Myrtle Beach State Park celebrates 90th anniversary
The Myrtle Beach State Park pier reopened in July 2024 after suffering damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022 and then a nor’easter in late 2023.
File photoMYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Few places that opened in 1936 are still as popular today.
But that's not the case with the Myrtle Beach State park — which officially opened 90 years ago — it remains one of South Carolina's most visited state parks.
Myrtle Beach State Park celebrated the milestone with a day of history, recreation and family activities highlighting nine decades of conservation and outdoor recreation on Wednesday, July 1.
Locals, visitors, park staff and volunteers marked the milestone with chocolate and vanilla cupcakes. Children were invited to help blow out candles during the celebration.
Historic photographs highlighting the park’s history were displayed on picnic tables for visitors to view throughout the day. Images included a July 1938 photo of the park entrance, a 1940 image of people playing games at the Civilian Conservation Corps bathhouse on the top floor, a 1959 image of a camper line on top of a hill, an August 1959 image of vending and camping registration and a photograph of Pier No. 4 being rebuilt after Hurricane Hugo.
Ann Wilson, interpretive ranger at Myrtle Beach State Park, welcomed attendees and spoke about the park’s history and the Civilian Conservation Corps.
“Do you know what the colors green and yellow mean?” Wilson asked. “They are the colors of the Civilian Conservation Corps.”
Wilson said the CCC played a key role in developing several South Carolina state parks, including Aiken State Park, Barnwell State Park, Cheraw State Park, Chester State Park, Edisto Beach State Park, Givhans Ferry State Park, Hunting Island State Park, Kings Mountain State Park, Lake Greenwood State Park, Lee State Park, Myrtle Beach State Park, Oconee State Park, Paris Mountain State Park, Poinsett State Park, Sesquicentennial State Park and Table Rock State Park.
Debbie and Bruce Anderson, park visitors from North Carolina, said they came to the celebration to learn more about Myrtle Beach State Park and thought it would be a fun activity to do together.
“We’ve met so many wonderful people here. We also really enjoy people watching,” Debbie Anderson said.
The celebration featured guided walks, games, historical presentations and birthday treats.
Some of the giveaways included a park map and a sticker featuring the park logo and a 90th anniversary design.
The celebration kicked off 9-10 a.m. with “A Stroll Back in Time,” starting at the Fishing Pier picnic deck. Visitors took a guided walk through the park to explore natural and historical features that have shaped Myrtle Beach State Park since its founding in 1936.
From 10:30-11:15 a.m., park staff hosted outdoor games and activities at Shelter 1, including water relays, hula hoops and obstacle courses.
From 11:15 a.m.-noon, visitors viewed historic photographs and spoke with park rangers during a “History and Memories” session at Shelter 1, where staff shared stories and reflected on the park’s changes over time.
At noon, birthday cupcakes were distributed at Shelter 1. The first 90 visitors received complimentary cupcakes while supplies lasted.
From 12:45-1:30 p.m., a presentation titled “Through the Years at Myrtle Beach State Park” was held in the Activity Center classroom. The program featured historic photographs and milestones from the park’s 90-year history.
In addition to the one-day celebration, the park will host a monthlong “Historical Goose Chase” throughout July. Participants can complete challenges around the park for a chance to receive a commemorative 90th anniversary T-shirt upon submission of completed paperwork.
Park officials said the celebration was designed to honor the park’s long history while encouraging visitors to enjoy its natural resources and recreational opportunities.
Andrew S. Brown is the editor at MyHorryNews. Readers can reach him at 843-488-7248 or andrew.brown@myhorrynews.com.
