Folly Beach County Park at the southern end of Folly Beach re-opened for business on July 2 after being shut down for two seasons due to erosion. Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission retained CSE to prepare plans, secure permits and manage construction of the $3.5 million project. The key to successful restoration of park facilities was a permit to build a 750-ft-long terminal groin. The sand-retaining structure was needed to hold the beach in place where erosion rates approach 30 ft per year. CSE worked closely with resource agency officials to develop a design and establish mitigation measures to minimize downcoast impacts. Extra sand needed for construction of the groin has been feeding downcoast areas, slowing the erosion trend. Parking has been restored, and once again helps meet the demand for beach access. The project was constructed in record time in May and June by contractors, Marinex Construction (Charleston) and The Industrial Company (Savannah). Mike Rentz PE (Columbia) provided structural engineering design support to CSE.
