$1.2 million rowing center opens on Hilton Head Island
Skull Creek is a superb spot for crabbing, Hilton Head Island resident David Murray says.
And the pier at the new Rowing and Sailing Center makes it that much better.
"It's like an invitation to crab," Murray said.
The center at Squire Pope Community Park opened Monday.
Along with the pier, the center features a floating dock for launching kayaks and other non-motorized vessels. The park has a tire swing, playground, fire pit, and a pavilion that the public can rent for events.
Parks and Recreation Commission vice chairman Peter Keber said the dock gives residents easier access to the tidal creek.
"Being able to sail and row, to crab and fish opens up unbelievable doors for people on the island," he said at a ceremony Monday to celebrate the park's opening.
The $7 million project was a long time coming.
Initially proposed in 2007, its construction was to depend on a private group of boaters raising money to build it.
But donations never panned out.
Meanwhile, the town spent $5.8 million to buy several pieces of land, about 8 acres, for the park.
Last year, Town Council decided to build the center for $1.2 million. The project was paid for with proceeds from a special tax district used to build parks, improve roads, extend sewer service and other uses.
"There's been a lot of talk of funding for this park," Mayor Drew Laughlin said at the ceremony. "I've heard mentioned about great projects that the quality of work will be remembered long after the cost is forgotten. I believe that is true of this park."
Construction at the park isn't finished.
One of the rowing groups that had planned to help pay for the center, the Palmetto Rowing Club, will build a $50,000 shed to store as many as 16 rowing shells, according to member Lou Strayer, who helps coach Hilton Head Island Crew. The group has raised the money and will start construction "as soon as we get bids, and as fast as builders can do it."
Hilton Head Crew head coach David Erdman said the shed should open by Jan. 26, when practice starts for the high school-aged rowing team. He said the shed will only be used by the team, not by private boaters.
The team is "severely constrained by space and tides" at its spot near Old Oyster Factory, Erdman said. "This dock is going to make an immense difference."
Other services are being planned to encourage the public to use the dock.
Starting this summer, boaters can take classes at the center, said Frank Soule, executive director of the Hilton Head Island Recreation Association.
Classes will include basic kayaking, rowing and paddleboarding. The association also plans to host a summer camp, Soule said.
The park is open from 7 a.m. to sunset.
Visitors can rent the pavilion in four-hour increments for $25.
Overnight storage of vehicles, trailers or boats is not allowed, except for those used by the association and those that receive prior approval from the town.
Follow reporter Dan Burley on Twitter at twitter.com/IPBG_Dan.
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This story was originally published December 1, 2014 at 5:29 PM with the headline "$1.2 million rowing center opens on Hilton Head Island."