IOP Marina Public Dock and Greenspace
Milestone timeline:
On September 22, 2020, City Council voted to create a public dock and greenspace in the space formerly leased to the commercial watersports operation.
Kelly Messier, an island resident and landscape architect, offered her services pro bono to develop a first draft of a conceptual plan for the Isle of Palms Waterfront Park. The plan covers the 300 linear feet by 25 foot wide area along the bulkhead of the marina area facing the Intracoastal Waterway. The implementation of this vision will require collaboration and participation from the marina manager and restaurant tenants.
Below is a written description of the first draft of the conceptual drawing:
A 6 foot wide tabby concrete walkway is proposed behind the existing two foot wide wood border of the bulkhead. Wood bollards with a rope railing, as used in other areas of the marina, are proposed to be added on top of the wood border.
A series of benches are proposed along the waterfront walkway to allow residents to enjoy the views of the water and the sunsets and boating activities. Some half circle benches would allow groups of people to sit together and converse. Smaller benches, which could be swing benches, are placed to accommodate single persons or couples.
A circular seat wall near the public dock creates an entrance to the dock area. A flagpole could be located in the center of the circle surrounded by a simple lawn area. There are lawn areas on either side of the center area that would also allow sitting or stretching out on the grass.
An entry walk to the waterfront park is created in the median area through the parking lot that would allow residents and visitors to come directly to the park. There are bicycle parking areas near the entrance. A kayak storage area could be located at the end of the park near the dock to facilitate access to the kayak launch area.
Golf cart parking spaces are located behind the park area to provide resident parking and access to the waterfront park. Lush planting with palm trees is proposed in the landscaped areas to buffer the waterfront park from the parking. The planting could include large swatches of Sweetgrass alone or Sweetgrass mixed with some pops of color from seasonal flowering plants. Bollards may be necessary at the walk entrances to prevent golf carts from entering the pedestrian areas.
City Council is seeking feedback from community members on the conceptual plan for the Isle of Palms Marina Waterfront Park. Residents may send their comments using the form below:
Project Updates
IOP Marina Public Dock & Greenspace
Contract executed with Truluck Construction. Construction drawings in process. Contractor anticipated to mobilize in March.
IOP Marina "T" Dock Repairs
Removal of electrical and water systems, repairs to fixed pier and floatind dock and installation of fire extinguisher pedestals included in Truluck contract. Tenants requested to extend finger piers in lieu of new electrical and water systems, which requires permit modification from regulatory agencies. ATM provided proposal to City for permit modification assistance and coordination.
Marina Dredging - Design and Permitting
In process. ATM coordinating pre-application meetings and coordinating w stakeholder groups that are considering joining City's permit application. Construction anticipated in FY26.
IOP Marina Public Dock & Greenspace
- Construction contract executed and kick off meeting to be held end of January. Estimated project completion in May 2024.
- Staff and ATM working on executing contract, then issue notice to proceed.
IOP Marina "T" Dock Repairs
- Budget for repairs approved by Council. Tenant feedback suggests a reallocation of funds away from replacing water and utility systems to extending finger piers. Permit modification required.
Marina Dredging
- In process. ATM, staff and marina tenants met in December to review scope and schedule. Also working with stakeholders who want to join City's permitting process.
IOP Marina Public Dock & Greenspace
Bid Package released on 10/19. Pre-bid meeting held on 11/1. Bid deadline
11/21.
IOP Marina "T" Dock Repairs
City received OCRM permit for minor repairs and maintenance for the "T" dock.
Scope of repairs included with the public dock project bid packet due 11/21.
Marina Dredging
In process. ATM completed the dredge disposal alternatives. Staff coordinating
progress meeting to review options and determine next steps in permitting
process.
Marina Public Dock & Greenspace
Permits from Ocean and Coastal Research Management (OCRM) and the U.S. Army Corps (USACE) of Engineers are on hand.
IOP Marina "T" Dock Repairs
City reapplying for OCRM permit for minor repairs and maintenance for the "T" dock. City will bid scope of repairs with the public dock construction. In process.
Marina Dredging
ATM studying dredge disposal alternatives and preparing permit application.
Public Dock & Greenspace
Design work 95% complete. Permits from OCRM and USACE are expected by the end of September. Bidding will quickly follow once permits are in hand.
T Dock Repairs
Repairs/Maintenance to the T dock to be included as an alternate bid with the public dock bidding process.
Dredging
City held stakeholder meeting on 8/23 to begin coordination with marina neighbors to join permitting and dredging efforts. ATM studying the dredge disposal alternatives.
Public Dock & Greenspace
• City needs to engage ATM for bidding and construction administration services.
• City and Islander 71 need to agree and finalize parking redesign plan for the north side of the boat ramp with the goal of eliminating
the shared lot and creating separate parking areas for the City/residents and restaurant patrons and finalize scope and design of the
greenspace along the landside of the boardwalk.
T Dock Repairs
Repairs/Maintenance to the T dock planned to be included as an alternate bid along with the public dock bidding process.
Dredging
Staff held kick-off meeting on July 18. First task involves local engagement and coordination with neighboring facilities on Morgan
Creek to identify their dredging needs and invite them to join City’s permitting efforts for potential cost and regulatory efficiencies.
Meeting with local stakeholders scheduled for mid-August.