Port Royal’s Sands Beach Set to Get a Much-Needed Upgrade
Located on the beautiful Battery Creek, Port Royal’s Sands Beach serves as a go-to spot for both locals and visitors alike. With cars and golf carts regularly lined up near the water’s edge, this serene beach offers a perfect blend of leisure and adventure. Whether you’re looking to cast a line for some fish, search the sands for those elusive shark’s teeth, or simply enjoy a breathtaking sunset, Sands Beach has something for everyone.
However, don’t let the idyllic setting fool you! Along with the picturesque views comes a pressing concern: the tidal variations have caused some real headaches. Signs on the access road thrillingly warn visitors to “Beware of incoming tides!”—a reminder that has become all too relevant as locals have witnessed friends and family caught off guard by the rapid rise and fall of sea levels. Sadly, these tides have led to some, um, sticky situations, even trapping vehicles and creating deep potholes in the parking lot and roadway.
Engineering Solutions in the Works
But don’t worry, help is on the way! Town Manager Van Willis recently announced plans to construct a timber bridge ranging from 150 to 200 feet. This structure will provide safe passage for both vehicles and pedestrians over problem areas, while also rising to accommodate those pesky tides.
“It’s a pretty significant structure,” Willis explained, clearly excited about the impending upgrade. The bridge will connect to a boardwalk and observation deck that already make Sands Beach one of the region’s most popular outdoor hangouts.
With an estimated cost of $1.5 to $1.6 million, this project will be funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, a lifeline for local municipalities post-COVID-19. The deadline for obligating these funds is December 31, and the aim is for the new bridge to be completed before summer rolls around. Now that’s a timeline everyone can get excited about!
A Personal Touch
The project couldn’t come soon enough for local resident Sheree Richnow, who shared her ordeal at a recent Town Council meeting. Having only moved to Port Royal about three and a half years ago, Richnow recounted a scary experience where she found herself stuck in her car with her dog as the tides unexpectedly rose.
“It was a pretty scary situation,” she confessed. “I was driving my Jaguar and didn’t realize the danger until it was too late. I sat in my vehicle for an hour and a half, watching the water rise, unsure if I could make a safe escape!” Thankfully, she made it out just in time, but not without a bit of drama as her car stalled on the other side. With the new bridge construction, she feels reassured that such experiences will become a thing of the past for future beachgoers.
Additional Repairs Coming Soon
But wait, there’s more good news! The heavily-used Henry Robinson Boardwalk has been closed since Tropical Storm Helene tore through the area late last September. Repairs are on the horizon with plans to begin in the next few weeks, expected to be wrapped up sometime after the New Year.
Willis confirmed that the project will cost around $200,000, and luckily, the observation deck—while needing some maintenance—was spared from significant storm damage. Talk about a silver lining!
Curious minds are also asking about the Sands Beach boat landing, which sustained damage from that same storm. The good news is that Beaufort County is on top of it! They’ve selected O’Quinn Marine Construction to tackle the repairs, though they’re currently awaiting parts before getting started.
So, as Sands Beach reinvents itself, we can expect even more fun-filled days ahead! With new bridges and boardwalks bringing an updated flair to our favorite beach, there’s no doubt it will remain a prime destination when the sunny days return. Exciting times are ahead for Port Royal, and the community can’t wait to dive into the improvements!
