Exciting News for Port Royal: A Splash Park is Coming!
Port Royal is making a splash—literally! Excitement is brewing in this beautiful South Carolina town as officials announce plans to build a new splash park at Bruce Edgerley Field, set to open in early 2025. This fantastic addition will cost around $290,000 and follows a series of improvements that have already transformed the park into a favorite spot for families and children alike.
Recent Upgrades Make a Big Difference
Last year, the park was treated to $800,000 worth of brand-new playground equipment that has quickly become popular among kids in the area. The new splash pad, also known as a sprayground, will provide an interactive and fun water play area equipped with exciting features and fountains. Unlike traditional pools, splash pads offer a safer alternative as they don’t have standing water, making them an excellent choice for families with young children.
It’s important to note that while this will be the first splash pad in northern Beaufort County, Bluffton is also getting in on the fun; plans are underway for a $655,000 splash pad at Oscar Frazier Park!
A Partnership for the Community
Located conveniently at the intersection of Richmond Avenue and 16th Street, the splash pad represents a joint effort between Port Royal and Beaufort County. Assistant Town Manager Brooke Plank-Buccola confirmed that while Port Royal will fund the installation, Beaufort County is on board to take care of maintenance. Remarkably, the town is utilizing funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which provides vital support to local municipalities to help recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021.
Looking ahead to the upcoming project, Town Manager Van Willis expressed enthusiasm: “That playground sees so much use,” referring to the high levels of community engagement at Bruce Edgerley Field. It’s clear that this park is becoming a community hub that families will flock to, bringing joy for all ages.
Revamping Port Royal’s Park Experience
Mayor Kevin Phillips is thrilled about the park’s transformation. He noted that not only does Bruce Edgerley Field now feature the only ADA-accessible playground in northern Beaufort County, but it also comes with various amenities including a senior center, restrooms, baseball, and soccer fields. The addition of the splash pad further enhances this park as a top-tier recreation spot for everyone.
And that’s not all—speed bumps to enhance traffic safety and additional parking options are also in the pipeline. “For such a little piece of property right in the heart of Port Royal, it’s an amazing community piece that literally all generations can enjoy,” Phillips shared excitedly.
A Regional Focus on Parks and Recreation
Port Royal isn’t the only town making strides in park improvements. Just a couple of miles away, the city of Beaufort has completed an impressive $4.8 million upgrade at Southside Park, including new playground equipment, picnic areas, and improved trails. They’re even planning a ribbon-cutting ceremony that highlights these significant enhancements!
While Southside Park may be celebrating its developments, Town Councilman Darryl Owens insists, “No offense… Southside Park will have nothing on us,” referring to the upcoming additions at Bruce Edgerley Field. It’s clear that the future is looking bright for parks in this region!
Get Ready to Get Wet!
Mark your calendars for early 2025, Port Royal residents! The splash pad promises to be a fantastic place for families to gather, play, and create lasting memories. With all these exciting developments, it’s safe to say that Bruce Edgerley Field is becoming the go-to destination for fun and community spirit in Port Royal.
