CCPRC celebrates its 50th anniversary with visitor perks
(Left) Palmetto Islands County Park’s 1979 ribbon cutting; (right) SUP classes are offered at James Island County Park.
This year, the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission (CCPRC) turns the big 5-0. It may have started small back in 1968, spending its first decade opening playgrounds on James Island and Kiawah Beachwalker Park, but today, the organization owns more than 11,000 acres of land, managing 19 boat landings and 13 parks that host hundreds of events annually—from festivals to camps to classes.
“Charleston has grown tremendously since I started with CCPRC 30 years ago, and we’ve worked hard to keep up,” says David Bennett, who stepped into the role of executive director last year. In 2018, CCPRC will break ground on seven projects, including new showers and snack bars at Folly Beach County Park, a state-of-the-art dog park at Wannamaker County Park, and a recreation pool in Hollywood.
On March 4, take advantage of Customer Appreciation Day, offering free admission to most parks (visit charlestoncountyparks.com for info). Starting the same day, park guests will be treated to weekly surprises—think shade umbrellas at the fishing piers or tea and cookies at McLeod Plantation—through December 15. “We’re excited to thank our visitors for years of support,” Bennett says.
Photographs (2) courtesy of Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission
