IOP Marina Waterfront Park – Concept Plan and Public Input Form

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:

Click Here to Provide Feedback

Click Here to Review Concept Plan