JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) – One of the town’s historic parks on James Island could see new and improved site work in the future if the Charleston City Council approves an initial grant.
Stephen Washington Park, off Fort Johnson Road, has been around since the 1950s and was once a major African-American gathering place. It now features playgrounds, baseball fields and a cemetery tucked away in the woods.
Shawn Flood, president of the Grace Triangle Association, an organization that prioritizes Fort Johnson Road, Seaside Lane and Dills Bluff, said he was born and raised on Honey Hill Road, which intersects with the park.
“Before I took office, it was basically tenant farmers,” Flood said, “They had no place to bury their loved ones. Nobody was told to maintain the land, and if the city would work with us, that problem could be solved.”
The City of Charleston Board of Revenue has adopted a proposal for a $28,642.88 Parks and Recreation Development Grant, a non-competitive grant to cover some of the work for the area expansion, and asks the city to contribute $7,160.72 from its general fund.
Flood said he hopes the plan will include more play equipment, walking trails and fencing around the cemetery.
Jason Kronsberg, director of parks and capital projects for the City of Charleston, said the city is working with city council members who oversee the area to review plans for the next few years, and he said the Clemson Historic Preservation Program also looked into it about a year ago.
“Once the project is funded, we’ll start working on some more detailed designs and looking at the actual play equipment,” Kronsberg said.
James Island resident Ryan Moscow said he passes the park daily and would like to see the area not become a site for townhouses that would compete with the busy road.
“It’s really important that James Island is aware of what’s going to happen if we don’t stand up and do things like this,” Moskva said. “This is our backyard and we want it to remain our backyard.”
He agrees that cemeteries should be a priority.
“In my opinion, it’s definitely important to keep the cemetery,” Moskow said. “Instead of just tearing it down, we can protect the cemetery and build around it. We can even add a sidewalk that goes around the cemetery. Let’s let people see the history of James Island.”
Kronsberg said he has about three years to get city approval and commit the funds, but no timeline has been set yet. Once fully funded, he plans to bring the plan to the City Council for further feedback.
“Working with the community, listening to their input and engaging with them gives them a little bit of pride as owners,” Kronsberg said. “Any time you renovate a park, it’s good for everyone around it.”
The total cost of the overhaul has not been disclosed.
“We want to make sure the beautification of James Island and its people is not lost,” Flood said. “That’s what this job is about.”
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