May 2017 Park of the Month: Tiedemann Park and Nature Center
Perfect for summer fun is Tiedemann Park and Nature Center. It’s located at 38 Elizabeth St. not far from the Charleston Museum. This park has a large green space for playing with kids and dogs as well as a basketball court and playground.
The sloped planting strip between the playground and field is a bioswale, a trough-like drainage depression planted with water-loving plants that help slow the water and allow for better absorption and minimal soil loss. Beautiful hydrangeas, firespikes, swamp sunflowers and purple coneflowers are just some of the many plants the Conservancy tends to with the help of its volunteer Park Angels.
Children will love the on-site nature center, with reptile and amphibian displays. Environmental education coordinator Matt Olson hosts youth and family programs throughout the year at Tiedemann along with a Nuts About Nature Summer Camp. The nature center is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. For information about special programs or class field trips, call 843-965-4002.