Contractor crews are making visible progress with the $3.6 million upgrades at Augusta Quarry at Fort Dickerson Park – installation of restrooms, changing rooms, an expanded overlook, an improved pedestrian path to the water, and new floating beach and swim platforms.

The footings for the five new buildings are in place. Water and electric utilities are being connected. And the full concrete foundations soon will be poured. In addition, more grading has been done on the ramp leading to the water’s edge.

“We are on pace to complete this major upgrade and reopen the quarry by late fall, as scheduled,” Urban Wilderness Coordinator Wes Soward said. 

“While we hated to close the quarry for the summer, we hope that everyone who cherishes Augusta Quarry will agree that adding these unique amenities and making this special place safer, more family-friendly and more accessible to more people is worth the sacrifice.”

Combined with a new $1.77 million entrance and accessibility improvements in Phase I, investment in Augusta Quarry upgrades totals almost $5.4 million.



Because the quarry is currently an active construction site, with heavy machinery in operation, the area is closed to the public. Vehicles that are parked on the road leading to the quarry or blocking the entrance gate will be subject to towing.

While the quarry and Augusta Avenue entrance and parking lots will be closed, Soward said the Chapman Highway entrance to Fort Dickerson Park and picnic areas will remain open. The park’s upper trails also will remain open.