[ad_1]
BEAUFORT, S.C. (WSAV) — An investment the City of Beaufort has been promising for decades is finally coming to fruition. Beaufort is investing $7.1 million in Washington and Southside Park.
“This has been a promise we made to our citizens about 20 years ago, maybe a little bit longer,” said Beaufort City Councilman Neil Lipsitz.
The city will spend most of its investment on Southside Park. Two playgrounds, additional parking and a pavilion are first on the list of improvements. Beaufort will pay for it through a 2% hospitality tax and a 3% lodging tax.
“As a parent, it’s really nice to have so many places to go, especially in a small town,” said Lady’s Island resident Katie Beckwith. “So it’s important to me that kids can come here and play safely and know that the community is invested in that.”
Lipsitz was elected in 2020 and renovating Southside Park was high on his list. He said that neither he nor his son had a park to play in when they were children. He says that’s why he’s excited to provide a place for the next generation of kids to have fun.
“My son grew up in this neighborhood, and nothing like this ever happened to him,” Lipsitz said. “The closest playground was a few miles away in downtown Beaufort. It’s been a great pleasure for everyone in the neighborhood, especially those with children. People have said ‘thank you, thank you’ in so many ways. You will receive this message. ”
Any funds left over from improvements to the south side will be taken over by Washington Park. There, the basketball court will be transformed into a multi-purpose court. A new pavilion will also be added.
John Greger and his wife take their chocolate lab to the South Side dog park every day. He said he was happy to see the huge lawn being put to good use.
“So it’s good for them to do something with all this space,” Gregor said. “I’m sure there are a lot of people who want to use the park.”
The city says the first phase of construction will begin soon and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
[ad_2]
Source link
