Beaufort waterfront advisory committee recommends plan to rebuild closed promenade

BEAUFORT, S.C. (WTOC) - A long-awaited repair project at Beaufort’s Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park is moving one step closer to reality.

After months of discussion, public feedback, and conversations with engineers, the Beaufort Waterfront Advisory Board has recommended a preferred option to the Beaufort City Council for the future of the promenade area, which has been closed for about 10 months due to structural concerns.

The promenade, a major feature of Beaufort’s waterfront park, was shut down after the structure was found to be deteriorating. Board members say the condition of the promenade makes keeping it closed the only safe option — and that leaving it as-is isn’t realistic.

“We’re at a position where doing nothing is unacceptable. Something must happen,” Waterfront Advisory Board Chairman Joseph Oliver said.

Public feedback helped narrow the options

The city recently presented four potential concepts for the promenade during a public meeting that drew nearly 150 people and also made the options available online. Attendees used green and red dots to indicate which designs they supported and submitted survey responses.

Two of the options received the most positive feedback, according to the committee.

Still, some committee members questioned whether that input — along with survey responses — was sufficient for the city to move forward with confidence, raising concerns that some residents could feel left out of the decision-making process.

Others on the board said there will be additional chances for public input later in the project, but stressed that action is needed now to begin the process of reopening the park area.

Recommended plan: a new elevated “wharf”-style structure

The option the board is recommending would replace the existing relieving platform with an entirely new structure. It would create what’s being described as a “wharf,” featuring a high-performance elevated platform built about eight feet above sea level.

The concept includes ramped pathways, stairs, and seating, and would leave room for future amenities.

While other concepts included more built-in features — such as items like a splash pad or swings — the board said this option is the most structurally sound, and that additional amenities can be discussed later as the design progresses.

Next steps: city council, design work, and funding

City leaders say the immediate priority is selecting the best structural alternative before moving into design and engineering, where more specifics — including cost — can be determined.

“Right now, we are focusing on what structural alternative makes the most sense and then how do we get to that next step of design and engineering, so that we can better understand the cost and see what grant funds are available,” Beaufort City Council member Josh Scallate said.

The project does not yet have a price tag.

The advisory board’s recommendation is expected to be brought before the Beaufort City Council at a future meeting.

Committee members also say they want to be involved in the grant-writing process as the city looks for ways to pay for the project.