A plaque erected on the island commemorates the dedicated people who have given this area thoughtful land use plans, people who shared the vision for this community as... “a place where man could commune with nature and enjoy the Sea and the Sky, the good Earth and the forest and things that dwell therein”. These early land planners, architects and real estate developers were devoted to the ideas of creating an Oceanside community where people could live in harmony with their environment and experience economic growth. For the most part their pioneering vision has endured the truest of test. Time. This is the test for quality, and this is the one measurement that will judge a community and how it has endured? How has it held up? How has growth and economics impacted this Oceanside Forest? How has vanguard land management covenants stood against the backdrop of 12 miles of beachfront development?

When you hear these words, “Hilton Head Island is the darkest place at night and the signs are so small and poorly lit, I get lost every time I go out at night”, thank the founding fathers. As a visitor this is uncomfortable and frightening, but for our founding fathers that was part of their dream. When they stepped out onto the beach or lawn they wanted to see a whole host of stars unveiled and unobstructed by artificial lighting.

Have you ever heard folks talking that had just flown into the Hilton Head airport for the first time? They are commenting that “from the air the island looks like it has very little development”. Again, our founding fathers protected the trees and kept the natural in view. This is why the streets wind through the neighborhoods and curbs are minimal to lessen the impact on the natural environment. 

As much as the foundations set forth by the original developers have guided Hilton Head Island to the present, it was the incorporation of the island into a town in 1982 and those who served during those years that have steered this “eco-friendly” neighborhood to provide a lifestyle destination where individuals and nature dwell together like no other community along the east coast. Here are just a few of the accomplishments achieved over the past 15 to 20 years:
 
Purchased 1,168 prime acres of land. As you drive along Highway 278 notice the number of areas preserved by this investment.
 
Eliminated 4 million square feet of commercial development. As you drive along take notice that these surrounding environs will not be impacted by commercial development. Yes, what you see today in the number of commercial buildings will be what you will see in the future.

Eliminated 1,365 potential motel rooms. Other than renovation of existing properties there are a very limited number of hotel rooms to be built.

Eliminated 4,210 residential and timeshare units. These reductions in the number of units per acre have come with great sacrifice and economic impacts in order to provide a quality community.

Eliminated 36,000 peak hour driving trips. Everyone who comes here benefits from an enjoyable driving experience of crossing the causeway onto the Wilton Graves bridge and for that brief moment an “aerial” view of the island and intracoastal waterway and dream of a lifestyle that only Hilton Head Island provides.

And Most importantly to Hilton Head Island is the BEACH. The Beach is one of our most cherished assets and we have gone to great lengths to insure the present residents and visitors the pleasures of going to the beach today and into the future. Through a cooperative effort the Town has instituted a plan that will provide for Beach access and renourishment. Every 7 years through the accommodation tax plan the monies are available to replenish the sand and keep the erosion to a minimum. This has been in effect for 15 years and as a result the beaches have experienced 2 successful fresh supplies of sand.

Other items to note that have been accomplished; 7 Beach Parks, 6 Recreational Parks, 8 Community Parks, 50 miles of public pathways and nature trails ( in addition there are more than 50 miles of pathways within the private developments), 2 boat landings, Arts Center/Theater, Star Performances, Cultural Festivals, Community Events, and much more.

Charles Fraser and others set forth ideas for building a seaside community that would lessen the impacts of humans and protect the natural surroundings. Hilton Head Island continues to withstand the test. This World Class Destination keeps getting better and better and perhaps even better than our founding fathers could have imagined.
 
Make yourself at home and enjoy Life Hilton Head Island Style.

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