| Recreational
activities through out the year beckon the sports enthusiast to Jasper County.
In addition to saltwater fishing, bodies of freshwater for fishing or kayaking
include the Savannah, Tullifinny, Coosawhatchie, Pocotaligo and New rivers. The
Savannah Wildlife Refuge is a protected environment ideal for the “camera
hunter” to spot a wide variety of species including ducks, marsh hens and
alligators. Jasper County is renowned as a sportsman’s paradise offering
outstanding hunting for deer, turkeys, quail, doves, water fowl and other game.
It boasts a large number of hunting clubs, some operated from ante bellum plantations.
Just a stone’s throw away, on nearby Hilton Head Island, world class golf,
tennis and resort opportunities abound.
The
County owned Sergeant Jasper Park offers 132 acres of trails, picnic areas, fishing
lakes, and will soon boast overnight RV and tent camping. Plans are underway to
expand the trails, establish canoe or kayak waterways, and provide rustic cabins
for week long stays in the park to enhance the enjoyment of the many species of
waterfowl, reptiles, and native plants, all in an undisturbed wetland habitat. A
combination of public schools, private academies and nearby colleges reflects
Jasper County’s sensitivity and commitment to education at all levels, including
the refinement of workplace skills available through a neighboring technical college.
A four year satellite campus for the University of South Carolina at the Jasper
County line is now open. The estimated labor force within a 30 mile radius of
the county’s geographic center numbers in excess of 200,000 people. Also,
a fully developed infrastructure network assures water, sewer, electric power
and telecommunications throughout the county and the region. Within 30 miles of
the county center, five major hospitals can be accessed. A
41 bed private hospital, Coastal Carolina Hospital, is now open. Three
major industrial parks host a panoply of industrial activities within the County.
Building material fabrication, musical instrument manufacturing, food processing,
bulk export and import products, and truck chassis manufacture are but a few of
the many industrial employers in the County. In November of 1999, Jasper County
reported an unemployment rate of 2.8% which is indicative of the health of the
County’s economy. With the large labor force and each park sufficiently supplied
with water, sewer, electric power, and superior roads, it is no surprise that
Jasper County’s economic engine is running on all cylinders. Jasper
County is on the move, combining an exceptional balance of energized new businesses,
progressive government and growing industries under the graceful bough of the
live oak. It is a place of charm, dignity and genuine friendliness. |
