Charleston Parks Conservancy, City of Charleston Announce Next Steps of Colonial Lake Renovation
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. was joined by members of City Council and the Charleston Parks Conservancy on Dec. 15 at Colonial Lake to announce the latest developments in the plans for a major renovation to the treasured downtown Charleston park.
“We are eager to begin work on the renovation to Colonial Lake,” said Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. “Colonial Lake is a special park that has always been a venue for families, walkers, joggers and residents who just want a peaceful spot to sit or read. We’ve been working hard on a design that will provide a beautiful park setting for everyone with new amenities for Charleston’s residents. The end result will be an impressive park in the heart of our city.”
Charleston City Council will consider a construction contract with Wildwood Contractors of Walterboro at its Dec. 16 meeting.
If approved, construction on Colonial Lake is expected to begin in January and will take about a year. The park will be closed during construction. The construction contract cost is about $4 million. The Parks Conservancy has raised $1 million from private donations as well as an additional $200,000 for a park maintenance fund.
“This project is a wonderful model of public-private partnership,” said Darla Moore, founder and chairwoman of the Charleston Parks Conservancy. “We are grateful for the community for their input into the design process, the design team and city staff who have worked so hard to get the project ready for construction, and most of all, the citizens of this community who have contributed financially to make this renovation possible.”
Key components of the Colonial Lake renovation include:
- A new and improved water supply system so the water within the Colonial Lake Basin will be more consistent with the water quality in the Ashley River.
- Gardens designed and maintained with the highest level of horticultural skill.
- An enhanced promenade around Colonial Lake with new, improved and additional pathways and shade trees.
- New and enhanced seating and gathering places situated all around the lake.
- Slight narrowing of Rutledge and Ashley avenues to add new space to the park as well as slow traffic and enhance pedestrian safety. All travel lanes and on-street parking will be maintained. The additional park space will be used for new street trees, including shade trees along Ashley Avenue.
More information about the Colonial Lake project, including renderings and FAQs regarding the project, are available on the Conservancy website.