Transformative projects across the Lowcountry to launch in 2024
Coming soon
The Lowcountry is buzzing with anticipation for a series of innovative projects slated for 2024. As we usher in a new year, it’s the perfect moment to cast a spotlight on the public works destined to enrich the lives of both locals and tourists. This year a major focus is on enriching the region’s parks, with Hilton Head Island spearheading infrastructure enhancements and Beaufort and Bluffton not far behind, investing in community centers. Beaufort County’s commitment to amplifying its already stunning natural landscapes and improving accessibility to public spaces underscores a growing dedication to ensuring that experiencing the Lowcountry is more enjoyable and effortless than ever before.
Walk this way
Driessen Beach Park
Located at 64 Bradley Beach Road, Driessen Beach Park is set for a major facelift in 2024. This initiative is part of the Town of Hilton Head Island’s comprehensive Capital Improvement Program, targeting several beach parks for renovation. Recently Folly Field Beach’s boardwalk underwent a temporary closure for a series of enhancements, including updated decking, new shower systems, modernized restrooms and handrail installations. This significant upgrade is the first since 1991. The revitalization of Driessen Beach Park’s boardwalk, covering a stretch of 1,100 feet, is aiming for completion by March 1. While Driessen Beach Park will be temporarily closed, other beaches will remain open for enjoyment.
Celebrating historical significance
Washington Street Park
Washington Street Park in Beaufort, a multipurpose space since the 1940s and a significant site for the African-American community, is undergoing significant upgrades in 2024. These improvements, supported by state and federal grants, include relocating the basketball court to accommodate multiple uses and constructing a larger pavilion. This project honors the park’s historical legacy while creating a vibrant space for community gatherings and diverse artistic and cultural events.
From green to grand
Southside Park
Come early 2024, Beaufort’s Mossy Oaks neighborhood will witness the transformation of Southside Park. This 34-acre park, currently comprising a dog park, a large lawn and a mile-long trail, is set for upgrades focused on enhancing vehicle access and creating child-friendly and community-centric social spaces. The redesign includes an additional 41 parking spots, a woodland-themed playground with age-specific sections, more picnic areas and a new events pavilion near the playgrounds. This pavilion, adjacent to an events lawn, is set to make Southside Park a new focal point for community events and festivals.
A splash of fun
Oscar Frazier Park splash pad
Bluffton’s Oscar Frazier Park, already home to various sports facilities and a community center, is set to debut an exciting splash pad in 2024. The 2,200-square-foot installation will feature a rubber surface with 23 interactive water play elements, all complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards. This highly anticipated addition, seen as a response to community requests and a future summer relief spot, exemplifies Bluffton’s commitment to enhancing public amenities for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.
Come out and play
New Riverside Park
January 2023 marked the groundbreaking for Bluffton’s New Riverside Park, a project that has progressed steadily over the past year. Poised to be Bluffton’s largest park, it caters to one of the town’s rapidly growing areas. The park, sprawling across 37 acres near the intersection of May River Road and Okatie Highway, is scheduled to welcome the public in 2024. It will feature a vast playground spanning 1.25 acres with unique attractions like a climbing wall and ziplines, alongside classic playground structures. With trails, restrooms and communal areas set to open by year’s end, New Riverside Park is shaping up to be a central hub for community gatherings.
