The city of Charleston on July 24 announced two major recreation projects launching as part of its parks and recreation master plan, which was funded by a $70 million parks bond referendum that voters overwhelmingly approved in 2023.
The two projects, one in West Ashley and one on Johns Island, represent the first major investments from the referendum. Charleston City Council last week approved $3.3 million to begin the design phase for both projects.
In West Ashley, the existing W.L. Stephens Recreation Center will be demolished and replaced with a state-of-the-art facility. The new main building will span between 24,000 and 28,000 square feet and include:
- A large indoor pool
- An adjacent therapy pool for swim lessons, water aerobics and rehabilitation
- A multi-purpose community room
- Office and support space for staff
- A new, modern playground for families
- New tennis and basketball courts
The existing Miracle League Baseball Field — which provides inclusive access to children and adults with disabilities — will remain and continue to serve the community.
Meanwhile, Johns Island residents will get a city-operated recreation facility that is about 50,000 square feet just off Maybank Highway near the Hayes Park development. It will include:
- A large indoor pool and adjacent therapy pool
- An indoor gym with two full basketball courts
- Cardio and group fitness rooms
- A multi-purpose room
- Two classroom spaces
- A catering kitchen
- Outdoor pickleball courts
- Outdoor basketball courts
- An inclusive playground and splash pad
“Johns Island has waited a long time for this kind of investment,” District 3 Councilman Jim McBride said in a press release. “This project will create an anchor for community life, health and connection on the island.”
Both facilities are being designed by Charleston-based architectural firm LS3P. Charleston City Council is expected to review construction contracts in August. Permitting then will take about one year. Construction on both sites is expected to begin next summer and take 18 months to complete.
Community engagement will begin this fall, with the city and LS3P hosting concept presentations and public input sessions to gather feedback and incorporate resident priorities into the final designs.
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(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
