Charleston Parks Conservancy announces $200,000 pledge from The Speedwell Foundation for West Ashley Greenway and Bikeway
July 18, 2016
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Charleston Parks Conservancy announced a $200,000 pledge from The Speedwell Foundation to dramatically improve the West Ashley Greenway and West Ashley Bikeway. The Speedwell Foundation has committed $100,000 immediately for that effort, with an additional $100,000 for the project contingent on the City moving ahead with the Ashley River bridge bike and pedestrian lane.
The West Ashley Greenway and Bikeway are linear parks located on former railroad beds, linking neighborhoods near the Ashley River with Main Road, running a total of 10.5 miles. The Conservancy will work with the City of Charleston and the community to begin master planning efforts for the Greenway and Bikeway project later this year.
“We are excited to announce this generous commitment from The Speedwell Foundation,” said Harry Lesesne, Charleston Parks Conservancy executive director. “This gift lays the foundation for a transformation of the West Ashley Greenway and Bikeway from recreational paths into world-class linear parks. With the right investment, the Greenway and Bikeway can become catalysts for improvement of West Ashley and the entire city–safely connecting people to new parks, schools and amenities.”
The Speedwell Foundation has supported numerous efforts to expand and improve parks in Charleston, including the recent transformation of Colonial Lake, the installation of free Wifi in five city parks, the acquisition of the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission’s Stono River Park and their recent acquisition of the former Baker Hospital Property in North Charleston.
The Charleston Parks Conservancy has worked to create, expand, sustain, or reinvigorate 24 of the City of Charleston’s urban parks, including the recent complete renovation of Colonial Lake.
About the Charleston Parks Conservancy
The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and together create stunning public places and a strong community. The Conservancy opens doors to individuals and organizations in Charleston wanting to engage with their parks and green spaces in a kaleidoscope of positive ways. With the help of its Park Angels, the Conservancy improves, enhances, and invigorates these spaces, making Charleston even better, stronger, and more successful. For more information about or to support the Charleston Parks Conservancy, please visit www.charlestonparksconservancy.org.
