Beaufort, SC (July 2, 2025) – City staff met on Tuesday morning with civil and structural engineers from McSweeney Engineers and JMT to review the recent structural assessment report for the relieving platform at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park and to evaluate the City’s emergency response. 

Following this review, the engineering team has certified that the City’s immediate closure of the relieving platform is appropriate to ensure public safety. Importantly, engineers confirmed that: 

• There are no structural dangers or risks to the public in any other areas of Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park that remain open.
• Water Festival events can safely proceed in the park’s open areas as planned.

What is a Relieving Platform? 

In simple terms, a relieving platform is a concrete-supported structure built along the waterfront to support the brick promenade and walkway closest to the water’s edge. It acts like a “bridge deck” along the waterfront, separate from the inland areas of the park. 

The relieving platform is only the outer promenade section along the waterfront. The remainder of the park, including open green spaces, playground areas, and pavilions, is constructed on backfilled land with no structural concerns. 

Why Was This Closure Needed? 

The structural report, completed by JMT Engineers in partnership with McSweeney Engineers, found: 

• The concrete piles supporting the relieving platform are deteriorating due to nearly 50 years of exposure to marine conditions.
• Some piles are overstressed or broken, meaning the structure can no longer safely carry pedestrian loads without risk of further failure.
• The platform itself remains intact, but the supporting piles beneath it are failing, making closure necessary to ensure no risk to the public.

Part of a Larger Engineering Assessment 

This structural report is one part of a comprehensive engineering assessment initiated by the City in 2024 to plan for the long-term future of Waterfront Park. 

Project Timeline Summary: 

• June 2024: McSweeney Engineers presented their five-year structural inspection to City Council, indicating accelerated aging conditions.
• July–December 2024: City staff developed long-term budgeting options, issued an RFQ, reviewed bids, and executed a Phase 1A Engineering contract in December.
• February–June 2025: Engineering teams conducted detailed geotechnical investigations, core sampling, and structural modeling to evaluate repair or replacement options.
• June 27-30, 2025: The City received the structural analysis recommending immediate closure of the relieving platform to protect public safety. City develops a closure plan and begins working with partner organizations.
• July 1, 2025: City staff met with McSweeney and JMT engineers to review the findings and confirm public safety protocols.
• Late Summer 2025: Final Phase 1A Report from McSweeney is expected.