Beaufort asking for public input on Waterfront Park
At a time when Beaufort is dealing with public frustration surrounding the timing of a major downtown road closure, the city is asking for the community’s input on a plan to fix the promenade rimming Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
The promenade has been closed for the past five months because of unsafe conditions, and Beaufort, along with its Waterfront Advisory Committee, has pushed out a 15-question community survey for residents, business owners and tourists. The feedback will be used to help shape design priorities for the 35 ft. wide promenade, which is central to the city’s identity and economy.
People can respond online from now until the second week of January.
One questions asks respondents to rank the importance of possible improvements to the park, from better waterfront access to more eco-friendly features. Respondents can advocate for or against more access for small water craft, shrimp boats, tour boats, government vessels and cruise ships.
The survey also asks business and property owners to describe what improvements could be made to support local commerce during and after construction.
Earlier this month, the city faced backlash from business owners and locals when a $9.7 million storm drainage project required it to close the Charles and Bay street intersection ahead of the busy holiday shopping season.
In response, the city council approved a series of incentives, including free parking for shoppers at the downtown marina and the creation of entertainment and social districts. The city and business owners have maintained that despite the road closure, Beaufort is open for business.
At the promenade, the city is trying to determine how it will fix the significant deterioration in many of the hundreds of long concrete piles underneath. Those steel-reinforced piles are part of a supporting structure known as the “relieving platform” beneath the walking deck.
The promenade could be closed for up to five years while the rest of the 7-acre park remains open to the public.
In September, city officials agreed to focus on three main options: Rebuilding a new platform, building a seawall or coming up with a hybrid structure that could involve floating docks, according to previous reporting from The Island Packet.
The city does not currently have a projected construction start date, said Beaufort spokesperson Ashley Brandon. They first need to decide on a plan and then apply for the necessary permits.
This story was originally published November 27, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
