On April 17th, the City of Beaufort officially appointed three citizens to a new advisory committee charged with overseeing critical decisions related to two of the city’s most valued assets: the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park and the Downtown Marina. After interviewing the applicants during the February 11th Worksession, City Council named Joseph Oliver, David Russell, and Josh Schott to the Waterfront Advisory Committee (WAC) — with Howell Beach and Perry Dukes serving as alternates. Joining them on the committee are Josh Scallate (Beaufort City Council), Bill Suter (Planning Commission), Mike Sutton (Historic District Review Board), and David Bartholomew (Beaufort County Council). City Manager Scott Marshall and City Attorney Ben Coppage will serve as ex officio members.
Fast forward to June, the newly founded committee held their first two meetings. On June 2nd, WAC laid out the role of the committee and the scope of the project. They are tasked with providing “dedicated guidance on development initiatives, maintenance priorities, and enhancement opportunities” for the Waterfront Park and Marina, two areas central to Beaufort’s identity and downtown economy. The WAC serves as representatives for Beaufort citizens, ensuring that the park and marina continue to effectively serve our community while preserving its historic character and charm.
The second meeting on June 23rd provided a more in-depth timeline and history of the structural issues from McSweeny Engineering. It was during this meeting that the engineers shared the results of their “Structural Analysis and Capacity Determination”, which indicated that “out of an abundance of caution, some portions of the facility may need to be restricted from pedestrian access”. That initial report ultimately led to the closure of the park’s promenade area, a major pedestrian corridor, just before the 2025 Water Festival. That closure remains in effect with no confirmed end date.
Looking ahead, the first phase of the project, Phase 1A, is expected to be completed by the end of the summer, according to McSweeny Engineers. Once the data from this phase is collected, the engineering team will move into the modeling and design stage. The completed initial advisory report is expected to be given on October 1st. Each phase of the project will include opportunities for the public to engage and provide input such as attending committee meetings, participating in public forums, and taking surveys. As the Waterfront Park remains one of Beaufort’s most cherished public spaces, active engagement from residents and small business owners alike will be key to ensuring that future plans reflect our community’s needs and values.
With the work of this committee just beginning, now is the time for the community to stay involved and help shape what comes next. The park’s future – whether it involves preservation, reconstruction, or innovation – should reflect the voices of the people who use it every day. From families enjoying picnics to small business owners welcoming tourists, the impact of these changes will be felt by everyone. That’s why input from residents, business owners, and civic leaders isn’t just welcomed, it’s necessary. Public engagement throughout this process ensures that the Waterfront remains not only safe and functional, but also true to the values and character of Beaufort itself.
The next committee meeting will be held on Monday, August 4th at 5:00pm at City Hall. Residents are encouraged to attend in person or watch the meeting online via Facebook. Beaufort Insider will continue to report on the Waterfront Park project as it unfolds.
