Compass Rose Park Hilton Head

Compass Rose Park Hilton Head, situated just off Pope Avenue, is an intriguing stop for guests and locals. Here, you can admire the continuously flowing water features, find comfort in the shade, and relax in the inviting sitting areas. Located at 4 St. Augustine Place, this park is a distinctive landmark that you might chance upon during your bike ride to Coligny Plaza or the Coligny Beach Park on Pope Ave. While it may not be the largest on Hilton Head Island, its style and layout are unlike any other. As you make your way along the paths and explore the pavilions, you will discover informative signs that unveil the fascinating history of Hilton Head and the profound significance of the Compass Rose.

Beautifully Designed Water Feature: Unique in every way and not found at any other park in Hilton Head, it is the continuously flowing water feature at Compass Rose Park. As you enter the park from the parking lot in the rear or from the front, one of the first things you notice is the sound of flowing water. This amazing water feature flows through the park, from tier to tier, creating a calming area to relax, enjoy the shade, and listen to the gentle sound of flowing water. Although this park is located right in the heart of the activities on Pope Avenue, it is typically one of the quietest parks around.

Amenities and Activities:

• Walking Path: Stroll through Compass Rose Park on the walking path covered with shade. Seating is available along the path where you can relax and enjoy listening to the water flowing and gently falling from level to level. This quiet location in Hilton Head is a true gem.
• Free Parking: Parking is free at the park and is located off of St. Augustine Place off of Pope Avenue. There are typically not many people here but you might find a local from time to time taking a break from a nearby restaurant or hotel job. We have had an opportunity to learn about the area from locals when we visit the park.
• Bike Stations: Riding bikes in Hilton Head is a “must-do” adventure. If you ride along Pope Avenue, you will ride right by the Compass Rose Park. Bike stations are available at the park to lock up and enjoy some time admiring the beauty of Hilton Head Island.
• Swings: Two (2) Large Family swings are located at the park and is a wonderful spot to swing, make memories with your family and just relax.

So, it might seem strange to see a statue of a man walking an alligator in Compass Rose Park, in fact, it might even startle you as you walk past. The question remains, who is Charles Fraser, and did he really have a “pet” alligator that he walked around Hilton Head Island with? First of all, let’s tackle who Charles Fraser was.

Charles Fraser was a visionary developer who founded the Sea Pines Plantation in Hilton Head, which we are familiar with today. In the 1950s, he undertook a project harmonizing residential living with the island’s natural beauty. His innovative approach set the standard for environmentally conscious development and helped preserve the island’s pristine landscapes. The story behind the development of Hilton Head takes an interesting turn when you realize that his father owned a logging company. Charles and his brother Joe were sent to Hilton Head Island to estimate the value of the timber. Once Charles was on the Island, he went in a different direction. Not only did he start the development of Sea Pines, but he also wrote the covenants & restrictions on cutting down trees for any homeowners. More information on Charles can be found on his Wikipedia page, and it is worth a look.

The alligator at Fraser’s side in the statue represents his commitment to nature and the unique ecosystem of Hilton Head. Alligators are native to the region and symbolize the delicate balance between development and conservation that Fraser championed. In 1962, when Hilton Head was starting to be developed, the Saturday Evening Post visited the Island. They included the picture of Mr. Fraser and the Alligator. As you can imagine, this sparked interest in the Hilton Head Island location.

4 St. Augustine Place , Hilton Head Island, SC

Located just minutes from Coligny Plaza, if you are staying anywhere on the south end of the island, it is a nice bike ride to Compass Rose Park. Coming from Coligy, head up Pope Avenue about .8 miles and you will see the entrance to the park on your right. Staying in Shipyard? Head out of the South Gate on Cordillo Parkway and take a right on Pope Avenue and ride a short 0.3 miles to Compass Rose Park. Bike racks are provided for you to lock up your bikes and spend some time enjoying the walking paths and water features.

One of the neat features at Compass Rose Park is the history told through signs with pictures and information as you walk through the pavilions. Starting from the beginning, you learn how Charles Fraser started the development of Sea Pines and you also learn about the significance of the “Compass Rose”. (Spoiler Alert: The Compass Rose was the Initial logo for the development company started by Charles Fraser. It is fun, and educational to find out how Hilton Head Island became the gem of the Southeast it is known as today.

The Compass Rose Park offers a great mixture of relaxation and a walk through Hilton Head history. Come sit on a bench and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the flowing water or walk through the many pavilions showing the history of Hilton Head. Add the Compass Rose Park to your list of enjoyable things to do on your next visit to Hilton Head Island.