Construction is finally underway on the Northbridge Park in West Ashley. On Friday, Oct. 18 Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr., Charleston City and County Councilmembers and City staff broke ground on the new park and pier on the upper Ashley River at the west end of the Northbridge.
“For years, this has been an unofficial gathering place for residents in the West Ashley area of our city to come and fish,” said Riley. “When Northbridge Park and the pier are completed next spring, it will be an attractive and safe place for residents and visitors to come enjoy the water’s edge.”
The Northbridge Park will be a “gateway” to the West Ashley area of the City of Charleston. The park and pier will include a pier gathering area with gangway, and floating canoe/Kayak launch dock, 16 parking spaces, handicap accessibility, pet station, which provides dog bags and waste disposal, bicycle racks, a drinking fountain, and picnic tables. They new design will have a vehicle and pedestrian travelway under the bridge as well as a pedestrian/bike path from West Ashley to the park.. There will also be lighting and security cameras installed under the bridge.
The construction will cost $1,535,379. Three bids were received. Funding is coming in part from General Obligation Bond, Charleston County Greenbelt funds and Designated Reserve. Consultant for the project is ADC Engineering. Contractors are Dock and Marine and Ralph Massenburg Construction. The park and pier will open in the spring of 2014.
