Charleston Commemorates 17 Years of Parks Conservancy with a Picnic

Charleston Commemorates 17 Years of Parks Conservancy with a Picnic

In South Carolina, the city of Charleston recently celebrated an important milestone. The Charleston Parks Conservancy marked its 17th anniversary with a fun-filled and family-oriented picnic event. This special occasion was celebrated on a beautiful Sunday at the Rose Pavilion in Hampton Park, bringing together approximately 350 people.

Picnic in the Park: A Family-Centric Event

Co-chair of the event, Alexandra Malloy, disclosed that the idea for the picnic was born out of the need for more family-centered events in Charleston. After returning to Charleston nearly eight years ago, Malloy noticed a dearth of events focused on families despite there being plenty of fascinating events throughout the city. The hard work and dedication of the conservancy’s staff and volunteers played a significant role in bringing the event to life.

Activities and Attractions

Enthusiastic families were treated to an array of activities. The lineup included a doughnut eating contest, a petting zoo, face painting, flower crowns, photo booths, and live music. Patrons also had the opportunity to savor delectable bites from various Lowcountry restaurants.

Monica Lavin, a resident of Charleston, expressed that the Picnic for the Parks is one of her favorite local events and that she attends it every year. She particularly appreciates the participation of local vendors and the natural beauty of the park at this time of year.

Charleston Parks Conservancy: A Steadfast Commitment to the Community

Darlene Heater, the Executive Director and CEO of the Charleston Parks Conservancy, shared her aspirations for the organization’s future. She revealed their intention to continually innovate and bring unique and spectacular programs to the community.

Heater stated that the conservancy is fully committed to enhancing sustainability. They aim to fundamentally reconsider how parks can be utilized to help tackle climate change challenges. Each year, the event raises funds in the range of $30,000-$40,000, all of which is invested back into the conservancy to continue its mission of preserving and enhancing parks for the community’s enjoyment.

The Legacy of the Charleston Parks Conservancy

Over the course of its 17-year operation, the Charleston Parks Conservancy has significantly contributed to the enhancement and preservation of Charleston’s parks. The annual Picnic in the Park not only represents a celebration of their anniversary but also serves as a testament to the organization’s commitment to foster community spirit and uphold environmental sustainability.

The conservancy looks forward to continually serving its community and impacting positively climate change solutions through the strategic use of Charleston’s parks.