Groundbreaking Launches Long-awaited Boardwalk Project
By Lenore McKenzie-Morris
Summer 2009 may be waning into the slower pace of autumn on the Grand Strand, but the city of Myrtle Beach is already gearing up for next spring's visitors.
Donning hard hats for show, council members, engineers and other notables used sand toys and beach buckets Tuesday during the ceremonial groundbreaking for the city's new boardwalk and promenade. The event is the culmination of years of planning by the Myrtle Beach Downtown Redevelopment Corporation.
A contract awarded to M.B. Kahn, a local company based in Conway, calls for the construction of the 1.2-mile-long boardwalk to be completed by June, just in time for the busy tourist season. The boardwalk, which varies in width and construction materials along its length, will cost approximately $6 million.
City spokesman Mark Kruea said the boardwalk is being built on city land that will link the 14th Avenue Pier to the city's park at 11th Avenue South.
"It wouldn't be possible without owning this narrow little strip of property," Kruea said. "The land is immediately oceanward of the private property on the boulevard."
The combination boardwalk and promenade is expected to attract joggers, bikers and pedestrians to the center of Myrtle Beach's coastline.
Kruea said the northern section will be an 8-foot elevated wooden boardwalk. According to the redevelopment's master plan for the project, the northern section will include serene landscaping to highlight the natural environment. A second section is expected to draw heavier traffic between Plyler Park at Joe White Avenue and 7th Avenue North. With adjacent commercial properties offering diversions, food and products, this area is designated as a high energy draw for the downtown area. The final phase is laid out as a linear park with benches and informative signs about the wildlife. Dubbed the South Promenade, this segment of the new boardwalk and promenade is meant to be a relaxing environment.
Local officials are excited about the new project.
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has organized a two-day celebration to spread the word about the boardwalk. Plans for the world's largest shag dance floor, a beer garden and a sand painting of the new boardwalk are underway. The event will be held Sept. 25-26 on Ocean Boulevard between 8th and 10th Avenue North in the area of the existing boardwalk. Musical performances kick off at 5 p.m. Friday with the Fantastic Shakers. Dennis Edwards follows with The Temptations Review from 8 to 10 p.m.
On Saturday, a classic car show heightens the sense of nostalgia during the afternoon as more beach music performances are planned. The schedule calls for Legends of Beach to perform from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., followed by Charlie Thomas' Drifters from 4 to 6 p.m. and The Stylistics from 7 to 9 p.m. Fireworks will conclude the celebration. Food vendors and arts and craft booths will be set up during the day on Saturday.
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