It is with great pleasure that I welcome residents and the Greater Bluffton community to the opening of the New Riverside Barn Park. This is the town’s newest and largest park, and the first to be located in the New Riverside section, the town’s fastest growing area.
Situated at the intersection of Highway 170 and Highway 46, this 37-acre park is an example of Bluffton’s commitment to projects that create an “outdoor living room” and open space for relaxation and recreation. Top priorities of Town Council are land preservation and enhancing the quality of life for residents – this project accomplishes both objectives.
The journey to bring this park to life began in December 2018 with the acquisition of the property. Since then, town leaders and staff have worked tirelessly to create a space that reflects the beauty of our town. Public input has been at the heart of this process.
In October and November 2019, Town staff hosted input sessions and conducted surveys to gather feedback on desired park features. Reviewing more than 370 responses helped shape the park’s vision. The top requests included multipurpose trails, restrooms, a nature-blending playground, picnic shelters, and a repurposed barn for events. The park has all those features.
Guided by community suggestions, Town Council approved the park’s master plan in June 2020. The park’s development has been strategically divided into phases. Phase 1, completed in December 2023, included essential infrastructure such as grading, drainage, roads, trails, parking, and utilities. Phase 2, currently underway, features a multi-million-dollar investment to bring life to key amenities, including the 2,700-square-foot-iconic barn renovation, destination playground, picnic shelters, restrooms, and improved signage and lighting. The playground, restrooms, and trails opened at the end of January.
Looking ahead, the final phase of development is set to include nature trails through the wooded portion of the site, an event pavilion, and a Public Services maintenance facility.
The barn venue is scheduled to be available by the end of 2025. The barn and portions of the park will be available for private and public events. We anticipate the barn to be Bluffton’s most sought-after wedding venue. The town’s event team members are also planning new town events to be held there, such as a holiday market, concerts, and movies in the park.
The New Riverside Barn Park is a place where families will gather, friends will connect, and memories will be made. From hosting oyster roasts to enjoying a peaceful walk along nature trails, this park will serve as a hub for community.
The town is honored to have this venue added to Bluffton’s park portfolio. On behalf of town leaders and staff, we look forward to all the event opportunities this venue offers our community.
