Allan family matching challenge and Foundation commitment move Allan Park renovation forward
June 23, 2026
The Charleston Parks Conservancy announced two major commitments that will help bring the proposed Allan Park renovation to fruition and support its ongoing care. Mr. Robb Allan, whose family developed Hampton Park Terrace and donated the land for Allan Park to the City of Charleston in 1920, has pledged a $100,000 matching challenge to help fund the park’s renovation. Separately, the Carter T. Kennedy Foundation has committed $100,000 over five years to support Allan Park’s long-term stewardship.
Thanks to Allan’s generous challenge gift, every new donation to the project will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $100,000. To keep the renovation on track for construction and spring 2027 planting, the Conservancy must secure all remaining funding commitments by September 30, 2026, with funds received by December 31, 2026.
“My family created and donated the park to the city more than a century ago, and it is deeply meaningful to see the park continue to serve as a gathering place for neighbors and families today,” said Allan. “Supporting this renovation is an opportunity to honor that legacy while helping ensure Allan Park remains a beautiful and welcoming space for future generations. Through this matching challenge, I hope to inspire others to help bring this vision to life and ensure this treasured park continues to thrive for years to come. I am pleased that others in the Allan family are also participating in remembering our long history in the city.”
The Carter T. Kennedy Foundation’s investment will provide critical funding to ensure the renovated park continues to receive the highest standard of care long after construction is complete.
“Allan Park is one of the city’s most special places and a refuge I often visit to step away from the demands of daily life,” said Carter Kennedy, CEO of SoloInsights, a local software firm. “I’m honored to play a role in helping ensure this park is cared for and preserved for generations to come.”
The Charleston Parks Conservancy has cared for Allan Park since leading the park’s last renovation in 2012. Since then, changing site conditions and community priorities have created an opportunity to renew the park. As the tree canopy has matured and growing conditions have shifted, plans for the park focus on restoring biodiversity, enhancing safety, and creating a more resilient and sustainable landscape. The renovation reflects a shared vision shaped through extensive public input and a master plan developed by renowned local landscape architecture firm Wertimer + Cline.
With two-thirds of the renovation funding already secured, the Allan family matching challenge offers the community an opportunity to help close the gap and double the impact of every new donation. For more information or to contribute to the matching challenge, contact Emily Topham, Director of Development, at [email protected] or visit charlestonparksconservancy.org/support/allan-park.
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 community pride and enjoyment. 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 annual funding required to manage the gardens and 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.
