Neighbors Spearhead Corrine Jones Park Renovations with Help of Charleston Parks Conservancy
CHARLESTON, S.C. – Families living near Corrine Jones Park in downtown Charleston are joining forces with the Charleston Parks Conservancy to raise money for park renovations, including new playground equipment, a walking path, sandbox and new flower beds.
In late 2009, residents approached Conservancy Executive Director Jim Martin about how to improve the park. The result is a plan and a partnership involving the city of Charleston, the Conservancy and the neighborhood.
The city and the Conservancy have pledged $75,000 toward the $95,000 needed to build a new playground and upgrade the surrounding green space. The community has committed to raising the remaining $20,000. More than $7,500 already has been committed through pledges and donations.
Once the $20,000 goal is met, the Conservancy, city and community will gather in the summer to install the equipment and plant a new garden that will provide seasonal color virtually all year. The Conservancy and its volunteers will maintain the gardens.
Residents Ginny Conlon and Carter Rowson enjoy having a park nearby where they can take their families, but because of the park’s older playground equipment, they often end up driving to other parks.
Conlon says she and her children love the park and are big advocates of the renovation plans. “The equipment is rather old and my oldest child is growing out of this park. We have to get in the car and drive to Brittlebank Park and other parks.”
Playground renovations will include separate play areas for toddlers and elementary age children with swings, a sandbox, spinners and springing toys and play systems. A redesigned walkway is in the plans that will be designed for children to ride bikes and tricycles yet long enough to serve as a walking trail for adults.
“Being able to partner with local communities to better their parks is what the Conservancy is all about,” Martin says. “We want people to take pride in their neighborhood parks and work with us to make them better and to maintain them. We can’t wait to see how the effort surrounding Corrine Jones inspires other neighborhoods to do the same.”
Donate online or by mail to P.O. Box 21000, Charleston, SC 29413. Sponsorship levels are available. Learn more about the project on the Conservancy website or visit the Conservancy Facebook page.
For more information, contact Development Director Amy Jenkins 843-724-5003 or ajenkins@charlestonparksconservancy.org
About the Charleston Parks Conservancy
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.