Charleston Parks Conservancy launches new mission and vision to expand the role of parks in the community

The Charleston Parks Conservancy has adopted a new mission and strategic vision to strengthen the role of Charleston’s parks as essential community spaces serving neighborhoods across the city. The renewed mission, to cultivate exceptional public gardens and experiences in Charleston’s city parks, marks a significant shift for the Conservancy as it approaches its 20th anniversary in 2027.

“Public parks are not simply amenities. They are essential infrastructure that strengthen community connections and enhance the livability of our city,” said Jason Kronsberg, executive director of the Charleston Parks Conservancy. “This mission reflects our commitment to creating parks that are welcoming, beautiful and meaningful for generations to come.”

The strategic framework is centered on three priorities:

• sustainable and meaningful garden experiences,
• community events and
• volunteer engagement.

Together, these pillars will guide how the Conservancy designs, activates and stewards parks throughout Charleston.

The new vision is already taking shape in projects such as Allan Park, where a $318,000 renovation will improve seating, infrastructure and visitor experiences at the downtown neighborhood park. The revitalization project is expected to be completed in 2027 and will include a community planting event.

The announcement comes as the Conservancy expands opportunities for residents to engage with Charleston’s parks through volunteer programs, neighborhood gatherings and seasonal events. The introduction of the Conservancy Stewards program, led by Collin Howell, the newly appointed director of volunteer engagement, strengthens that effort with volunteer field trips, information sessions and new neighborhood-based ways for people of all ages and experience levels to take part in park stewardship. Upcoming volunteer offerings include Neighbor Nights, weekly Weeding Wednesdays throughout the summer at Colonial Lake, and Watering in the Parks volunteer sessions in parks across the city.

Seasonal programming continues this spring with monthly Early Morning Bird Walks and Walk in the Park, a weekly community walking series along the West Ashley Greenway. Signature events include the sold-out Picnic for the Parks fundraiser on April 26 and Music in the Parks on May 14 featuring Rosy Bones at Moultrie Park and Playground, part of the Conservancy’s free concert series held each spring and fall. Additional upcoming events include the May 13 ticketed workshop Cultivating Abundance: Growing Food from Everyday Grocery Produce, which demonstrates how grocery produce can be replanted and regrown for continued harvest at home.

Over the past two decades, the Conservancy, in partnership with the City of Charleston, has helped shape some of Charleston’s most treasured public spaces, including Colonial Lake, the Peter and Patti McGee Memorial Garden at Wragg Square, and the Mulberry and Ashleyville Food Forests. The renewed mission builds on that legacy while setting a stronger framework for future generations.

For more information and to support the Charleston Parks Conservancy efforts, visit: charlestonparksconservancy.org.

About the Charleston Parks Conservancy 

Established in 2007, the Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating exceptional public gardens and experiences across 26 of Charleston’s city parks. In partnership with the City of Charleston, the Conservancy helps care for and enhance these shared spaces—ensuring they remain beautiful, welcoming, and vibrant for all. Through meaningful and sustainable garden experiences, community events, and volunteer engagement, the Conservancy’s stewardship of City parks fosters pride and enjoyment for the community. Guided by a commitment to horticultural excellence, sustainability, and respect for Charleston’s history, the Conservancy stewards these parks today while preserving them for future generations.  The Conservancy secures 90 percent of the funding annually required to manage the gardens and to provide free community programming in City parks through private and corporate donations. For more information, visit charlestonparksconservancy.org and follow the Charleston Parks Conservancy on social media for updates and upcoming events.