The Charleston Parks Conservancy (Conservancy) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 by prominent businesswoman Darla Moore. Its aim is to connect people to their parks as a way to bring positive, sustainable care and improvements to Charleston’s parks and greenspaces. Headed by longtime horticulturalist, Jim Martin, the Conservancy strives to place as much emphasis on the city's parks as its historic architecture through programs to revitalize city greenspaces and offer educational programs that speak to the diverse population using these irreplaceable public spaces.
Through a public-private partnership with the City of Charleston, the Conservancy spearheads a variety of projects throughout the Charleston community. Renovations to existing parks such as Colonial Lake and Cannon Park are ongoing. In addition to larger projects, the Conservancy also works on smaller, neighborhood parks – such as Hazel Parker Playground and Allan Park – many of which have tremendous historic value. The Conservancy works with community groups and neighborhoods who want to renovate their neighborhood parks. Such projects include Elliotborough Park and Community Garden and Corrine Jones Playground. The Conservancy is initiating a community garden program where the public can learn how to garden and foster community support for healthy activities.
One of the biggest Conservancy efforts is the Park Angel volunteer program, which encourages people to support the work of the Conservancy through volunteering, donating, encouraging park use or simply spreading the word about the Conservancy’s work and mission.
The Conservancy is a significant local resource on gardening, particularly regional and Lowcountry-based gardening practices. With its online resources, educational video series and Educate You classes, gardeners – both new and experienced – can develop gardening skills and in turn help support the work in public greenspaces throughout the Charleston community.
The Charleston Parks Conservancy is funded primarily from an endowment, contributions made by individuals, corporations and foundations, as well as matching support from the City of Charleston as part of the public-private partnership.
