St. Helena Island’s Towne MacDonald Memorial Park Struggles with Illegal Trash Dumping Issues

St. Helena Island Faces Trash Dumping Troubles at Towne MacDonald Memorial Park

ST. HELENA ISLAND — The usually peaceful Towne MacDonald Memorial Park is facing an unusual problem that has local residents and officials scratching their heads. Nestled between the scenic trees draped in Spanish moss, this park is a beloved spot for picnics and relaxation. However, recent incidents of illegal trash dumping have turned this sanctuary into a bit of a headache for the community and the Open Land Trust, which has owned the area since 1989.

A Calm Retreat Unearthed

The 2½-acre park is tucked away off the main roads, making it a bit of a hidden gem for those who know where to look. With its quaint atmosphere, many locals stop by for a bite to eat or to unwind amidst the natural beauty. Yet, Caylor Romines, who oversees stewardship for the Open Land Trust, has noticed that guests aren’t just finding serene solitude anymore. They’re also encountering a slew of unwanted litter.

Dumping Dilemma

“We’ve been dealing with litter for a while, but the mass dumping is something new,” Romines explained, clearly frustrated by the situation. Just days apart, large quantities of trash have made their way into the park, shocking those who care about its upkeep. What made things even worse? The kind of trash left behind didn’t include just the typical food wrappers or drinks from a quick lunch; we’re talking household items—even dirty diapers and high chairs.

On one fateful day, a concerned neighbor reported seeing a substantial pile of trash near the entrance, prompting Romines to investigate. What he found was astonishing—a mountain of garbage that filled five 55-gallon bags. It was as if someone had thrown a party and decided the woods would be a perfect spot for their leftovers.

Cleanup Efforts Underway

Following the first incident, Romines did what he could, but just days later, he received another call. It seemed people had continued to treat the park as a dumping ground, leading to the second round of trash just a few days later. “I cleaned it up on Monday, and by Wednesday, there was more trash. It’s disheartening,” he remarked.

In response to these alarming occurrences, local leaders, including Beaufort County District 3 Councilmember York Glover, stepped in to assist with the cleanup on October 18. With the help of the county’s Public Works Department and a deputy from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, efforts were made to restore the park to its usual pristine state. However, in a twist of fate, the team arrived too late; the trash had already been cleared out!

A Call for Community Support

Though it’s frustrating to see such disregard for the local environment, Romines, and officials are optimistic that the community will rally. Neighbors have shown that they love this park and regularly pitch in to clean it up. “Most people want to keep it nice,” Romines commented. “We’re just asking others to be responsible and pick up after themselves.”

Access Solutions

As the issue of illegal dumping continues, officials are looking into solutions. Currently, Beaufort County operates nine convenience centers to help residents dispose of trash properly. With three centers located on St. Helena Island, there are plenty of options for community members to manage their waste without resorting to illegal dumping.

Despite the inconvenience, Romines and council members are clear about one thing—they don’t want to restrict access to the park with barriers, as the trust aims to keep the park open for everyone to enjoy. “We want people to continue visiting, not to feel punished,” Glover said. “We just need people to be good neighbors.”

Conclusion

For now, the community is coming together to tackle this issue head-on, demonstrating their love and pride for Towne MacDonald Memorial Park. Let’s hope that the message of maintaining a clean environment spreads and that everyone can enjoy a cleaner, safer park in the future. If you love this beloved spot, do your part—let’s keep it a hidden gem for all to experience!

For updates or to get involved in community clean-up efforts, residents are encouraged to reach out to local leadership or simply lend a hand during their next visit. Together, the community can turn the tide on this unwelcome trend and remind everyone that a clean park is a happy park!