Frederica Park

Frederica Park Fact Sheet

About the Park

Land for Frederica Park was set aside by the Sea Island Company in late 2008. Development of the park was made possible by a generous donation of $1 million from the estate of Alice Richards, who was a part-time resident of Sea Island. When Frederica Park opened in November 2009, it was the first new park on St. Simons Island in 50 years. Located two miles north of the Lawrence Road roundabout, it comprises 20 acres on the west side of Lawrence Road.


Frederica Park Features

A four-acre playfield complex surrounded by viewing berms is available for soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, rugby, and other field sports. Organized games are scheduled through the Glynn County Parks and Recreation Department. At all other times, locals and visitors can throw Frisbees, fly kites, or play their own informal field games.

Much of the park is devoted to the Alice Richards Botanical Trail, where native plant species will be re-introduced to land that had been used for timber farming for many years. The trail is now open but is a work in progress. It will ultimately feature a gazebo, heritage garden, children’s garden, and native shrubs and trees in plots along the trail. Island garden clubs and other donors are being invited to partner with the Land Trust to complete the project.

A parking lot adjacent to the playfield can accommodate 75 cars. Two picnic shelters, rest rooms and benches are available. Also planned – once $165,000 is raised – are a playground and completion of a hard surface jogging/running trail around the playfield.


Who Made It Happen
  • The Sea Island Company donated 20 acres for the park and oversaw its design and construction.
  • The St. Simons Land Trust assisted the Sea Island Company with the planning, design, construction, and initial maintenance of the complex.
  • Glynn County took possession of the park and assumed responsibility for operations when the park opened in November 2009.
  • Island garden clubs and other donors are being asked to participate in special plantings and gardens along the Alice Richards Botanical Trail.

Hampton Spur – Island-Wide Trail System

In 2008, a $500,000 gift from part-time Sea Island residents Jim and Sarah Kennedy through the Atlanta-based PATH Foundation launched the Hampton Spur, a five-mile expansion of the Island-Wide Trail System connecting Hampton Point to the rest of the island. Glynn County provided $250,000 in SPLOST funds, and the Land Trust contributed and raised an additional $450,000 to complete the trail all the way to Hampton Point. The last mile was completed in early February 2010.

The trail runs right by Frederica Park and provides access to the park for walkers and bikers.


Frederica Park Fact Sheet
Conservation Highlights
Conservation Easements