BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–Berkeley County officials have given an official date that Cypress Gardens will reopen to the public.
The park has been closed for visitation since October 2015 after “The Thousand-Year Flood” damaged the popular tourist attraction.
According to county leaders, Cypress Gardens will once again welcome the public beginning April 13, 2019.
“Reopening Cypress Gardens is a priority for Berkeley County. Its rich history and beauty make this facility one of the Lowcountry’s premier recreation destinations. While the delayed opening is not ideal, Berkeley County is committed to seeing the park re-open in April and will do everything possible to ensure that date stands as the grand re-opening for this historic park. I’m thrilled for the project to come together and for the public to soon again appreciate the gem that it is,” stated Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb.
Shortly after the historic flooding, officials estimated the waters rose from two to five feet and sat for several days. Small docks were damaged and fell into the swamp. Several of the boats were also filled with water. The main reception site at Cypress Gardens was also damaged along with eleven other buildings in the park.
The total structural and revenue losses are estimated to be around $10 million.
Because of the flood, ten temporary employees and six full-time employees were also let go.
In the past, the reopening of the park had been delayed due to the unprecedented amount of rainfall Berkeley County has experienced. As a result, crews previously were unable to do much of the work planned for the park, county leaders stated.
Despite some setbacks, repairs and improvements to the park include work on the boat dock, walkways, bridges, parking lot, ticket booth, visitors’ center, front lawn and more.
County officials say Berkeley County has done a majority of the work in-house with help from departments including, Facility and Grounds, Water and Sanitation, Roads and Bridges Departments and others
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