Municipal Association Executive Director Todd Glover, left, presents an Achievement Award trophy for Population 10,001 — 20,000 Category to Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka during the 2021 Annual Meeting on Hilton Head Island. (download image)
The Town of Bluffton received a Municipal Achievement Award for its Wright Family Park. The town won in the 10,001 – 20,000 population category. Twenty-seven cities and towns submitted their projects and initiatives for consideration in the annual awards.
With the expansion of its park offering as a goal of its Old Town Master Plan, the Town of Bluffton had long sought to buy the Wright family property to make it a park. The property, vacant since the 1990s, is located on the May River and features the Squire Pope Carriage House, a structure with more than 150 years of history.
The town partnered with Beaufort County to purchase the property for $1.5 million, with an agreement that makes the town the park’s operating partner. Funding for the park’s construction came from hospitality and accommodations taxes along with a SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism grant. At the same time, the town expanded the historic Calhoun Street Regional Dock, which is adjacent to the property.
Archaeological digs by the Historic Bluffton Foundation yielded dozens of artifacts at the site. Town staff worked with the Wright family and preservation experts to incorporate the family’s and town’s history into the park’s signs, elements and landscaping. Moving forward, the town will use a matching grant from the SC Department of Archives and History to stabilize and rehabilitate the Squire Pope House for public use.
“As it has been developed, the Wright Family Park gives all residents and visitors a better opportunity to experience the ecology, culture and identity of one of the South’s last historical river villages,” said Todd Glover, executive director for the Municipal Association.
These winning entries represent innovative projects undertaken by Municipal Association member cities and towns. Information and a video about the project are available on the Association’s website or by visiting www.masc.sc (keyword: Achievement Awards).
The Municipal Association of SC initiated the Achievement Awards in 1987 to recognize and encourage innovations and excellence in local government.
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