Parking Fees Set to Begin at Hilton Head Island’s Beach Parks Starting This March

Parking Fees Coming to Hilton Head Island’s Beach Parks

Hey there, beach lovers! If you’re planning to visit beautiful Hilton Head Island this coming March, there are a few changes you need to know about before you grab your sun hats and towels. Starting March, the town will introduce a parking fee of $3 per hour for non-residents at most beach parks—yes, that’s right! The only exception is Coligny Beach Park, which will remain free for the time being. So, you’ll need to budget a little extra for your beach day.

How Did We Get Here?

This new decision was finalized after a vote by the Town Council, where it passed by a margin of 5-2. This resolution was first discussed back in September, and that wasn’t just a one-time gig. The council members took their time to think things through by voting again during their October 1 session, confirming the changes. But don’t worry! Just because some parks are going to charge for parking doesn’t mean that the conversation about Coligny Beach Park is over. In fact, it’s just heating up!

What’s Next for Coligny Beach Park?

At a recent town council meeting, the crew decided to set up an ad hoc group that will include town representatives and local business owners around the Coligny area. Their mission? To explore the current parking situation and discuss how to meet both the town’s needs and the interests of the local businesses. The group, slated to be formed by November 30, will spend the next few months digging into parking data. They’ll analyze everything from vehicle counts to peak season traffic and aim to provide their findings back to the Town Council by September 30, 2025.

What About the Other Beach Parks?

As mentioned before, the new parking fees will apply to several of Hilton Head’s stunning beach parks. Places like Fish Haul Beach Park and Chaplin Beach Park will start charging fees between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Expect higher rates at popular spots such as Islander’s Beach Park, which has 21 metered spaces, Folly Field Beach Park with its 50 spaces, and Driessen Beach Park, which boasts 168 metered spots. These changes aim to help manage the influx of visitors, especially during the busy summer months.

What’s the Council’s Take?

It seems that the council is taking this pretty seriously. Mayor Pro-Tem David Ames, who put the motion forward, has emphasized time and again that finding a balance for residents and local business interests has been a tough nut to crack. During the meeting, Ames commented on the challenges the council has faced in trying to align goals with the community’s needs over the years. His hope is that this group can lead to a better understanding between the town, the businesses, and the individuals who love to hit the beach.

While some council members, like Patsy Brison and Tamara Becker, have voiced their concerns about creating yet another group when a plan is already in place, the majority believes this step is necessary. It shows that the council is taking feedback seriously and is open to continuous improvement.

Final Thoughts

So, as March approaches, residents and visitors alike need to keep these new parking fees in mind while planning their next beach outing. At least for now, you can still park for free at Coligny Beach Park, but will that change in the future? Only time will tell!

For beachgoers heading to other parks, pack some extra coins or consider carpooling to make the most of the sunny days ahead! Stay tuned for more updates, and enjoy your time soaking up the sun at our lovely beaches!