About Us

The Hilton Head Island Recreation Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people of all ages. The Association produces, provides and coordinates public recreation programs, "wellness" activities and community events. The Association commits itself to monitoring the recreation needs of the community and instituting change where appropriate.

History

In 1977, the Hilton Head Rotary Club recognized current recreational programs provide by the county government were not meeting the needs of the community’s youth. The Club then decided to provide recreation programs to the youth by funding and building the Island Youth Center (now known as Creation Station). The Rotary Club also funded the operation of the Center in the early years.

By 1984, the recreation needs of the island had grown to include residents of all ages, which lead to the Island Youth Center’s evolvement into the Hilton Head Island Recreation Association. The Association's Board of Directors was instrumental in attaining land and funding for the construction of the Island Recreation Center. The Association has since been operating the Island Recreation Center.

Once again in 1990, realizing the ever-expanding recreation needs of the community, the Association joined forces with the SHARE Senior Center to provide programs to this special segment of our island's population. In 2013, SHARE became Hilton Head Island Senior Center under the direction of the Island Recreation Association.

The Island Rec Center is looking to renovate and expand. The groundbreaking on January 5, 2017 has taken 12 years of hard work by Island Recreation Association’s Board of Directors, many community volunteers and the support of Town Council and staff. Renovations and expansion will include; a new gymnasium, classrooms, new playground, fitness equipment, indoor walking track, renovated restrooms, pool restroom facilities, and more!

Our Mission

The Hilton Head Island Recreation Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people of all ages. The Association produces, provides and coordinates public recreation programs, "wellness" activities and community events. The Association commits itself to monitoring the recreation needs of the community and instituting change where appropriate.

Our Philosophy Of Service

The Hilton Head Island Recreation Association will be timely and responsive in addressing the needs and concerns of the community. We recognize our customers want us to meet their needs with quality and reliability, and they want their opinions and suggestions to be heard and valued. We acknowledge every customer is different and we strive to treat our customers the way they want to be treated. We welcome and accept the responsibility and accountability for providing the best quality customer service possible.