Posted on June 6, 2019
A popular park on James Island will be closed for the summer. Hurricanes Matthew and Irma damaged part of the shoreline at Melton P. Demetre Park. On Monday, work began to repair it.
According to the City of Charleston, the project requires heavy machinery and barge equipment in order to dredge and restore. They estimate the park will be closed for about three months.
The Park is a local’s favorite. People love it for the views of the battery, access to the water and the fishing.
“It’s slowly becoming a favorite spot, I really love it out here,” said Tyquan Richburg, who was out fishing on Monday. “It’s usually breezy, but a little dry and hot today but it is a good spot because you can fish, you can also sit in the water and relax.”
The project will cost nearly $900,000. A city spokesperson said 90-percent 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.”
Source: abcnews4.com
