City of Hardeeville New Recreation Center
As one of the fastest-growing cities in South Carolina, Hardeeville focused on improving its facilities and offerings, creating a better community for its residents and visitors. For more than a decade, the city worked toward the dream of building the Hardeeville Recreation Center, and received a boost for the initiative in 2018 when a landowner donated more than five acres toward the project.
The project was initially intended to be a simple gymnasium, but the scope grew significantly as the city met with nonprofit groups, schools, the Jasper County government, and undertook formal studies to assess community needs. In 2021, the $8.5 million facility opened, paid for primarily with hospitality tax funding.
The 38,000-square-foot facility offers a collegiate-sized basketball court with seating for 1,000 spectators, two racquetball courts, an indoor walking track, a fitness center, a rentable community room, classrooms and a concession stand.
The center is a game-changer for the region’s recreation opportunities. It hosts a variety of programs, high school and youth athletics, team sports, community events and special events. Future plans include building a walking trail to connect the center to the city’s recreation complex park.