Mount Pleasant, August 9, 2025
News Summary
In a commendable effort to protect local heritage, the Lowcountry Land Trust has preserved the historic Coakley Chapel and created a new 6.5-acre park in Mount Pleasant. The initiative comes in response to community concerns about potential development threats, ensuring the chapel’s legacy while enhancing recreational opportunities for residents. The project was funded with Charleston County’s greenbelt funds, demonstrating a strong commitment to preserving cultural assets.
Mount Pleasant Preserves Historic Coakley Chapel and Establishes New Park
The Lowcountry Land Trust has successfully preserved the historic Coakley Chapel and established a new 6.5-acre park in the Hamlin Beach community of Mount Pleasant. This preservation effort, initiated by the local community, is aimed at protecting the chapel and surrounding land from potential development threats.
Concerns about future developments in the area prompted residents to take action. Landowners had proposed annexing local properties into Mount Pleasant for residential subdividing, which raised alarms among community members. In response, the Charleston County Council imposed a two-year moratorium on large-scale residential developments in historic districts, which includes Hamlin Beach. Furthermore, the Mount Pleasant Town Council enacted a similar temporary moratorium on major subdivision applications within these historic zones on July 8, reinforcing the community’s protective measures.
The Coakley Chapel, established in the early 1900s by Sam Coakley, has a rich history as a meeting house, school, and marketplace for local artisans. Community leaders recognized its cultural significance and the need to preserve it, urging Coakley’s descendants to maintain the chapel’s legacy. The Lowcountry Land Trust was contacted to assist in the preservation process.
To fund this effort, the Lowcountry Land Trust requested $1.5 million from Charleston County’s greenbelt funds, which was approved in April 2025. Subsequently, the property was purchased from the Coakley family for $1.9 million, with the transaction completed on July 31, 2025. This financial support highlights the community’s commitment to preserving its historical assets.
The new park is designed not just to protect the chapel but also to provide recreational opportunities for residents. Future enhancements to the park include trails, boardwalks, and places for recreational fishing. The chapel will undergo renovations to be transformed into a community center that will offer educational programs focused on the history and cultural heritage of the Hamlin Beach community.
Community input will be crucial during the planning phase of the park, ensuring that the needs and desires of residents are addressed. To prevent future development on the preserved land, the Lowcountry Land Trust plans to place a conservation easement on the property and will transfer ownership to the Hamlin Beach Community Association upon completion of the park. The estimated timeline for the park’s development is between 18 months to two years.
Conclusion
This preservation effort not only safeguards a historical landmark but also enhances community spaces in Hamlin Beach. Through the collective efforts of local organizations and residents, the Coakley Chapel remains a beacon of cultural heritage while simultaneously serving future generations with diverse recreational opportunities.
FAQ
What is the Lowcountry Land Trust?
The Lowcountry Land Trust is an organization that focuses on land conservation efforts in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina, working to preserve vital natural and cultural resources.
What is the Coakley Chapel?
The Coakley Chapel is a historic building established in the early 1900s, originally serving as a meeting house, school, and marketplace for local artisans in the Hamlin Beach community.
What are the plans for the new park?
The new park will include trails, boardwalks, fishing opportunities, and a renovated chapel that will serve as a community center with educational programming focused on local history and culture.
When will the park be developed?
The estimated timeline for the park’s development is between 18 months to two years.
How was the preservation of the Coakley Chapel funded?
The preservation was funded through a request for $1.5 million from Charleston County’s greenbelt funds, with additional costs covered by the purchase price of $1.9 million from the Coakley family.
Key Features of Coakley Chapel and New Park
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Historic Significance | Established in the early 1900s; served as a meeting house, school, and marketplace. |
| Size of the New Park | 6.5 acres |
| Funding | Purchase price of $1.9 million funded by $1.5 million greenbelt funds. |
| Future Amenities | Trails, boardwalks, fishing areas, community center with educational programs. |
| Development Timeline | Estimated 18 months to 2 years. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charleston County Council Evaluates Greenbelt Projects
Charleston County Council Considers Regulations on Greenbelt Funding
Greenbelt Projects Under Review in Charleston
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Sturgeon Moon Tips
- Count on 2: Severe Thunderstorm Warning
- Live 5 News: Tracking Storms
- Weather.com: Charleston Weather
- WCHS TV: Weather Alert
- Wikipedia: Charleston, South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston
- Google Search: Weather Charleston SC
- Google News: Charleston SC
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