Capital projects move forward as Shell Point tennis courts close for safety; turf-field bids under review

Beaufort County Parks and Recreation staff told the Advisory Board that multiple bids have been received for large capital projects including new turf fields, parking upgrades and community center refurbishments, and that the county is evaluating those bids while seeking funding for several facility repairs.

Capital projects and timeline: Staff said the north-side turf and parking upgrade bid and alternates for the south side have multiple bidders and are under review; if awarded, the turf/parking project would take roughly two years to complete from award. Bids for the Scott Community Center refurbishing and a Bluffton Center facelift (new floors, elevator, paint, accessibility upgrades) were also received and are being evaluated.

Shell Point courts and funding need: On facility maintenance, Alan R. Snow reported that Shell Point Park’s tennis courts have "significant root intrusion" and that the courts need to be sheared off and repaved. He told the board the work is a public‑safety closure and will cost "several hundred thousand dollars" to repair; county staff are seeking funds to address the issue.

Other projects: Staff highlighted added parking at Port Royal playground and ongoing preconstruction for a splash pad. The board discussed that $1.8 million in bond funding previously approved will be allocated across improvements (including restrooms and fields) but that final allocations remain to be determined after assessments.

Next steps: Staff will continue bid evaluations, return with financing and schedule recommendations, and report updates at subsequent meetings.