Howard Coffin Park Living Shoreline and Berm

, community pavilions, and a popular ½ mile fitness trail. A small tidal creek flows through the park, past a BGC Joint Water & Sewer Commission well pump. This creek acts as a primary stormwater runoff channel for the city and connects directly to marsh habitat under Highway 17. The creek banks near the well pump and water station are currently eroding due to stormwater runoff and high-tide flooding. This high-tide flooding also affects the community's access to the fitness trail, which is often covered with water during high tides and heavy rainfall.

This living shoreline project will use a combination of Flexamat, Coir Mat, recycled oyster shell, and natural vegetation to prevent further erosion and reestablish bankside habitat, protecting the well pump station. A berm will be constructed to protect the fitness trail, restoring community access during high tide events. In addition, the undersized culvert connecting the east and west portions of the creek will be replaced with a bottomless box culvert, allowing wildlife and vegetation to be more connected throughout the creek. The support of the Georgia Power Foundation will fully fund the design, permitting, and construction of this living shoreline for one of the most underserved cities in coastal Georgia.

Project Status: This project, which is funded by the Georgia Power Foundation, is currently under construction with completion expected by the end of July 2026. Installing this living shoreline and berm, upgrading the road culvert, installing stormwater drainage from the parking lot, and burying the water and sewer lines will improve water retention during storm events in the tidal creek, prevent flooding in the park's recreational areas, provide habitat for the abundant oyster population in this watershed, and protect critical infrastructure. Additionally, with the native marsh vegetation and oysters that make up the living shorelines will filter stormwater runoff from the city before it impacts adjacent marshes.