City: Charleston, SC

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (843) 724-7321

Address: 3600 Mary Ader Ave.

Description: The 270-acre West Ashley Park includes four baseball and soccer fields, bicycle and pedestrian trails, picnic areas, a playground, and restrooms. The $4 million facility is, in fact, the largest of all the City of Charleston’s parks. The unusual concept of this park is that it will remain largely undeveloped, allowing residents “to get away from the city without leaving the city.” The pedestrian trails wind through the woods and along Church Creek, giving visitors a change of pace (and vista) from nearby suburbia. Fishing is a pleasant pastime in the park’s large lake surrounding a 10-acre island accessible by footbridge. The playground has a tot lot with a giant slide popular with the little ones. Ask about special recreation programs offered on a seasonal basis, such as canoeing, by calling the number above. The park is open 8 a.m. until dusk.