Beaufort residents weigh options to rebuild closed waterfront park promenade

BEAUFORT, S.C. (WTOC) - After nearly nine months of closure due to structural concerns, Beaufort residents are getting their first look at what the future of Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park’s promenade could be.

Engineers and city leaders presented multiple concepts for repairing or replacing the deteriorating promenade structure — a multi-year project that could reshape one of Beaufort’s most popular public spaces.

They met with the public on Wednesday night.

Promenade closed for months amid structural concerns

The promenade area has been shut down for nine months as engineers evaluate significant deterioration and “overstressed piles” underneath the structure.

In the meantime, the city recently replaced chain-link fencing with newer, sleeker fencing intended to improve sightlines and allow visitors a better view of the water while keeping the area closed for safety.

Residents say they’re eager to regain access.

“Let’s fix the problem at hand before we even think about the next step,” Beaufort resident Dustin Chavers said.

Four concepts discussed — from a short-term repair to a long-term rebuild

City officials and engineers outlined options that range from a basic repair of the existing promenade to more extensive reconstructions that change the park’s look and add amenities.

One option is to repair the existing promenade — an approach engineers have described as a temporary fix.

Other concepts would be more costly, but are designed to last decades longer and could include new features such as a splash pad, a boardwalk, or other waterfront-access improvements.

“I would rather see something more permanent that my kids don’t have to fix, that my grandkids don’t have to worry about,” Chavers said.

Beaufort realtor Rick Hamilton said he believes one approach stands out.

“There is only one solution — the column approach, but hopefully with much better concrete and much better materials,” Hamilton said.

Three primary rebuild paths outlined by engineers

Ahead of the public meeting, Beaufort City Manager Scott Marshall said residents would hear details on three main rebuild directions engineers developed:

• Rebuild a relieving platform similar to the existing promenade (or a smaller version), supported by pilings.
• Replace the structure with a seawall, then backfill with dirt — meaning the park would no longer sit on a platform supported by pilings, but on fill material.
• A hybrid approach combining fixed and floating structures.

All options would require raising the promenade to account for sea level rise, city leaders said.

No price tag or completion date yet

Marshall said the project does not yet have an overall cost estimate or a timeline for completion.

“It’s important that we get a really good composite of what people want to see in the park, so that when council chooses a path forward they are choosing with some confidence that the public will be satisfied with the outcome,” Marshall said.

What’s next

Feedback gathered during the public charrette — including written comments and sticker-vote input — will be reviewed by the Waterfront Advisory Board before recommendations move to the Beaufort City Council.

For residents who could not attend the meeting, the city has a webpage dedicated to the waterfront project where people can review design options and submit input for city leaders.

The Waterfront Advisory Board will meet to talk about the options and input received on May 4.