Moultrie Playground Update – Summer 2020
Dear Friends and Supporters of Moultrie Playground,
I know we are all anxious to find a sense of normalcy these days and getting back into our parks is a step in the right direction. Like you, we are especially looking forward to opening the new Moultrie Playground, and so I want to share the following updates.
Fundraising
We are happy to announce that we have reached our fundraising goal for the renovation of Moultrie Playground! As you may remember, at the end of 2019, we launched an additional fundraising push with a goal to cover the extra costs associated with the state-of-the-art rubberized surface for the playground, which was not part of the initial budget. This was in response to community feedback that indicated this was an important element of the final plan. We have since raised an additional $30,000 for a total of $380,000 raised through private donations. Thank you to all of you for getting us to this point. This would not have happened without the neighborhood driving this process to completion. We especially want to express our gratitude to the Cole Family for hosting an event in February where we raised $11K in one night!
Timeline for Opening
Many of you have reached out with inquiries regarding a timeline for opening. There are two factors which influence the answer to that question; the first is the completion of the project work. The City of Charleston has completed the installation of the electrical and irrigation systems. The landscape design can now be installed by the Conservancy. Our horticulturists are selecting the trees, plants and flowers now, and are eager to begin their work as soon as plants can be delivered. We will work with our team of Park Angels to plant and look forward to seeing the park flourish over the years.
The second factor is the reality that guidelines for opening playgrounds during the COVID-19 crisis are still in flux. The City continues to evaluate guidelines from the CDC and DHEC regarding best practices for opening playgrounds within our park systems. As soon as the City announces their final plans, we will share those with you. That will also allow us to finish our plans and announce a date for a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony and eventually a community celebration.
I know you all worked closely with Harry Lesesne and although Harry has moved into a new opportunity with the Darla Moore Foundation, he is confident in the success of the Conservancy and knows it is due to passionate Park Angels like you. He has extended his great appreciation for the dedication shown to Moultrie Playground and looks forward to seeing everyone at the park!
Thank you again for your loyal and continued support for the Moultrie Playground renovation! We cannot wait to celebrate the opening with you and appreciate your patience as we work through these final steps in the project. Stay safe and healthy during this time and we will be in touch soon.
Many of you have reached out with inquiries regarding a timeline for opening. There are two factors which influence the answer to that question; the first is the completion of the project work. The City of Charleston has completed the installation of the electrical and irrigation systems. The landscape design can now be installed by the Conservancy. Our horticulturists are selecting the trees, plants and flowers now, and are eager to begin their work as soon as plants can be delivered. We will work with our team of Park Angels to plant and look forward to seeing the park flourish over the years.
The second factor is the reality that guidelines for opening playgrounds during the COVID-19 crisis are still in flux. The City continues to evaluate guidelines from the CDC and DHEC regarding best practices for opening playgrounds within our park systems. As soon as the City announces their final plans, we will share those with you. That will also allow us to finish our plans and announce a date for a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony and eventually a community celebration.
I know you all worked closely with Harry Lesesne and although Harry has moved into a new opportunity with the Darla Moore Foundation, he is confident in the success of the Conservancy and knows it is due to passionate Park Angels like you. He has extended his great appreciation for the dedication shown to Moultrie Playground and looks forward to seeing everyone at the park!
Thank you again for your loyal and continued support for the Moultrie Playground renovation! We cannot wait to celebrate the opening with you and appreciate your patience as we work through these final steps in the project. Stay safe and healthy during this time and we will be in touch soon.
Together in Parks,
Leslie Wade
Interim Executive Director