Hilton Head Town Council to consider funding for a new public park on the island
The Hilton Head Town Council will consider approving nearly a quarter-million dollars in funding for a new public park at its next meeting Tuesday.
According to the upcoming meeting agenda, the proposed park will be located on the Taylor Family Park property on Wild Horse Road, Hilton Head Senior Grants Administrator Marcy Benson said. The property is about 5 acres.
The town received $204,430 from HUD’s Community Development Block Grant Program, Benson said. The island will also use $32,387 in funds leftover from 2019.
Community Development Block Grants are awarded to provide “ decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons,” according to HUD’s website.
HUD requires all towns receiving a Community Development Block Grant to use 51% of the funds in low- and moderate-income areas. But the agency granted the town an exception and Hilton Head will only be obligated to use 49.56% in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.
If approved by the Town Council, HUD will have to sign off on the plan within 45 days. Hilton Head also must conduct an environmental review before any construction could begin on the park.
Benson said there are no drawn-up plans for a new park at this time. The Taylor Park project is a part of Hilton Head’s five-year plan to give low- to mid-income residents better community resources. The Town Council adopted the project in 2020.
Hilton Head Ward 6 Councilman Glenn Stanford said he has not read the specifics of the proposal, but he is inclined to support public park projects.
“There are many families that live in this area, and they don’t really have a park space,” Stanford said. “if we can create something that is like a small playground, possibly with picnic benches ... it gives the people an opportunity for family recreation, which is always beneficial.”
Ward 5 Councilman Tom Lennox said he also supported adding more parks on the island.
“I think the public park is a benefit to the immediate community,” Lennox said.
The meeting begins at 3 p.m. in the Benjamin M. Racusin Council Chambers at Town Hall, 1 Town Center Court, Hilton Head Island.
This story was originally published June 20, 2022 at 4:55 AM.
