The City of Charleston has announced the launch of two major recreation projects as part of its Parks & Recreation Master Plan. These projects are funded by a $70 million Parks Bond Referendum, approved by voters in 2023. The Charleston City Council recently allocated $3.3 million for the design phase.
The projects include one in West Ashley and another on Johns Island, marking significant investments from the bond to improve recreational amenities across Charleston.
In West Ashley, the existing WL Stephens Recreation Center will be demolished and replaced with a new facility. The new building will be between 24,000 and 28,000 square feet and feature an indoor pool, therapy pool, community room, office space, playground, tennis courts, and basketball courts. The Miracle League Baseball Field will remain operational.
Mayor William Cogswell stated, “This facility was originally built in the 1970’s so this upgrade will be a game-changer for West Ashley.”
On Johns Island, residents will receive their first city-operated recreation facility near Hayes Park development. The complex will be about 50,000 square feet and include an indoor pool, gymnasium with basketball courts, fitness rooms, multi-purpose room, classrooms, kitchen facilities, pickleball courts, basketball courts, playgrounds and splash pad.
District 3 Councilmember Jim McBride said,“Johns Island has waited a long time for this kind of investment.”
Both facilities are being designed by LS3P. Construction contracts are expected to be reviewed by the council in August. Permitting is anticipated to take about a year with construction beginning next summer and lasting 18 months. Community engagement activities will start this fall to gather public feedback on the designs.
