News Release

Town’s Mid-Island Tract Open for Visitors

February 25, 2021

Hilton Head Island's portion of the mid-island tract by Union Cemetery Road is now open to the public. But park visitors are warned to be careful as the tract — while substantially neater and accessible — remains undeveloped.

The Town of Hilton Head Island wrapped up the removal of dead and fallen trees and underbrush so park visitors can safely access and enjoy existing trails until future park plans for the site is determined. The 103-acre tract, bordered by William Hilton Parkway, Dillion Road and Union Cemetery Road, is the site of the former Planter's Row Golf Course, which the Town purchased in 2013.

"Since October, our contractors have worked to remove standing dead and fallen trees from the tract and beautify it so it's safe and has a neat appearance," said Shawn Colin, Interim Deputy Director for the Town of Hilton Head Island. "In the future, we hope to turn this tract into first-class park with a wide range of features and amenities."

In addition to removing trees, the contractors trimmed trees along the existing cart paths, bush hogged overgrown vegetation around the drainage channel and ponds, and placed split rail fencing around the property in the more open areas of the tract, connecting it to the existing cart path system so it is safe for users. Visitors may park in a temporary parking area that is located at the property's Union Cemetery Road entrance.

The Town left some portions of the property untouched - approximately 10 acres to serve as bird and wildlife habitats, and five acres around the existing stormwater ponds to serve as riparian habitat.

For more information, contact Julian Walls, Facilities Manager, at julianw@hiltonheadislandsc.gov or 843-342-4587.