Apr
10
2025
From The Blog
Amenities Experience Committee Celebrates One Year of Work
In KICA’s most recent major member survey in 2023, a quarter of members selected amenities as the priority that should be the board’s primary focus, a higher percentage than area development, island traffic, or infrastructure. The board took that call to action seriously, and, in 2024, combined two task forces into a standing committee to study the topic, the Amenities Experience Committee (view the charter). The committee celebrated its first anniversary on Tuesday, April 8.
The task force is made up of nine community member volunteers, ranging the full spectrum of member experience: part/full time, regime/single family, club/non-club, long/short time. That’s a key consideration because each segment of property owners utilizes the island’s amenities differently.
KEY QUESTIONS
The committee began its work last year with a history of prior task forces and data on Kiawah’s demographics. The island’s population has changed over time, with dwelling units increasing from 3,435 in 2011 to 4,024 in 2024. Since the pandemic, property owners indicated they are spending an increased percentage of their time on the island. This information informed the committee’s key questions: Are the community’s amenities keeping up with the expectations of our members, and do they compare favorably with other resort communities?
Part of KICA’s mission is to “preserve and enhance the quality of life and property values of its members,” and committee chair Cherie Gallagher sees the group as essential to that work. “Attractive amenities are an important aspect of community desirability. A desirable community protects our members’ investment and the value of their property.”
Committee members used survey data and comments to guide their priorities, focusing on enhancing gym facilities, pool amenities, and spaces for lounging and socializing. “Brainstorming sessions and thinking outside the box are required,” Cherie notes.
IMAGINING FUTURE AMENITIES
With this outside-the-box approach, the committee has discussed unique ways to address the need for updated amenities, including:
- Expanding the current Sandcastle building,
- Consideration of additions to the Eagle Point kayak storage, making it a destination point for members to enjoy the peaceful, serene beauty of Cinder Creek.
- Locating additional recreational amenities at the Beachwalker Center, at the Kiawah Island Real Estate building, or at the Town of Kiawah Island property,
- Considering member boat parking,
- Adding a “living room” type of venue to socialize with friends, and
- Exploring a business center.
The committee commits to thoughtful consideration of each potential update. Following a rigorous review, the committee plans to poll the community. “All proposals are complicated and most are expensive; funding issues, lack of property, lack of space and parking challenge the committee.” Another challenge is that, while members agree that new amenities need to be built, they aren’t in agreement on where they should be built. Kiawah is a small island, and most proposals will impact at least some property owners. A key consideration is the balance between the needs of the community and the desires of individual owners.
Two projects under current consideration are expanding the Sandcastle with additional gym facilities and exterior lounge spaces, and the improvement of Eagle Point Boat Landing, including kayak storage and a viewing/picnic deck (a continuation of the 2021 Amenities Task Force recommendation).
CONSULTING AND ADVISING
The committee also consults with staff on items that may impact the member experience. The committee has weighed in on issues such as e-bikes, private event rental rates, kayak storage rates, Sandcastle access restriction rules and minor improvements to existing amenities. The committee lends its valuable member perspective to help inform KICA policies and plans.
The board of directors is the member representation on all community issues, but it’s important for the board to have a group dedicated to imagining the future of island amenities. The Amenities Experience Committee advises the board of directors, in much the same way as the Finance Committee does for financial matters.
JOIN THE AMENITIES EXPERIENCE COMMITTEE
As the first year of the committee wraps up, the group has much more to come. Three of the committee’s original members roll off this year, and there’s room for members from all demographics to apply to serve. Applicants will be considered for a standard three-year term. If you’re a KICA member, you have a valuable perspective to share. Director of the Sandcastle and staff liaison to the committee, Amy Cook, notes that the task force is both fun and rewarding. Monthly meetings make for a reasonable time commitment. If you’d like to join this group, apply to serve on the Amenities Experience Committee through April 18 at noon.