myrtle beach's first splash pad is under construction
We’ve written a lot about the area’s splash pad situation (or lack thereof). We have a splash pad down in Georgetown, one in Bucksport and one up in Ocean Isle. The first two do fall in the Grand Strand but are obviously not central at all so this one at Futrell Park is much needed!
Renderings from Myrtle Beach City Government's Facebook page.
Renderings from Myrtle Beach City Government's Facebook page.
Here is what we know…
CONSTRUCTION HAS BEGUN | Construction began on January 20th and includes removing damaged concrete and setting the splash pad’s drainage system. The work on water, sewer and drainage lines will begin soon and be followed by the splash pad itself and restrooms.
THE ANTICIPATED COMPLETION DATE is April so fingers crossed that timeline holds!
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT IS ALSO BEING REPLACED | The current playground equipment will be demolished and two new play structures will be installed. The playground will also get a swing set, new artificial turf ground covering and a decorative fence. And that’s not all –– a storywalk path will also be added.
NEW PARKING | This will bring much more traffic to the little park so the parking situation will also have to be revamped.
concerns over location
We’ve visited Futrell Park and wrote a review of it here. The park is in a residential area in central Myrtle Beach. It’s located off 10th Avenue North between Robert Grissom Parkway and Kings Hwy (Bus 17).
Anytime the city posts updates about the park on its FB page it always gets a few comments about the location and concerns about safety, homeless gathering, drug use in the area, etc. Here is a screenshot of the area and what is around it in the immediate vicinity.
The immediate area is completely residential with small older homes and several apartment complexes. Within a few blocks there are some social services organizations like Helping Hand, Home Alliance and Neighbor to Neighbor. The Myrtle Beach Police Department, the Fire Department and the Boys and Girls Club of Myrtle Beach are all within walking distance too.
It’s a busy and bustling area in the heart of Myrtle Beach set in a park that has room to expand to accommodate the splash pad and all the traffic it’ll bring. Having been to most of the parks in the area I think this is a great addition to Futrell and look forward to seeing the space completed and ready for local families to enjoy. We’ll be sure to visit and review the space once it’s completed for anyone concerned over safety or other location-related issues.
