The Charleston Parks Conservancy has announced a significant milestone in its efforts to revitalize Colonial Lake, surpassing its $125,000 fundraising goal ahead of schedule thanks to the remarkable generosity of the Charleston community and beyond. This achievement underscores the community's commitment to the stewardship of the city's most iconic spaces. With the success of this fundraiser, the Conservancy will accelerate the project, reducing the timeline from two years to just one, with completion now expected by October 2025.
“In Charleston, philanthropy is a cornerstone of our community, reflecting our deep care and commitment to the places that define our city. Colonial Lake is a testament to this spirit, a cherished space where our community and visitors gather, connect, and find respite,” said Darlene Heater, CEO and Executive Director, Charleston Parks Conservancy. With the success of the Colonial Lake fundraising campaign, we’ve seen a remarkable surge in support for its continued care, with many new faces stepping forward to contribute to its revitalization. This wave of generosity highlights a broader movement in Charleston, where people increasingly come together to protect and enhance the spaces that matter most to them. As more community members join this cause, Colonial Lake is not just a park—it’s a symbol of what we can achieve when we unite for a shared purpose. Yet, our work is far from done. We’re continuously striving to ensure that all Conservancy parks receive the same care and attention so that every green space in Charleston can flourish as a vital part of our community's future.”
The Colonial Lake Revitalization will bring vital enhancements to the park, ensuring it remains a vibrant and welcoming space for all. Key improvements include:
- Creating a more resilient and sustainable landscape: The loss of many mature trees has turned shady areas into disturbed and sunny areas, where aggressive and invasive species have taken over.
- Horticultural revitalization: The addition of lower-growing and less aggressive pollinator-attracting plants will increase biodiversity, aid in stormwater absorption, attract wildlife, increase safety and visibility and provide a beautiful respite at this urban park.
- Accommodating the community’s needs: Based on observations and conversations about how the community utilizes the space, we will add a grass area at Broad & Rutledge to mirror the lawns in other portions of the park for events, programming, and passive areas.
- Flood resilience on Broad Street: The Broad Street side, the park’s most flood-prone area due to the loss of five mature trees, will receive a diverse plant palette, including replanting trees, designed to thrive in this unique environment.
While the success of the Colonial Lake campaign is a significant milestone, the Conservancy is planting the seeds for future growth. With the community's support, the Conservancy is poised to embark on new projects and initiatives that will continue to enhance Charleston's green spaces and parks. From increased programming at Colonial Lake to expanded care for other parks within the Conservancy's portfolio, this is just the beginning of a broader movement to ensure Charleston's parks thrive as vibrant, vital parts of our city's landscape.
The Charleston Parks Conservancy manages 25 parks with minimal municipal financial support, setting it apart from the City of Charleston’s Department of Parks and the Charleston County Parks Department. The Conservancy relies on the generosity of the community to maintain the parks and provide exceptional programming, ensuring that everyone in Charleston has access to beautiful, well-cared-for green spaces and parks.
“As the Conservancy moves forward, we invite the Charleston community to join us in this ongoing journey,” said Emily Topham, Director of Development and Marketing, Charleston Parks Conservancy. “Together, we can continue to plant, nurture, and enjoy our parks as they bloom alongside the community that cares for them.”
For more information and project updates about the Colonial Lake project, visit charlestonparksconservancy.
