January 2019 Park of the Month: McMahon Playground
Although fall is far behind us and cold days still lie ahead, there is plenty of outdoor beauty to enjoy this month at McMahon Playground. You may know it simply as the playground at the entrance to Hampton Park, but McMahon has a lot to offer even in the coldest months of the year.
McMahon offers park visitors a full-sized basketball court, baseball diamond, and a multi-use field, a recreational building for programs, and a large playground in the middle of the park. This time of year you will still find children climbing on the playscape and running in the field. “We wouldn’t know what to do without it,” shared Sarah, a Wagner Terrace resident. “It’s my son’s favorite playground. We’re here almost every week of the year.”
In addition to its popular playground, the park that is McMahon Playground has some of the best winter plants in bloom in Charleston. Around the perimeter of the playground, you will find a handful of flower gardens ripe with color. Along with its evergreen plants, you can see seasonal plants like Camellias, Itea, Iris, Bald Cypress, and Fire Spikes on display.
Camellias are some of the last seasonal flowers in bloom in Charleston before spring comes again. Their unmistakable pink petals are a standout near the basketball court.
Located amongst the park benches near the playground the Itea Shrub still hang on to their orange and maroon colors from the fall.
Located behind the baseball field, The Blue Flag Iris offers cooler colors amongst the warmer foliage.
These Firespikes won’t be here for long! Catch them before they hibernate for the winter along the Cleveland Street entrance.
Whether you’re looking for a place to play with your kids or interested in a pleasant stroll amongst the last blooms of the season, McMahon Playground is one of the best parks to be in January.