Kiawah Beachwalker Park reopening pushed back due to construction delays

KIAWAH ISLAND, SC (WCSC) - The completion date of Kiawah Beachwalker Park renovations has been pushed back again.

The island’s only public beach access was supposed to reopen in early April, but the “closed” signs remain in place as of the first week in May.

Charleston County Parks and Recreation officials say the renovations have hit “construction delays and permitting issues.”

The park project began in January.

The department says they tried to be ambitious and finish the project in three months, which fell on early April, but that completion date has now come and gone.

“We understand the people want to be out there are frustrated,” said Renee Dickinson, the Charleston County Parks marketing manager.

She says the gates are still closed because of the delays and issues, but wouldn’t go into what that specifically meant.

“Some construction issues that caused a few delays,” Dickinson says. “But those issues have been identified and are being fixed.”

Community members say keeping the park closed this long isn’t fair.

“To be denied access to this without what seems like a good reason is upsetting,” said Carolyn Fleming, a neighbor.

Fleming says she believes the project could have been timed better.

“They’ve had five months or so now, and they could’ve started this last year if they knew it would take so long,” Fleming said.

Officials say as long as there are no more construction or permitting issues, then the park might be open just in time to welcome people in for the Memorial Day holiday.

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