or building a hybrid structure with floating docks.
What is the timeline for the project?
Concerns were raised regarding the expected duration of the project and the aesthetic impact of the fencing that might remain for 3 to 5 years.
How will the community be involved in the decision-making process?
The committee plans to have a Special Called meeting in October to discuss and vote on a survey for community feedback.
Key Features of Promenade Rebuilding Discussion
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Closure | A 40-foot-wide section of the promenade is closed due to structural concerns. |
| Proposals | Rebuilding a new relieving platform, constructing a seawall, or a hybrid structure with floating docks. |
| Community Involvement | A survey for public feedback is planned before finalizing plans. |
| Duration Concern | The project may take 3 to 5 years, with aesthetic considerations for ongoing fencing. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort Leaders Assess Repair Options for Waterfront Park
Beaufort Closes Section of Waterfront Park Due to Structural Issues
Beaufort’s Waterfront Park Faces Extended Closure
Additional Resources
- WTOC: Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park Closes Section
- Google Search: Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
- Post and Courier: Beaufort Water Festival
- Wikipedia: Beaufort, South Carolina
- Explore Beaufort SC: Part of Waterfront Park Closed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beaufort, South Carolina
- WJCL: Structural Issues at Beaufort’s Waterfront Park
- 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.
