Charleston Parks Conservancy moves key park projects forward across the city

Major renovations at Allan Park and Hazel Parker Playground, and a refresh at Corrine Jones Park and Community Garden are among the Charleston Parks Conservancy’s priorities through spring 2027. These projects reflect the organization’s mission to cultivate exceptional public gardens and experiences in Charleston’s city parks, with work ranging from major improvements to ongoing care and stewardship.

The Conservancy, with the City of Charleston Parks Department, is preparing for Allan Park’s first major renovation in 14 years. Guided by community feedback and plans developed with landscape architecture firm Wertimer + Cline, the project will update the central fountain, add new plantings for seasonal interest, upgrade the concrete pathways with durable bluestone, update lighting and irrigation, and install a low fence along Ashley Avenue for enhanced safety. Allan family members, whose ancestors donated the park to the city over 100 years ago, have committed significant funding to the campaign, including a $100,000 matching challenge from Robb Allan. The Carter T. Kennedy Foundation has pledged to support five years of park maintenance, critical to the long-term success of the renovation.

The Conservancy, which has cared for the park since its last major renovation in 2012, must raise the remaining $34,000 needed to reach its fundraising goal and fulfill the matching challenge by the end of October. To help close that gap, the organization will host the Allan Park Community Block Party on Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. The free event is open to the public and will include live music, light refreshments, drinks and remarks from community leaders. Donations to support the renovation can be made at charlestonparksconservancy.org/support/allan-park(opens in new tab).

“Allan Park has been part of this neighborhood for more than a century, and we want to make sure it continues to be a place people love and use for generations to come,” said Jason Kronsberg, executive director of the Charleston Parks Conservancy. “That’s what our work is about, taking care of the places Charleston loves and making them better for the people who use them. We have a lot happening across the city right now, and we’re grateful for the community support that makes it possible.”

Work is also moving forward at Hazel Parker Playground, where the Charleston Parks Conservancy and community members are working with the City of Charleston on plans for a complete renovation of the historic downtown park. Proposed updates include an upgraded and expanded playground, renovated tennis court, basketball court and multipurpose field, a larger enclosed dog park, a new garden walk along South Adgers Wharf and upgraded public gardens throughout the park.

The Conservancy is working with Hollander Design Group on the design and plant selections for the passive park space along South Adgers Wharf and landscaped areas around the playground, park sign and park house, and will steward those areas once the project is complete. The Conservancy, working with the City Parks Department, will manage the project through completion, starting with the tennis court renovation.

“A great park is never really finished. It takes ongoing attention, community input and partners who care about getting it right,” said Mayor William Cogswell. “We are fortunate to have neighbors who are invested in their parks and a strategic partner in the Conservancy, all sharing the passion to steward excellence for Charleston’s public parks. Whether we’re making big improvements or taking care of the gardens people enjoy every day, we want these spaces to be better for the community.”

At Corrine Jones Park and Community Garden in Wagener Terrace, a $20,000 grant from Tito’s Handmade Vodka through its Block-to-Block Grant Program will support the replacement of 20 deteriorating donation beds. The improvements are expected to increase annual produce donations by approximately 20%, with a projected 6,000 pounds donated in 2027 to help address food insecurity. The Charleston County Public Library’s Free and Fresh Fridge Program and other neighborhood resource organizations distribute the harvests. Tito’s staff will also volunteer alongside the Conservancy’s horticulture team and the City of Charleston Parks Department to help create a more sustainable and accessible space.

These projects are part of a broader calendar of work across Charleston’s parks, with community events, celebrations and park projects for 2027 to be announced. The Conservancy’s work is supported by private donations, corporate sponsorships, grants and fundraising events throughout the year.

To learn more about the Conservancy’s work, volunteer opportunities or ways to support Charleston’s parks, visit charlestonparksconservancy.org(opens in new tab).

About the Charleston Parks Conservancy

Established in 2007, the Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating exceptional public gardens and experiences in 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(opens in new tab) and follow the Charleston Parks Conservancy on social media for updates and upcoming events.