BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–This week, Berkeley County officials reiterated that they remain committed to rebuilding Cypress Gardens into an even better destination than it was before the historic floods of 2015.
According to Berkeley County Spokesperson Michael Mule, the county’s intentions are to open part of the gardens as soon as the following three issues are addressed:
1) Rebuilding the boat dock
2) Having fully functional bathrooms
3) Rebuilding the Visitor’s Center
“While we would like to have all of our damaged buildings reopened at the same time, it appears to be unlikely,” read a statement on the county’s official Facebook page. “Meaning, when the three aforementioned items are complete, the county plans to open part of the gardens to the public, even if there are some buildings on the grounds still closed like Dean Hall.”
County leaders say they are still working hard to secure the necessary funding from FEMA to address all of the damage at Cypress Gardens.
Shortly after October’s historic flood, Cypress Gardens closed indefinitely. According to Berkeley County Deputy Supervisor Tim Callanan, Dean Hall, the main reception site at Cypress Gardens, was damaged along with eleven other buildings in the park.
Officials estimate the waters rose from two to five feet and sat for several days. Small docks were also damaged and fell into the swamp. Several of the boats were also filled with water. 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. Some were offered other employment jobs with the county.
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