News Summary
Charleston County Parks and the Lowcountry Land Trust have preserved 66 acres of land on Johns Island for Simmons Creek County Park, ensuring public waterfront access amidst rapid development. This initiative enhances recreational opportunities and aims to benefit future generations while supporting conservation efforts.
Charleston, SC – Charleston County Parks and the Lowcountry Land Trust have successfully preserved a total of 66 acres of land on Johns Island, which is set to be developed into Simmons Creek County Park. The newly designated park will offer public waterfront access, an opportunity that has become increasingly rare due to rapid growth and development on the island.
The property is located off Old Pond Road and features direct access to Simmons Creek, which is connected to the Stono River. This preservation project is part of a long-term initiative aimed at improving public access to waterways on Johns Island, spearheaded by efforts that began in 2018. The initiative was initiated through a series of community workshops as part of the Johns Island Community Conservation Initiative, supported by funding from the Donnelley Foundation.
Historically, residents of Johns Island have faced challenges in accessing public waterways. The limited access points have primarily been concentrated at the John P. Limehouse Boat Landing. The creation of Simmons Creek County Park represents a significant step towards enhancing recreational opportunities for local residents and ensuring waterfront access can be enjoyed by future generations.
The 66 acres that will constitute Simmons Creek County Park is made up of two parcels. One is a 53-acre property that was donated by Gary McLaurin in 2020, while the other is a 13-acre parcel purchased from the estate of Joanne Nason for $930,000 in 2023. A conservation easement is already in place to secure the area against future development, thereby safeguarding its natural state.
The transfer of ownership of the property to Charleston County Parks occurred in May, marking a significant milestone in the park’s planning process. Organizations such as the South Carolina Conservation Bank, Charleston County’s greenbelt program, and the Ceres Foundation have provided support that contributed to the success of this preservation effort.
While the property is not currently open to the public and there is no established timeline for park development, potential plans for Simmons Creek County Park may include passive recreation spaces, walking trails, and a launch point for paddle sports. The park has been described as a “hidden gem” for the community, promising much-needed recreational facilities as the island continues to grow.
In light of the favorable response the project has received, Charleston County Parks has applied for additional greenbelt funding to aid in the establishment of Simmons Creek County Park. Approval from the County Council is pending, and this will determine the next steps in bringing the park to fruition for public enjoyment.
The collaborative effort between Charleston County Parks and the Lowcountry Land Trust underscores a commitment to preserving natural spaces and enhancing community access to the waterfront. As the initiative unfolds, the hope is that the park will not only provide access to water activities but will also serve as a conservation area for local flora and fauna, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural landscapes of Johns Island.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Johns Island Parks
- Wikipedia: Johns Island, South Carolina
- Live 5 News: 66 Acres on Johns Island
- Google Search: Johns Island, SC
- Live 5 News: Johns Island Land Consideration
- Google Scholar: Johns Island County Park
- Post and Courier: James Island Baseball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston
- Charleston City Paper: Area Bridges Update
- Google News: Charleston County Parks
