This week, Charleston City Council approved a contract with Salmons Dredging Corporation to stabilize and repair damage caused by Hurricanes Matthew and Irma at Demetre Park on James Island. This work will require Demetre Park to close beginning June 3, 2019, while the shoreline is re-built. The project, which involves mobilization of barge-based equipment and rip-rap delivery via truck, is expected to take approximately three months, and the park will have to remain closed throughout.
Nearly 90% of the $836,000 project cost is funded by grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for storm damage reimbursement and pre-disaster mitigation.
City of Charleston Parks Director Jason Kronsberg said, “While there’s never a good time to close a park, these repairs are badly needed to protect this incredible public space. When the work is complete, the shoreline will be stronger and more resilient to future storms and wave action.”