News Summary
The JuJu Hutson Park playground in Hardeeville has officially closed for renovations, marking the beginning of an exciting Phase II upgrade. The new plans include modern facilities such as a gazebo, restrooms, and enhanced safety features. This renovation not only beautifies the park but also pays tribute to community hero JuJu Hutson. With construction expected to be completed by June, the community can continue enjoying the surrounding recreational areas during this renovation period.
Exciting Changes Ahead for JuJu Hutson Park Playground in Hardeeville
Hardeeville residents have some thrilling news to look forward to! The beloved JuJu Hutson Park playground, situated within the Richard Gray Recreation Complex, has officially closed its gates as of January 13. But don’t fret, this closure signals the start of something amazing—Phase II of a massive park renovation!
What’s Changing?
During the renovation, visitors can expect to see some fantastic new additions to the park! The plans include a brand new pavilion with picnic tables, modern restrooms, and more open space for everyone to enjoy. To top it all off, there will be permanent fencing installed to help keep everyone safe and sound. For these upgrades, the city has teamed up with Beaufort Construction, a company well-known for delivering quality work.
The team is working hard, and they expect to wrap things up by June. It’s like a surprise transformation waiting to be unveiled!
A Tribute to a Community Hero
It’s important to remember that this park is more than just a playground; it stands as a beautiful tribute to JuJu Hutson, a lifelong Hardeeville resident who made numerous contributions to the community. JuJu Hutson resided right next to the Hardeeville City Hall, and in his honor, the city purchased the land to create this park. His legacy includes being a passionate advocate for recreation and open spaces, as well as being a dedicated cyclist.
JuJu Hutson was so cherished that he received an esteemed Key to the City for his contributions. When you visit the park, you’re walking through a space that reflects his spirit and the joy he brought to the community.
Progress Through the Years
It’s hard to believe this journey started about seven years ago! The design plans for the playground began then, and the Hardeeville City Council officially approved the renovation in 2018. Can you imagine all the hard work and effort that’s gone into this project over the years?
The renovations are structured in three phases. Phase I, which was completed back in 2019, focused on demolishing the old playground and creating a brand new one located in another area of the Rec Plex. The community quickly embraced the new design, helping to increase the park’s popularity.
As for Phase III, that’ll involve resurfacing the existing parking lot, adding new striping, and some lovely tree islands to beautify the space even further. To address the growing demand for parking (the Richard Gray Recreation Complex has seen a nearly 90% increase in park usage since 2018), the city is planning to tackle another parking lot project simultaneously to create even more spaces for visitors.
An Active Community Awaits
Despite the playground’s closure, there’s no need to be disheartened! The rest of the Richard Gray Recreation Complex will remain open and bustling. Families can continue enjoying the playground, sports fields, and other recreational areas while the renovations take place. It’s going to be a busy few months, and everyone’s excitement is building as updates about the playground’s reopening will be shared through the City of Hardeeville’s social media accounts.
So, while JuJu Hutson Park’s playground may be temporarily closed, the community is buzzing with anticipation as they prepare for a brighter and more vibrant outdoor space, honoring JuJu Hutson’s legacy with every swing and every picnic planned under the future pavilion. Let’s embrace this renovation journey together—it’s just a few more months until the magic resumes!
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Bluffton Today: Renovations at Park in Hardeeville
- Wikipedia: Parks and Recreation
- Bluffton Today: Community Gathers to Celebrate Local Hero
- Google Search: Community Parks Renovation
- Bluffton Today: Feedback Sought on Parks Renovation Proposal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Parks
