While Winter Storm Enzo may have delayed the grand opening of Bluffton’s newest playground, once children see all of the rope climbing structures, swings and slides, it’s going to be difficult to keep them away in advance of the grand opening on February 22.
This playground may be the area’s best, eclipsing Lowcountry Celebration Park the Town of Hilton Head Island opened in 2020 in the Coligny-area.
That will soon be decided by Bluffton’s families that have moved to the greater Bluffton area.
A view of the tower system with a variety of ways to get to bird nests which are connected by a rope bridge as photographed on Jan. 28, 2025, is featured in one section at the New Riverside Barn Park set for a grand opening on Feb. 22 in Bluffton. Drew Martin dmartin@islandpacket.com
This playground is located on the 37-acre parcel named the New Riverside Barn Park where the iconic red barn sits that greets drivers as they whisk around the May River Road and Okatie Highway traffic circle.
It is the first phase of the 37-acre property that the Town of Bluffton purchased from Palmetto Bluff in 2018. In 2019 then Bluffton Town Manager Marc Orlando said, “It’s important to create community open space in this section of Bluffton.”
What will likely be the biggest attraction will likely be the zip line (watch video above).
A zip line start platform allows park goers to get carried along a 82-foot long cable as photographed on Jan. 28, 2025, is featured in one section at the New Riverside Barn Park set for a grand opening on Feb. 22 in Bluffton. Drew Martin dmartin@islandpacket.com
The end of the zip line allows park goers to get carried along on a 82-foot long cable as photographed on Jan. 28, 2025, is featured in one section at the New Riverside Barn Park set for a grand opening on Feb. 22 in Bluffton. Drew Martin dmartin@islandpacket.com
There are activities for all age groups and swing sets that allow parents and children to swing as a duo.
Swing sets that feature baby seats, left and what manufacturer Kompan calls “You & Me” seats allowing adults to swing with their children as photographed on Jan. 28, 2025, is featured in one section of the New Riverside Barn Park set for a grand opening on Feb. 22 in Bluffton. Drew Martin dmartin@islandpacket.com
A combination swing with traditional seats as well as a ‘bird nest’ seat, right, as well as a covered area with tables, background, as photographed on Jan. 28, 2025, is featured in one section at the New Riverside Barn Park set for a grand opening on Feb. 22 in Bluffton. Drew Martin dmartin@islandpacket.com
There are several structures that young people can practice their parkour talents.
A combination of posts and climbing ropes as photographed on Jan. 28, 2025, is featured in one section at the New Riverside Barn Park set for a grand opening on Feb. 22 in Bluffton. Drew Martin dmartin@islandpacket.com
Stilts that improve balance as photographed on Jan. 28, 2025, is featured in one section at the New Riverside Barn Park set for a grand opening on Feb. 22 in Bluffton. Drew Martin dmartin@islandpacket.com
A built up berm that allows kids to crawl through a tunnel or take a slide.
A crawl-through tube in an embankment as photographed on Jan. 28, 2025, is featured in one section at the New Riverside Barn Park set for a grand opening on Feb. 22 in Bluffton. Drew Martin dmartin@islandpacket.com
A slide sits atop an embankment as photographed on Jan. 28, 2025, is featured in one section at the New Riverside Barn Park set for a grand opening on Feb. 22 in Bluffton. Drew Martin dmartin@islandpacket.com
There are plenty of rope structures for young people to climb to improve dexterity and balance.
A rope staircase allows youngsters to get to the top of the structure where they can use a slide to get down as photographed on Jan. 28, 2025, is featured in one section at the New Riverside Barn Park set for a grand opening on Feb. 22 in Bluffton. Drew Martin dmartin@islandpacket.com
A climbing structure with a rope bridge leads to a slide as photographed on Jan. 28, 2025, is featured in one section at the New Riverside Barn Park set for a grand opening on Feb. 22 in Bluffton. Drew Martin dmartin@islandpacket.com
A climbing tower is featured in one section as photographed on Jan. 28, 2025, at the New Riverside Barn Park set for a grand opening on Feb. 22 in Bluffton. Drew Martin dmartin@islandpacket.com
While there isn’t much natural shade from vegetation, the town has built several structures at New Riverside for people to get out of sun or rain - or just to take a rest.
A large umbrella offers shade and a place to rest as photographed on Jan. 28, 2025, is featured in one section at the New Riverside Barn Park set for a grand opening on Feb. 22 in Bluffton. Drew Martin dmartin@islandpacket.com
There is a sitting area outside the park covered by a pergola with bathrooms and water fountains that lead to the park’s entrance.
The area outside the New Riverside Barn Park offers a place to sit as photographed on Jan. 28, 2025, with a grand opening date of Feb. 22 in Bluffton. Drew Martin dmartin@islandpacket.com
The ground is covered by a cushioned turf that in areas is highly colorful., especially if children get dizzy from a new take on merry-go-rounds - the spinner bowl.
A whimsical see-saw is featured in one section as photographed on Jan. 28, 2025, at the New Riverside Barn Park set for a grand opening on Feb. 22 in Bluffton. Drew Martin dmartin@islandpacket.com
The full plan for New Riverside Barn Park
The second phase, currently under development, is the barn. Plans include expanding it and renovating it into a space that can be used for private- and community-wide events. It is scheduled to be finished by this year.
Photographed on Jan. 28, 2025, the red barn at New Riverside Barn Park is expected to be finished this year and will have the potential to host private and large-scale public events. Drew Martin dmartin@islandpacket.com
Date for grand opening and park hours
The grand opening for the park has been rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 22 starting at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the normal operating hours for the park will be from sunrise to sunset.
Signage at the New Riverside Barn Park as photographed on Jan. 28, 2025, is set for a grand opening on Feb. 22 in Bluffton. Drew Martin dmartin@islandpacket.com
This story was originally published January 31, 2025 at 4:00 PM.
Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette visuals editor Drew Martin has been in the media industry for more than 25 years in visual storytelling. He has disseminated news using a variety of storytelling methods, including the use of info-graphics, photography, animation and video. Support my work with a digital subscription
