A new Hilton Head park celebrating Gullah history starts construction soon. Here’s what to know
Hilton Head Island’s long-awaited Taylor Family Park is officially set to break ground on Monday, Dec. 8, bringing 4.9 acres of recreational space, history and outdoor fun.
Nestled in the historic Squire Pope Gullah neighborhood, the park is intended to transform a vacant lot at 252 Wild Horse Road into a space for neighbors to gather and enjoy the outdoors.
The land, originally acquired by the McKnight family following the Civil War and later sold to the Taylor family in the 1950s, was donated to the Town of Hilton Head Island in 1991 with a vision for a community park that celebrates the area’s maritime legacy and Gullah Geechee culture.
The project has been in the works for years, but after months of collaboration, planning and community input, the park received final approval in September.
What will Taylor Family Park have?
The park is slated to feature:
- Multi-purpose lawn
- Playground with a custom-built boat inspired by Gullah traditions
- Swings
- Walking paths with elements tied to local history
- Pavilion with restrooms and grills
- Parking spaces
Designers Witmer Jones Keefer note that the layout was built to complement the site’s natural beauty by preserving live oaks, the maritime forest and a pecan tree.
The park’s fishing-themed playground pays homage to generations of local fishermen and shrimpers who shaped the Lowcountry community.
According to previous reporting, the town has allocated about $1 million for the project, with construction anticipated to take roughly nine months.
Town officials say the creation of Taylor Family Park complements a broader effort to expand the number of parks and recreational amenities on the island.
One of the next nearest parks to this area on the island is Jarvis Creek Park, located about a 30-minute walk or a six-minute drive away.
Another park project is also currently in the works on Hilton Head, with a new “pocket park” coming to Coligny Circle.
As the new Taylor Family Park begins to take shape on the island, a groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Dec. 8 at 10 a.m., marking the official start of construction.
