April 2003 - Issues and Answers
It's Spring: Let's Party!
As well-known actor/comedian Robin Williams once said, “Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’” In many ways, both passive and active, spring on Hilton Head Island is a time that people of all ages can enjoy. Nature lures us outside from the doldrums of winter to the promise of spring: neighborhood/beach/pathway walks and bike rides, boating, gardening, youth baseball and soccer, fishing and just good old fresh air. Nature comes alive every spring, and we’re fortunate to be here for the party! One of Town Council’s goals is to strengthen community spirit and pride. One of the best ways we can accomplish this is by making land and opportunity available. We approach land acquisition and park use in a comprehensive manner by studying our residents’ needs and interests. With considerable public input, we have adopted, with timely updates, a recreation and open space plan. The result is the acquisition of land and the opportunity to meet the needs of our citizens.
We have built, and are building, several parks (including beach parks) that accommodate the interests of everyone. Jarvis Creek Park (located behind the north-end Wendy’s) is a new facility that will feature picnic areas, a large freshwater fishing pond, pavilions, walking paths, grills and more. Barker Field will be expanded and will offer two additional multi-purpose fields, beach access, more restrooms, a basketball court, a boardwalk and beach pavilion. Several other parks are coming in the near future. While each park is designed to offer different uses to our residents, they all share one common element: each is a well-designed, aesthetically pleasing (often award-winning) gathering place for kids, adults, families and visitors to enjoy. When you mix our island’s wonderful park system with springtime, the results are exactly what we planned and intended: fun for all. Springtime offers the opportunity to participate in all kinds of events on our island. March events included the St. Patrick’s Day parade, Hargray Shamrock 5K Run, The Lowcountry American Heart Walk, Wing Fest, Winefest, the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina Wine Auction, Senior Games, Youth ArtsFest (Arts Center of Coastal Carolina), Special Olympics Southeast Regional Tennis Championships, Spring Kayakfest and more. Here is a sampling of what’s yet to come this spring and summer:

April
• The Heritage of Golf Tournament: April 14-20
• Triathlon at Hilton Head: April 26
• HH Art League’s annual Art & Flowers Festival (South Carolina Yacht Club): April 27
May
• Big Shot Volleyball Tournament: May 3-4
• David Carmines Memorial Kayak Festival: May 3
• Family Fiesta Latina: May 4
• Audubon Nature Festival: May 17-18
• Rib Burnoff 2003
• Town’s 20th Anniversary Celebration
June
• Beginning June 10th, the Summer Jam Concert Series, sponsored by the Island Recreation Association, will be on Tuesday evenings at the Shelter Cove Community Park.
• Beginning June 10, Harbourfest 2003 kicks off with entertainment on Tuesday evenings at the Shelter Cove Marina.
• Triathlon at Hilton Head: June 21
July
• Independence day events with firework displays at three island locations: July 4
• Fire Ant and Brews Festival: July 19
• Hallelujah Singers Summer Concert Series: Thursdays, July 31-August 14

Spring on Hilton Head Island is one party you don’t want to miss! For more information about island events, contact the following organizations:
• Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce: 785-3673 or www.hiltonheadisland.org.
• Hilton Head Hospitality Association: 686-4944 or www.hiltonheadisland.com/hospitalityassociation.
• Island Recreation Center: 681-7273 or www.islandreccenter.org.
• Arts Center of Coastal Carolina: 686-3945 or www.artscenter.hhi.org. ™