Beaufort County, January 11, 2026
Beaufort County Parks and Recreation Department is leading innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing community quality of life through improved facilities, strategic partnerships, and fiscal responsibility. From the re-opening of the Charles Lind Brown Center to collaborative agreements with local schools and the launch of the #PlayBeaufortCo Master Plan, these efforts are focused on expanding recreational opportunities for all residents. The newly announced budget allocations reflect a commitment to sustainable growth and enhanced community engagement.
Beaufort, SC
Beaufort’s vibrant community spirit continues to thrive, bolstered by forward-thinking initiatives from the Beaufort County Parks and Recreation Department. These efforts highlight a commitment to enhancing the local quality of life through strategic planning, crucial partnerships, and judicious allocation of resources, all designed to foster individual achievement and broad civic engagement. The department’s recent announcements underscore a proactive approach to community development, ensuring that residents have access to diverse recreational opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities.
By focusing on collaboration and responsive governance, Beaufort County demonstrates how local leadership can effectively meet evolving community needs. These initiatives, spanning facility upgrades to groundbreaking partnerships, exemplify a dedication to cultivating an environment where personal initiative can flourish, and communal bonds are strengthened through shared experiences and improved civic infrastructure. The emphasis on prudent financial management and community input ensures that these advancements are both sustainable and genuinely reflective of resident priorities.
#PlayBeaufortCo Master Plan: Shaping the Future of Recreation
In February 2022, the Beaufort County Parks and Recreation Department launched the #PlayBeaufortCo Master Plan, a comprehensive county-wide needs and improvements assessment. This ambitious year-long endeavor aimed to craft a strategic blueprint for recreational facilities that truly serves the needs of all county residents. The underlying philosophy was clear: public input would be the cornerstone, directly influencing future funding and improvements.
Consulting firms Wood + Partners, Inc. and PROS Consulting INC. spearheaded the $175,690 assessment. Their work encompassed a thorough inventory and analysis of existing parks and facilities, extensive public opinion surveys, and community engagement sessions. The culmination of this process was a set of prioritized recommendations for new parks and facilities, complete with detailed capital improvement cost estimates. Public feedback was diligently collected via the www.playbeaufortcounty.com website and a series of public meetings held throughout early 2022. This comprehensive data was then compiled into the Master Plan between October and November 2022, subsequently presented to the County Council for review and endorsement. An early tangible benefit of this focus on facility enhancement was the re-opening of the Charles Lind Brown Center, now equipped with modern workout equipment, including dedicated cardio rooms, a women’s-specific workout area, and a large multi-purpose room. The facility also offers flexible options for temporary pickleball courts, alongside its existing basketball gym, outdoor court, and playground, significantly boosting its utility to the neighborhood.
A Unified Vision: Partnership with Beaufort County School District
A significant stride in optimizing community resources was made in October 2024, with the approval of a landmark Facility Use Agreement between Beaufort County and the Beaufort County School District. This collaborative agreement enables both entities to share athletic fields, markedly improving access to vital recreational spaces for both students and the broader resident population.
The partnership is a testament to effective inter-agency cooperation, aiming to maximize the use of public assets while simultaneously fostering robust community engagement through diverse recreational activities. The Beaufort County Parks and Recreation Department is committed to enriching the lives of citizens by offering exceptional recreational and cultural programs, including a wide array of youth sports such as soccer, baseball, basketball, flag football, and lacrosse. Eric Brown, the Director of Beaufort County Parks and Recreation, emphasized that this agreement reflects a shared vision for making recreation more accessible and flexible. Echoing this sentiment, Carlos Cave, the School District Athletic Director, highlighted the immense opportunities this collaboration presents, not only for teaching sportsmanship and enhancing sport-specific skill development for young athletes but also for promoting the significant health benefits associated with sports participation.
Fiscal Responsibility: FY2025 Budget Allocations for Parks and Recreation
Demonstrating a commitment to investing in community infrastructure without burdening taxpayers, the Beaufort County Council unanimously approved a $154.2 million budget for Fiscal Year 2025 in June 2024, notably without any mill rate increase. This fiscally responsible budget includes substantial allocations directed towards enhancing Beaufort County’s parks and recreation facilities, reflecting a clear prioritization of quality-of-life improvements for residents.
Key allocations for Parks and Recreation specifically include $2.47 million for critical HVAC and building envelope repairs at the MC Riley Pool, $635,000 to develop new pickleball courts at Southside Park, and $593,000 for comprehensive renovations at the Charles Lind Brown Center, covering restroom upgrades, gym improvements, and an entryway awning. Additionally, $87,000 has been earmarked for remodeling the Booker T. Washington facility. Beyond these direct departmental funds, the “Culture and Community” section of the budget includes significant investments in Passive Parks. These include 38.9% for essential park planning, hydrology, and engineering assessments, $2.2 million for civil planning and construction at Camp St. Mary’s, $120,000 for a trail walkway at Crystal Lake Park, and $250,000 for park construction at Ford Shell Ring. Further investments include $500,000 for stairs and safety improvements at Fort Fremont, $950,000 for general park construction, and $250,000 for pier and dock construction at Whitehall Park. County Council Chairman Joe Passiment underscored the budget’s balance, affirming its fiscal responsibility while ensuring the delivery of quality services expected by citizens for living, working, and playing within the county.
New Community Hubs: Federally Funded Centers in Northern Beaufort County
In a significant move to expand community resources, two federally funded, multipurpose community centers broke ground in northern Beaufort County during the week of January 6, 2026. These identical 3,400-square-foot facilities are being constructed at 21 Agnes Major Road in Sheldon and 179 Ball Park Road on St. Helena Island. The funding for these crucial projects, exceeding $3 million, came from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which Beaufort County allocated in 2024 to address the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Designed with flexible, movable walls, these centers are envisioned to accommodate a broad spectrum of uses, ranging from recreational activities and children’s programming to senior citizen services, and even potential vaccine administration in future public health emergencies. The construction phase is anticipated to take between nine and twelve months to complete. These new community hubs are fittingly named after two distinguished former Beaufort County educators: Wesley E. Felix and Agnes A. Major, honoring their lasting contributions to local education.
Elevating Standards: The RISE Program
In May 2024, Eric Brown, the new Director of Beaufort County Parks and Recreation, introduced an impactful new initiative: the “RISE” program. RISE is an acronym embodying the core values of Respect, Integrity, with a Standard of Excellence. This program represents a departmental policy designed to be integrated into every aspect of the Parks Department’s daily operations and activities.
The goal of the RISE program is to ensure heightened visibility and vigilance from the department, striving to deliver a consistently high standard of experience for all Beaufort County citizens who interact with its services and facilities. This commitment to principled service and operational excellence reflects a dedication to continuous improvement and a desire to foster a positive and productive environment for all community members.
Ongoing Opportunities: Youth Sports and Recreation
The Beaufort County Parks and Recreation Department consistently provides robust and affordable youth athletic leagues, creating safe and competitive environments where children can develop skills and gain positive life experiences. These programs are fundamental to youth development, promoting physical activity, teamwork, and character building.
Fall youth sports programs, including Coed Flag Football (Ages 4-16), Soccer (Ages 4-16), Baseball (Ages 6-16), Softball (Ages 5-16), and Cheerleading (Ages 6-14), typically see registrations opening from June 1 and closing around July 17-19, 2026, for Fall 2024 activities. To ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate, scholarships are readily available. Furthermore, looking ahead, registration for Winter Youth Basketball and Adult Beaufort League Baseball is slated to begin on September 1, 2024. These diverse offerings underscore the department’s commitment to broad-based community participation across all age groups.
Community Driven Growth in Beaufort County
The recent announcements and ongoing initiatives by the Beaufort County Parks and Recreation Department, from strategic master planning and crucial inter-agency partnerships to significant infrastructure investments and new programmatic standards, collectively paint a picture of a community actively shaping its future. These efforts, driven by civic engagement and a commitment to fiscal prudence, provide enhanced recreational opportunities, improved facilities, and a stronger foundation for individual achievement and collective well-being in Beaufort County, SC.
We encourage all residents to explore the myriad of programs and facilities available, participate in upcoming events, and engage with the Beaufort County Parks and Recreation Department. Your continued involvement is crucial in sustaining these vital community advancements and helping to nurture an even more vibrant and connected Beaufort County community. Stay informed about South Carolina SC gatherings and support the growth of our shared spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the #PlayBeaufortCo Master Plan?
The #PlayBeaufortCo Master Plan is a county-wide needs and improvements assessment launched in February 2022 by the Beaufort County Parks and Recreation Department. It aims to develop a Master Plan for recreational facilities based on public input, guiding future funding and improvements.
What is the recent partnership between Beaufort County Parks and Recreation and the School District?
In October 2024, a Facility Use Agreement was approved, allowing Beaufort County Parks and Recreation and the Beaufort County School District to share athletic fields. This enhances access to recreational spaces for students and residents and aims to optimize public resource use.
What are the significant funding allocations for parks in the FY2025 budget?
The FY2025 budget, approved in June 2024, includes $2.47 million for MC Riley Pool repairs, $635,000 for Southside Park Pickleball Courts, $593,000 for Charles Lind Brown renovations, and $87,000 for Booker T. Washington remodel. Passive Parks received allocations like $2.2 million for Camp St. Mary’s and $500,000 for Fort Fremont improvements, among others.
What is the RISE program?
Introduced in May 2024 by Director Eric Brown, the RISE program is an acronym for Respect, Integrity, with a Standard of Excellence. It is a departmental policy to be incorporated into daily activities, aiming for heightened visibility, vigilance, and a consistently high standard of experience for citizens.
Are there new community centers being built in northern Beaufort County?
Yes, two federally funded, multipurpose community centers broke ground in northern Beaufort County during the week of January 6, 2026. Funded by over $3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds allocated in 2024, these centers are designed for flexible use and are located in Sheldon and St. Helena Island.
Key Features of Beaufort County Parks and Recreation’s Recent Announcements
| Initiative/Announcement | Description | Key Dates/Timeline | Impact/Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| #PlayBeaufortCo Master Plan | County-wide needs and improvements assessment for recreational facilities. Includes inventory analysis, public input, and recommendations. | Launched Feb 2022; Public feedback early 2022; Plan compiled Oct-Nov 2022 | Strategic planning, community input, facility enhancement, e.g., Charles Lind Brown Center upgrades |
| School District Facility Use Agreement | Partnership allowing Beaufort County and School District to share athletic fields. | Approved Oct 2024 | Increased access to recreational spaces, optimized public resource use, fosters community engagement, youth sports |
| FY2025 Budget Approval | Beaufort County Council approved $154.2 million budget with no mill rate increase, including significant funds for parks. | Approved Jun 2024 | Funding for MC Riley Pool, Southside Park Pickleball Courts, Charles Lind Brown renovations, Passive Parks improvements |
| New Northern Beaufort County Community Centers | Two federally funded, multipurpose community centers in Sheldon and St. Helena Island. | ARPA funds allocated 2024; Groundbreaking week of Jan 6, 2026; 9-12 month construction | Expanded recreational and programmatic space, community hubs, named after educators |
| RISE Program | New departmental policy based on Respect, Integrity, with a Standard of Excellence. | Introduced May 2024 | Elevates service standards, ensures visibility and vigilance from Parks Department |
| Youth Sports Programs | Ongoing affordable youth athletic leagues for skill development and positive life experiences. | Fall registrations typically Jun 1 – Jul 17/19 for Fall 2024 activities; Winter Basketball/Adult Baseball registration begins Sep 1, 2024 | Youth development, physical activity, scholarships available, diverse sports offerings |
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Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
