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<p><strong>From staff reports</strong></p>
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<p>The City of Beaufort has contracted with Woods + Partners Inc., a landscape architecture firm based on Hilton Head Island, to develop a master plan for Southside Park.</p>
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<p>In Beaufort County, Woods + Partners Inc., has designed plans for Bluffton Oyster Factory Park, Burton Wells Park, Jarvis Creek Park, and Shelter Cove Park. The firm also designed Pigeon Point Park in the City, and created the master plan for Whitehall Park.</p>
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<p>Last year, the City appointed the Southside Park Advisory Task Force, comprised of a number of local residents, to come up with an overview proposal of how to redevelop Southside Park, a 34-acre park in the Mossy Oaks neighborhood. The task force conducted an online survey that garnered more than 1,100 responses and put a playground at the top of the wish list. A pavilion with picnic tables, a multipurpose paved court, a paved course, and a community garden were also recommended.</p>
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<p>In October 2021, the City issued an RFP for comprehensive plan proposals. Four proposals were submitted, and a committee, composed of members of the task force and city staff, reviewed each of them and also interviewed the top three bidders.</p>
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<p>Woods + Partners, with a bid of $28,500, was considered the most responsive bidder. “They are a dedicated park planning firm, local, experience, capable and well represented agency with many examples of beautiful parks within Beaufort County,” the committee said.</p>
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<p>A preliminary conceptual master plan is expected to be presented to City Council in approximately three months.</p>
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