Massive park could be coming to Bluffton. Here’s what you can do there
A massive park equipped with hiking and biking trails and opportunities for camping and kayaking is in the works just north of the New River.
The 760-acre undeveloped site was introduced at this week’s Bluffton Town Council meeting and will be known as New Riverside Park.
“This is kind of like Pinckney Island (National Wildlife Refuge), except this one really appears to be far more in depth in terms of what it’s offering, with kayaking, trails, camping and so forth,” Bluffton Town Council member Dan Wood said Tuesday.
Wood added that it will be “one of the most pristine parks around here that people will get to enjoy.”
Beaufort County purchased portions of the forested area in 2006, 2008 and 2011 through its Rural and Critical Lands program. On Tuesday, the Town of Bluffton approved an initial master plan for the project with the New River Linear Trail running through the park.
The first phase of the project will include an open air picnic shelter, 4.5 miles of hiking and biking trails, and kayaking and canoe trails along the New River and its rice fields. Twenty-five parking spaces are also planned.
Two camping areas designed for a small number of tents that can be accessed along the New River are planned for the project’s future phases.
The area, which is almost 70% protected wetlands, is located south of two residential communities: Alston Park and Retreat at the Haven.
As part of the agreement with Bluffton, Beaufort County will construct Holly Hill Road, an entrance road to the park that will connect to New Riverside Road.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office will have jurisdiction on the property but will coordinate with the Bluffton Police Department.
The town likely will vote on the proposal for final approval in the next few months.
Just north of the park, the town is still deciding what to do with the 37-acre New Riverside Barn Property it bought for $200,000 in 2018. The barn could feature a food truck courtyard, picnic shelters, open lawn areas, trails or an inclusive playground.
