In addition to all that The Market Common has to offer, we are also located just blocks from the beach, surrounded by parks, and located in one of the most well-appointed parts of Myrtle Beach. Adjacent to our shops and restaurants is Valor Memorial Garden (aka Valor Park) where movies, concerts and other event are held.  Across Farrow Parkway is Grand Park with its bridges over Grand Lake that lead to Crabtree Gym featuring indoor basketball and racquetball courts and a full program of classes.  Among its neighbors are an outdoor inline hockey rink and the vast sports fields of the Grand Park Athletic Complex which welcomes tens of thousands of athletes annually.

The entire Market Common District is located on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base (1956 to 1993). There are a few buildings from that era that are still in use, and parks have been created to honor those who served. The General Robert H. Reed Recreation Center, which originally served as the base’s recreation centers, is now a community gathering spot where you can rent meeting rooms, a ballroom, or take a variety of classes. The former base’s officers club, just across the street, is now the Elizabeth Mattocks Chapin public library that doubles as the campus library for HGTC, Horry Georgetown Technical College. Residents of Horry and Georgetown Counties are invited to apply for a library card with photo identification at any of the three campus locations. The most significant tribute to the former base is Warbird Park on Farrow Parkway near Kings Highway. Visit the static displays of real aircraft that once flew from here, the Wall of Service honoring veterans and civilians who were stationed at Myrtle Beach or worked at the base, and other patriotic memorials. Historic markers are placed there and throughout the district depicting the area’s military history. Small military museums are housed at The General Robert H. Reed Recreation Center, The Crabtree Gym and in Thunderbolt Park.

A fitness trail with workout equipment is set up along the mile-long walking path around Grand Lake. Other walking trails have been established throughout the district and Thunderbolt Park, which boasts three miles of walking and biking trails beside picturesque water features and will connect to the East Coast Greenway. If you are more adventurous with your biking, take on the A-10 Mountain Bike Trail—a 1.4 mile loop of a twisty single-track trail that is fun and fast. The trail head is located by one of Myrtle Beach’s two dog parks, Barc Parc South on Mallard Lake Drive that becomes Howard Avenue once it crosses Pampas Drive.

The jewel in the crown of Grand Park is Savannah’s Playground, an enabling play area featuring ADA-approved playground equipment and structures designed to provide children of all abilities the opportunity for social interaction. Other playgrounds are found near Grand Lake’s main bridge and in the middle of Howard Avenue on the esplanade where gazebos, fountains and seating areas in a beautifully landscaped setting await just steps away.

Myrtle Beach Art Museum is just nearby as well, located around the corner from the Myrtle Beach State Park on the oceanfront. Both are across Kings Highway from the east entrance of the Market Common District.

NOTE: The parks and facilities are owned and operated by the City of Myrtle Beach.  Click on the name of these locations for more information.  If you would like to book public events in any of Myrtle Beach’s parks, contact the Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department.