HILTON HEAD ISLAND – A unique playground is being built in Shelter Cove Community Park.
Due to recent approval from the City Council, Hilton Head Island will partner with a nonprofit organization and a playground manufacturer to bring an inclusive playground to the island.
The partnership began with a proposal from Miracle Recreation and Best Buddies, a playground manufacturer and nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
If the town’s partnership moves forward as planned, Hilton Head Island would be one of the first communities in the country to build a Best Buddies-Miracle Recreation playground. Town Council members enthusiastically supported the move, unanimously approving it on August 20.
“There’s a whole section in our city plan that includes us as an inclusive community, and that’s the case here,” said City Councilor Alex Brown. “Being first is also a reason to celebrate.”
The design of the playground will not be completed until 2025, but the nonprofit organization already lists a number of special features on its website.
The play area will be finished with poured-in-place surfacing, tiles or turf to enable children with balance issues or mobility aids to explore the playground more easily. Opportunities for sensory play, equipment for wheelchair users and for children with hypertension and hypotension will also likely be provided.
Improvements to Shelter Cove Community Park are also in the pipeline. In April 2022, city staff and a team of consultants developed a project scope for the park expansion. The Shelter Cove Master Plan was adopted by City Council in April 2023 and includes the following improvements:
- Extension of the existing park promenade.
- Network of paths through an existing forest area.
- Expanded passive open lawns with public art.
- A larger, more inclusive playground.
- Additional parking spaces for vehicles.
- A lookout point overlooking Broad Creek.
Because of its popularity, Shelter Cove is a good choice for an inclusive playground, said City Councilor Patsy Brison.
“It’s definitely a high-use playground and a beautiful environment,” Brison said. “It’s just incredible. I’m excited to see it in action.”
The City will coordinate with Best Buddies on the playground design, as well as programming and marketing designed to promote inclusion. Design work will begin in 2025, with $500,000 provided through the City’s 2025 Capital Improvement Plan.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026.
