Hazel Parker Playground Reimagined – Welcoming All

The Charleston Parks Conservancy and City of Charleston conducted a park usage survey in March and April 2025.  The survey was distributed via park signage, the Charlestowne Neighborhood Association and via social media.

Of the 139 responses:

• 80% visit at least once per week
• Half live within a 10 minute walk of the park
• 89% walk or bike to Hazel Parker Playground

Key Findings:

• 50% of respondents visit with children and 50% visit with pets.
• The most used facilities are the dog run (62%), playground (41%) and recreation field (37%).
• Respondents rated satisfaction with 5 facilities at Hazel Parker Playground. Satisfaction with current facilities is overwhelmingly neutral to dissatisfied:
  • Playground: 63% either neutral, somewhat or very dissatisfied
  • Enclosed dog park: 55%
  • Recreation field: 62%
  • Tennis Court: 58%
  • Basketball Court: 63%

Please see a summary of findings HERE and contact Emily Topham (etopham@charlestonparksconservancy.org) if you would like to see the full results.

1. Playground will be expanded and enclosed into one large and cohesive space.

2. Tennis court will be renovated with appropriate materials

3. Enclosed dog park will be expanded and relocated to the eastern side of the park.

4. Multipurpose field will be renovated and dedicated to recreational activities.

5. Existing dog park along South Adgers Wharf will be converted to a passive park space and enhanced with a new sidewalk along the edge of the park complete with new trees and landscaping.

While the exact project timing is dependent on fundraising, the general phasing includes:

Phase 1: Tree pruning (complete, December 2025)

Phase 2: Tennis court replacement

Phase 3: Site prep, Erosion control, hardscaping

Phase 4: Irrigation, Sod, playground installation

Phase 5: Final plantings

The City of Charleston, Charleston Parks Conservancy and community members are working together to complete this renovation.

The City of Charleston will lead and be responsible for ongoing maintenance of the tennis courts, recreation fields, playground, dog park and all hardscape and irrigation.

The Charleston Parks Conservancy will work collaboratively with the City Parks Department on the design and plant selections for the “passive park space” along South Adgers Wharf and around the new playground, park sign and park house.  The Conservancy will be responsible for ongoing management of these spaces.

The community will work with both the City and Conservancy to provide input and raise awareness and funds for the project.

Anonymous

City of Charleston

Anonymous

JM Foundation