BEAUFORT, S.C. () — Just under two weeks before the 2025 Beaufort Waterfest, the city has revealed that a portion of Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park will be temporarily inaccessible.

The section being closed spans about 40 feet in width and will become off-limits starting Monday, June 30. The closure specifically targets the water’s edge portion of the park situated on the relieving platform.

This action comes in response to a structural analysis of the park, which found notable deterioration and overstressed piles within the platform’s structure.

City Manager Scott Marshall said, “We would prefer not to limit access to such a significant portion of the park. However, public safety is paramount and we felt like our decisions should be driven by safety of life as a primary consideration.” 

In addition to closing the waterside portion of the park, the day dock and playground will also be inaccessible until further notice. 

Signage and barriers will be installed to clearly mark the areas of the park that are off limits to the public. Areas marked as “no trespassing” will be strictly enforced. 

Anyone with questions can contact the City’s Public Information Office at 843-941-0997.