Exciting New Splash Pad Set to Open in Port Royal by 2025

Exciting Developments Coming to Port Royal!

Big changes are on the horizon for the lovely town of Port Royal, and locals couldn’t be more thrilled! Brace yourselves for a brand-new splash park debuting at Bruce Edgerley Field in early 2025. This cool $290,000 splash pad will be the cherry on top for an already-popular park that keeps getting better and better.

What’s the Splash All About?

So, what exactly is a splash pad? Well, it’s basically a water play zone packed with fun interactive water features and fountains where kids (and grown-ups, let’s be honest!) can splash around. The great thing about splash pads is that they have no standing water, which means they’re super safe for all ages and abilities. Recently, splash pads have become a hot trend, especially because they’re much easier and less costly to maintain than traditional swimming pools. It seems like they’ve won over the hearts of families everywhere, and Port Royal is jumping on the bandwagon in style!

Following the Fun

Just last year, Bruce Edgerley Field received a fabulous makeover with a whopping $800,000 worth of brand-new playground equipment. It’s safe to say the kids have loved every minute spent there! And now, the splash pad will follow suit, making the park an even more exciting destination for families. Town Manager Van Willis couldn’t have said it better when he pointed out, “That playground sees so much use.” Now, they’ll have a splash pad to keep the fun going, too!

A Team Effort

The splash pad installation is a partnership between the town and Beaufort County, which manages parks throughout the area. The plan is that Port Royal will foot the bill for the new splash pad while Beaufort County takes charge of its maintenance. Pretty neat, right? The funding for this project comes from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which was put in place by President Joe Biden in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Talk about a splash of good news stemming from tough times!

The town is racing against the clock to obligate the funds before the deadline on December 31. In an enthusiastic discussion with the council, they were eager to bring something fun to the community: “What is something the council would like to see for the citizens and kids to do in Port Royal?” Willis shared.

The Splash Pad Dream Team

Helping bring this splash pad vision to life is Carolina Parks and Play based in Cary, North Carolina, who will be supplying the equipment. Meanwhile, Year Round Pool from Bluffton will handle the installation, making sure everything is ready for its splash-tastic debut.

A Park for Everyone

Mayor Kevin Phillips expressed his amazement at how Bruce Edgerley Field has transformed over the past few years. Not only does the park boast the only ADA-accessible playground in northern Beaufort County, but it also features a senior center, a standalone bathroom, and even sports fields! Now, throw a splash pad into the mix, and you’ve got a community hub that truly caters to everyone.

But that’s not all! Speed bumps are also on the way to ensure safe travel on nearby streets, and plans for extra parking are in the works. Phillips summed it up perfectly: “For such a little piece of property right in the heart of Port Royal, it’s an amazing community piece that literally all generations can enjoy.”

Keeping the Fun Flowing

And if you thought Port Royal was done with park improvements, think again! Just two miles away, the city of Beaufort recently wrapped up an impressive $4.8 million upgrade at Southside Park. This makeover includes shiny new playground equipment, a picnic area, a pavilion, and access improvements. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for Thursday at 2:30 PM—so be sure to check it out!

In a lighthearted comment, Town Councilman Darryl Owens cheekily stated, “Southside Park—no offense—will have nothing on us,” hinting that Bruce Edgerley Field’s upcoming improvements are sure to make it the talk of the town.

As we eagerly await the arrival of the splash pad and all the fun it promises, Port Royal continues to show that when it comes to community-driven enhancements, the sky’s the limit!