Parks & Recreation
The warm climate and natural resources of the Lowcountry make recreation and physical fitness top priorities with locals. This chapter deals specifically with some of the things we do for fitness and fun and offers a sampling of the public places designated for them. Spectator sports, boating and water sports, fishing, hunting, and golf are detailed in separate chapters due to the immense popularity and numerous outlets for these recreational activities.
As you will see reflected in many of the listings in this chapter, the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission and Charleston County Community Education Program provide wonderful opportunities for recreation. The school programs are set up at public schools after regular hours to serve adults and sometimes children who are interested in noncredit self-enhancement courses. For detailed information, write to Adult and Community Education Programs, Charleston County School District, 75 Calhoun St., Charleston, SC 29403 (the phone is 843-937-6407), or call Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission at (843) 762-2172. Free brochures on recreational opportunities are often available at one of the public libraries.
The following is an overview of specific places, organizations, and businesses that keep the fun flowing through the Lowcountry. The listings will let you know how to go about participating in some of the Trident’s most popular recreational activities. We start off with descriptions (arranged geographically) of the public parks and recreation centers where you and your family can fashion your own fun. Then we get more specific, breaking down information on individual recreational pursuits by type of activity (arranged alphabetically).
Parks & Recreation - Boating & Water Sports
Boating is an integral part of the Lowcountry lifestyle. State figures reveal that Charleston County is home to the most boats in South Carolina. The Trident area represents around 14 percent of the South Carolina total. There seems to be no end in sight for the boating frenzy, as newcomers and old salts alike discover and rediscover the pleasures of spending time on the water. From moonlight sails and family picnics on barrier islands to morning hunts in the back creeks and deep-sea fishing adventures, many are the occasions when “by boat” is the only way to go.
You can bring your own, or you can buy, rent, or charter a boat while you are here. Whatever the case, make certain to acquire, in navigational terms, “local knowledge” before you leave shore. We recommend contacting the US Coast Guard about its Auxiliary Public Education Courses. These cover information about navigational rules, aids to navigation, legal requirements, safety equipment, trailering, and coping with emergencies. State law requires that any person younger than 16 operating a boat or personal watercraft with an engine of 15 horsepower or greater without adult supervision must complete the boating safety training. The courses are held several times a year. For a schedule, call (803) 737-8483 or (800) 277-4301.
The local Marine Resources Division is at 217 Fort Johnson Rd. and can be reached at (843) 953-9300. We suggest you request the department’s pamphlet on equipment requirements, rules, and regulations. To find out specifically about licensing, boat titles, and registration, call (843) 953-9301.
Those who want to launch their boat in the Lowcountry will be happy to know that there are a number of landings for public use. On weekends they are generally crowded, and early risers will find it easier to park a car and trailer. The parks department has completed a major renovation project to improve the public access to 19 area boat ramps. For more information about the area landings, contact the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission at (843) 795-2628 or visit www.ccprc.com.
Parks & Recreation - Hunting & Fishing
Hunting and fishing are major recreational traditions in the Trident area. When the Hon. William Elliott published Carolina Sports by Land and Water in 1846, it was called a “description and defense” of these sports in the Lowcountry. Today, the best defense of these outdoor activities is that many who participate in them are also conservation-minded people who help implement and adhere to laws protecting wildlife. Limits, seasons, and a licensing program are part of an overall system that fosters responsible sportsmanship and helps maintain diversity and numbers in fields and streams.
1. Hampton Park
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (843) 724-7321
Address: 30 Mary Murray Dr.
Description: Near the Citadel, Hampton Park is a 60-acre downtown park with a lake (complete with lots of resident ducks for feeding), one of the largest rose gardens in the state, grassy areas, a trail for workouts, and a bandstand (the site of many an afternoon concert). A giant Easter egg hunt and the Piccolo Spoleto finale are held here. Sometimes the park is closed off (usually Tues and Thurs evenings from Apr to Sept and Sat mornings year-round) for walkers, runners, joggers, skaters, and bikers—a great traffic-free treat for city kids and their parents.
2. Waterfront Park
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (843) 724-7321
Insider Pick:
Description: Just off East Bay Street, from Cumberland Street to North Adgers Wharf, this is one of the city’s most popular and most delightful parks. On site are a 400-foot pier for viewing harbor activity and 2 inviting fountains in which the young and young-at-heart are allowed to play. You’ll also enjoy grassy areas and swings.
3. White Point Gardens
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (843) 724-7321
Insider Pick:
Description: At the tip of the Peninsula, boxed in by East Bay Street, Murray Boulevard, King Street, and South Battery, White Point Gardens has a beautiful view of the harbor and some of the homes of the Battery. Children love to climb on the old cannons (and stacked cannonballs) or picnic in the grassy areas. You may even catch a glimpse of a bride and groom exchanging vows here in the old bandstand. It is often crowded on Sun when the weather is nice, but is less so during the week.
4. Alhambra Park
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (843) 884-2528, (843) 856-2166
Address: 131 Middle St.
Description: This simple, lovely park across from Alhambra Hall is wide open with free public admission from sunup to sundown. It offers a nice lawn and scenic view of Charleston Harbor. The selection of playground equipment (swings, slides, climbing toys, and a merry-go-round) keeps the children busy. For picnics, there are several tables under the shade of big oaks.
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 1251 Park West Blvd.
6. Palmetto Islands County Park
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (843) 884-0832
Address: 444 Needlerush Pkwy.
Description: This family-oriented, 943-acre nature facility is in a heavily wooded area, with a 2-acre pond and 1-mile canoe trail. You’ll enjoy a well-designed playground, picnic sites, and boat docks. It is a perfect place to jog, walk, or rent a pedal boat, kayak, or a bike. Call or check the website for rental fee information. Splash Island, with its 200-foot water slide, is quite popular in the warm months. Park admission is $1 per person (no charge for children younger than 3), with an annual individual pass available for $15 for Charleston County residents, $25 for nonresidents. Additional fees are charged for entry to Splash Island. Annual family and senior passes are available also.
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 391 Egypt Rd.
8. Isle of Palms County Park
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (843) 886-3863
Insider Pick:
Description: Everyone can hit the beach straight off the Isle of Palms Connector at one of the newer county parks. Enjoy one of the area’s nicest beaches, open daily year-round, with the convenience of paved parking, outdoor showers, restrooms, a sand volleyball court, and children’s play area. Just in case you forget your beach gear, you’ll find chairs and umbrellas available for rent. Hours are generally 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours in the warmer months. Admission is free for walk-ins and bicycles, but there is a fee for vehicles.
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Parks & Recreation
10. Sullivan’s Island Park
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (843) 883-3198
Address: 1610 Middle St.
Description: Sullivan’s Island has a nice park at the Mound (constructed by the military during World War II) on Middle Street between stations 20 and 22 (street names on Sullivan’s are based on the old streetcar station stops). There is a bandstand, plus basketball courts, 2 tennis courts, and children’s wooden play equipment in a fenced-in tot lot. Although there is no official recreation department on Sullivan’s Island, one member of the town council serves as head of recreation.
11. Caw Caw Interpretive Center
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (843) 889-8898
Address: 5200 Savannah Hwy.
Description: A bit farther out, but worth the trip (about 15 miles south of Charleston on US 17 S.), is the Caw Caw Interpretive Center in Ravenel, South Carolina. Part of the Charleston County Park system, this 654-acre park is managed specifically for birds and wildlife. There are 7 miles of interpretive trails, a 1,200-foot swamp boardwalk, and a bird and butterfly garden. Loads of educational programs, daily walks, workshops, and demonstrations complete the natural, cultural, and historical experience. Admission is $1 and free for children 2 and under. Pets and bicycles are not permitted. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wed through Sun. The park is closed on Mon and Tues.
12. Charles Towne Landing state historic site
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (843) 852-4200
Address: 1500 Old Towne Rd.
Description: In West Ashley, this is a wonderful, low-key, recently renovated park for all ages on the site of the original settlement called Charles Towne. There is an animal forest, playground, replica of the ship Adventure, early settlement village, gift shop, restaurant, and a new visitor center with interactive exhibits. Ask about the annual bike passes and vehicle passes (good at any state park). They are good deals if you are going to be spending lots of time here.
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 3600 Mary Ader Ave.
14. James Island County Park
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (843) 795-7275
Address: 871 Riverland Dr.
Description: This incredible, 643-acre park offers biking, nature trails, a climbing wall, an elaborate playground, a dog park, pedal boats, kayaks, Hydrobikes, 16 acres of lagoons, a SprayPlay fountain area, a fishing and crabbing dock, and picnic areas. There are 10 vacation cottages, camping sites and three picnic shelters that can accommodate 200 or more people each. Hours are generally 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and later in the warmer months. Admission is $1 per person (no charge for children younger than 3). The ever-popular Splash Zone costs an additional fee, but most agree it is well worth the price to escape to the land of the tropics via slides, waterfalls, and spray effects. Additional fees apply for the climbing wall as well. Annual individual, family, and senior passes are also available.
City: Charleston, SC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 1100 West Ashley Ave.