Sea Pines has big plans for Fish Island on Hilton Head. What we know

Big changes are coming to a quaint little fishing spot in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, but officials are saying little about it.

The Sea Pines Forest Preserve Foundation is developing plans to turn Fish Island, a charming fishing and picnic area between Lake Thomas and Lake Joe, into a “premier community amenity,” according to a Feb. 27 community update posted online.

The area currently has fishing docks, a covered pavilion, picnic tables, grills, running water and port-a-potties. The space is popular among property owners, guests and visitors for outdoor recreation, private celebrations and community events, according to the Feb. 27 update.

For years, the property was owned by The Sea Pines Resort, but managed by the Sea Pines Forest Preserve Foundation. On Feb. 16, the Sea Pines Resort donated Fish Island to the Foundation.

“With this generous donation, the Foundation will be able to invest in long-awaited improvements that further elevate Fish Island as a premier community amenity,” the online update reads.

It’s not yet clear what’s in store for the beloved spot. Officials did not accept requests for interviews, saying the project is in its “early phases.”

What we know so far

At a March 3 meeting of the Sea Pines Community Services Associates Board of Directors, Vice President/Chief Operating Officer Shawn Colin praised the Sea Pines Resort for donating the property.

“I want to thank the resort for that donation,” Colin said at the meeting. “It’s an amazing accomplishment and will allow for the foundation to invest in facilities that advance the foundation’s mission of preservation and stewardship there.”

Although plans for the 1.3-acre property are still being worked out, Colin shared a few details at the meeting.

Officials are considering removing the port-a-potties, constructing “updated” restroom facilities, and developing a “pavilion and event space,” according to Colin.

He added that he’s “currently working to finalize” a consultant agreement for design and engineering services. Engineers will first develop the “horizontal plan” to determine where facilities should be located, before designing “vertical plans” showing what will get built.

A dedication ceremony is being planned for the week of March 16, Colin said.

Steve Birdwell, President of The Sea Pines Resort, raised his hand at the meeting to express his enthusiasm.

“We’re very excited about the Fish Island and the future improvements,” Birdwell said. “I look forward to more discussions on that.”

Officials aren’t talking

The Island Packet reached out to Stephanie Fera, Communications Manager for Sea Pines CSA, to request interviews with representatives from Sea Pines CSA and the Forest Preserve.

Fera did not arrange interviews, but shared that the association is “in the early phases of developing the improvement plan and will present to our property owners first.”

She added that she will provide the information once it is published, most likely in May. A call to David Henderson, Director of Special Operations with the Sea Pines CSA, was not returned Friday.

How do visitors feel?

Not everyone that frequents Fish Island is thrilled about change.

Clare, 84, and her husband Don were enjoying the beauty of Lake Joe Thursday afternoon when an Island Packet reporter approached them.

The couple is from North Carolina, and has been visiting Hilton Head for 20 years. They like to come to Fish Island to watch birds, Clare said.

They said they wouldn’t mind updated restrooms, but they were not in favor of turning Fish Island into an event space.

“I would like to just leave it the way it is,” Clare said.