News Release

Master Plans Approved for Improvements at Islanders Beach Park and Shelter Cove Park-Final Phase

May 4, 2023

Two Hilton Head Island parks will get a series of upgrades following the Hilton Head Island Town Council's approval of master plans for these recreational spaces.

At a council meeting in April, the Town Council passed resolutions approving the Islander's Beach Park Master Plan and the Shelter Cove Park Master Plan-Final Phase. "We continuously strive to better our parks and create environmentally friendly spaces within our community. Safe access, inclusive amenities, more parking, improved drainage, and public art are all part of the master plans to provide best-in-class parks for our residents and visitors," said Town Manager Marc Orlando.

The 15-acre Islander’s Beach Park sits at 94 Folly Field Road amidst shade trees and is steps away from the beach by boardwalk. The park opened in 1999 and has since been used as a beach access park. The park’s master plan, which addresses community concerns with regards to parking and access, calls for:

• Improved crosswalks on Folly Field Road to provide safe crossings for bikes and pedestrians entering the park.
• Pathways into and through the park for beach access.
• Improved stormwater management and drainage.
• Additional bike parking areas.
• A new playground.
• Additional vehicular parking with circulation improvements.
• New parking for golf carts.
• An area dedicated for parking by guests without a resident beach permit.  
• Improved emergency beach access road with storage area.

Shelter Cove Park at 39 Shelter Cove Lane takes in expansive views of Broad Creek and serves as the locale for concerts, festivals, and special events throughout the year. The park is 21 acres, but the master plan focuses on expanding amenities onto approximately 4.5 acres of undeveloped land. The park’s master plan calls for:

• Expansion of the existing Promenade at the park.
• A pathway network through an existing forested area.
• Expanded passive open lawn spaces with public art.
• A larger, more inclusive playground.
• Additional vehicular parking.
• Additional bike parking area.
• An iconic overlook structure with views of Broad Creek.

Funding for the master plan projects has been earmarked in the Town's capital improvement program (CIP) budget, said Jennifer Ray, Capital Program Manager. "We look forward to beginning work on park improvements and enhancing these areas for our community," she said.

The public can follow the progress of park improvements on the Town’s CIP dashboard at hiltonheadislandsc.gov.