Wadmalaw Island's first community dock opens

WADMALAW ISLAND — On a scorching hot day a refreshing breeze blew today at Cherry Point Boat Landing near Rockville where Flora Ingram and Bill Wilson of west Ashley caught blue crabs.

They fished from Wadmalaw Island's first community dock, a shiny aluminum and concrete structure stretching several hundred feet into Bohicket Creek. They pulled up about a half-dozen crabs using chicken as bait.

"I work all the time so I don't get to get out a lot," Ingram said. "This is what I call peaceful. Away from the computer, away from the phone. Anytime you can enjoy nature it's beautiful," she said.

The community group Fishing & Friends petitioned the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission to provide tax dollars to build the dock. "It's one of the most beautiful and picturesque places on the island," said Allen Mitchell, a member of the group who is also an island author and historian.

The county also built the first floating boat dock at the adjacent boat ramp about six months ago. It was busy with boats lined up waiting to launch and pull out of the water. "To me, Wadmalaw Island is the crown jewel of the sea islands," Mitchell said. He explained that he spent 30 years in Philadelphia before returning home to the island.

"This is simply a wonderful facility. It adds so much to this island," said state Rep. Robert Brown, D-Hollywood.

After a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the dock, the officials and residents gathered under shade trees to enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers. "This is an historic occasion for us. We have never had a public dock here before," Mitchell said.