Charleston Parks Conservancy Takes Fresh Approach to Public Planning Forum With Outdoor Event
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Forget stuffy board rooms and boring poster boards; the Charleston Parks Conservancy, together with the City of Charleston and Design Works Landscape Architecture, is turning the typical public planning forum upside down to create a fun event that will engage the public. At the first “Pride in Our Parks” event on October 16 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Colonial Lake, Charleston residents will have the opportunity to learn about – and help shape – plans to revitalize that park and nearby Moultrie Playground, while also enjoying a fall evening out with their family.
Neighbors can stroll through five white tents that will be set up throughout the park to host interactive presentations about the history of the park, how the redesign can reflect that history and what role contemporary urban design could play in the renovation.
Also on hand for the event will be the Conservancy’s new volunteer force, the Park Angels, who will provide information about the Conservancy, offer “aspiring angels” the opportunity to join their ranks and provide a few giveaways. Assisting with the redesign of Colonial Lake and Moultrie Playground comprises the first major undertaking for the Conservancy, which was announced earlier this year.
In case of rain, the Pride in the Parks event will be rescheduled for October 23, 2008, same time, same place.
“We hope people will come out with their kids, their pets and their big ideas for Colonial Lake,” says Jim Martin, executive director of the Charleston Parks Conservancy. “Our goal at the Conservancy is to get the public involved in their parks and give them a sense of ownership. We felt the way to get the best turnout and engagement was to do something fun and unexpected, and I hope we’ve succeeded.”
About the Charleston Parks Conservancy Founded by businesswoman Darla Moore and headed by prominent horticulturalist Jim Martin, the Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to further beautifying City of Charleston parks and green spaces. With the help of its Park Angels volunteer force, the Conservancy seeks to rally community support and pride behind the effort to create a lasting movement. For more information about or to support the Charleston Parks Conservancy, please visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org. For more information or to contact the Park Angels, please visit www.parkangels.org.
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