New look coming to Chapin Memorial Park in Myrtle Beach

A new look is coming to Chapin Memorial Park in Myrtle Beach.

Crews began renovating the green space and removing trees to “give the park a lighter, more welcoming appearance” last month, according to a city Facebook post Dec. 16. “As the trees have matured … the park has become increasingly dark.”

The city has removed about 25 trees, including many pines, to thin the canopy, according to city spokesman Mark Kruea.

A thinner canopy was chosen in designs to allow “more light and sunshine” into the space. Plans also call for new concrete walking paths and additions of palm trees, fountains, flagpoles and a raised shelter with a performance stage for events held at the park at 1400 N. Kings Highway.

“Some of the older wooden structures will be removed, while new paths and landscaping will be added, resulting in a brighter, more welcoming park,” according to the Facebook post by the city’s public information office.

The pergola and play structures are set to remain, according to the city, “but the roofed shelter on the Kings Highway side will come down.”

About $200,000 has been budgeted for the project, which is anticipated to be finished sometime this spring.

Chapin is home to the popular Art in the Park, which showcases the work of tons of local artisans, held by the Waccamaw Arts & Crafts Guild each spring and fall.

This story was originally published January 5, 2016 at 2:21 PM with the headline "New look coming to Chapin Memorial Park in Myrtle Beach."