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What is Open Space?

Open space is an undeveloped piece of land that adds ecological, scenic or recreational value to an area. Examples include forests, marshes and wildlife sanctuaries. Open spaces can also include farmland, wetlands, floodways and floodplains. Open space may be publicly or privately owned and maintained.

Benefits and functions of Open Space

All types of open space may serve as "green infrastructure" that provide a number of important functions and benefits to county residents and visitors. Different types of open space provide benefits depending on the nature of open space, location and other factors. Following are key identified functions and benefits.

Hazard reduction and public safety

– reduces risk to life and property associated with lands prone to hurricanes, floods, and fires or other constraints such as unsuitable soils and wetlands that make lands unsuitable for development for public safety or health reasons.

Resource protection

– includes maintaining water supplies, preserving water quality, filtration of wastewater and enhancing air quality. These may also include corridors for drainageways and utility right-of-way as well as mitigating noise along highways or security zones around airports or military reserves.

View preservation

– protects scenic views and important visual backdrops. Scenic roadways provide a sense of place with their natural, historic, or cultural significance. Similarly, scenic waterways are designated areas at key locations that afford users an opportunity to view significant waterways, water features and wildlife habitat.

Comfort and link to nature

- provides accessible places for relaxation, contemplation and quiet.

Health and fitness

- offers accessible places that promote and facilitate passive recreational uses such as hiking, biking, and jogging.

Access and linkage

- provides residents access to green spaces and open space networks (greenways). Links open spaces together into contiguous functioning networks and systems.

Wildlife protection

- conserves diverse and healthy biological systems including both flora and fauna.

Special landscape preservation

– protects unique and irreplaceable landscapes, geological formations, cultural resources and sacred places.

Agricultural lands preservation

– protects existing and potential future agricultural resources including working croplands and timberlands.

Economic value

- provides economic benefits as a result of preservation including tourism, property value protection and enhancement and attracting business and industry.

Community identity and character

– shapes and defines urban form including relief from urban sprawl, separation of large urban expanses and creating a sense of readily accessible (or viewable) open space from residences and businesses.
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This is the official web site for Horry County Parks and Open Space Board, a division of Horry County Government.
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