Hampton Park (Provided) The Charleston Parks Conservancy is inviting the public to an ice cream social to learn more about the nonprofit organization's decade-long efforts to improve Charleston's public parks, including forthcoming improvements at Hampton Park and Corrine Jones Park. Interested neighbors and park users can “get the scoop” at the event from 5:30-7 pm. on Tuesday, August 14 at the pavilion near the lagoon.
Community members can enjoy frozen treats from Pelican's SnoBalls and The Ice Cream Team along with family friendly activities while reviewing plans for improvements to Hampton Park's shuttered concession stand and the addition of a major new ornamental garden space around the facility, a new community vegetable garden at Corrine Jones Park, and new park programs such as the Conservancy's Jazz Brunch series.
The Conservancy's overall goal is to enliven and improve the experience at Hampton Park and other upper peninsula parks. Locals and visitors already spend a great deal of time in these parks, walking, jogging, attending events and more. These planned improvements will enhance already-beloved public spaces. The Conservancy previously renovated Allan Park, Corrine Jones Park, and McMahon Playground at Hampton Park. With the help of dedicated neighborhood volunteers, the Conservancy was able to replace outdated playground equipment, add extensive flower beds and create safer and more enjoyable spaces for children and families.
These next projects build on this previous work, furthering the Conservancy's goal to create beautiful public spaces that encourage people to connect with their parks.
In the first phase, the Conservancy will revitalize the former concession stand and surrounding landscape at Hampton Park into a gathering space for community members as well as a place to host family and social gatherings, culinary pop-ups, plus neighborhood and cultural events.
In addition, the Conservancy will show conceptual plans for the restoration of the historic park cottage and new multi-use community center on the north side of the park as well as a proposed new community vegetable garden at Corrine Jones Park. All the proposed park improvements will be privately funded. Representatives from the Charleston Parks Conservancy will be on hand and available to answer questions about the projects and the Conservancy's overall work in local parks.
“We're excited to share these plans with the community and demonstrate how we'll be turning underused parts of these parks into more vibrant, beautiful spaces that will become hubs of community activity,” said Harry Lesesne, executive director of the Charleston Parks Conservancy. “These improvements will allow more residents to use and enjoy some of the city's most beloved parks.”
Over the last decade, the Conservancy has been dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and together create stunning public spaces and a strong community. It has spearheaded park renovation and beautification projects all around the city, including Colonial Lake, Tiedemann Park and Nature Center, Chapel Street Fountain Park, Cannon Park, Wragg Square, McMahon Playground at Hampton Park, Allan Park, Magnolia Park and Community Garden, Medway Park and Community Garden, the West Ashley Greenway and Bikeway, and many more.
About the Charleston Parks Conservancy
The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and together create stunning public places and a strong community. With the help of its volunteer Park Angels, the Conservancy improves, enhances, and invigorates these spaces, making Charleston even better, stronger, and more successful. For more information about or to support the Charleston Parks Conservancy, visit www.charlestonparksconservancy
