The St. Simons Island pier and Neptune Park will be getting a facelift this winter, according to the Glynn County Commission. The commission recently announced the second and final phase of the Neptune Park improvement plan, which includes updates and enhancements to the pier, playground area, oceanside walk and picnic area.The work continues the improvements made in 2008-09 during Phase I, which was completed in May 2009 with the opening of the Neptune Park Fun Zone. The Fun Zone includes an oceanside pool, miniature golf, playground and concession stand.
The St. Simons Island pier will get a new stainless steel roof, new railings, sea turtle-friendly lighting, a low masonry seat wall and shade structures, and new concrete pavers at the pier entrance. In addition, the "Johnson rocks" around and beneath the pier will be replenished.
The nearby playground area will get a new toddler playground, replacing the existing structure. Permeable concrete pavers will be place beneath the live oak tree, and the current seating area will be replaced.
Along the oceanfront, the walkway will be upgraded with concrete pavers and turtle-friendly lighting, similar to that installed near the Fun Zone and St. Simons Island Lighthouse. New bike racks, benches and a gazebo will be placed along the walkway, and Georgia Power will relocate existing overhead wiring and install new streetlights.
At the picnic area, the existing flag stones beneath the live oaks will be replaced with permeable pavers. The small barbecue grills will be replaced; the large brick grill and existing picnic tables will remain.
Park-wide improvements will include additional benches and trash receptacles throughout the park, landscape enhancements and a new irrigation system.
Neptune Park is traditionally the social center of St. Simons Island, drawing tens of thousands of people each year for fishing, swimming, picnics and a variety of special events. The improvements are making a great thing even better, according to local resident Pat Morris."The improvements to Neptune Park, particularly the pool, have been great," Morris said. "I was here when the old pool was being used; in fact, my kids grew up using that pool. However, there was never the usage with that pool that we saw with the new one this summer. It was great.
"I know many are against change in any form, but change is going to happen; we can either stand by and let it or take charge and control it. The commissioners thought ahead and stepped in to control it. I commend them. It all speaks to the quality of life we have here on St. Simons Island."
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