Charleston’s Wragg Square Transformed in Resilient Tribute to Community Heritage
CHARLESTON, SC – The Charleston Parks Conservancy and the City of Charleston have officially announced the completion of the 2024 renovation of one of the city’s historic green spaces, Wragg Square. The enhancement catapults this well-loved public park to a world-class status while offering it as a testament to the community’s resilience and rich heritage.
Located on 342 Meeting Street, the rejuvenation of Wragg Square underlines the significant role of parks and green spaces within urban areas. The transformation, which was achieved via a significant public-private partnership, ensures the continued enhancement of the city’s quality of life.
Bringing Private Love for Community to the Public
What’s remarkable about this renovation is its inspiration – Patti and Peter McGee. The couple’s adoration for Charleston, their dedication to community service, and passion for gardening spurred their family and friends to transform Wragg Square into a living tribute to their undying community spirit.
The renovation is extensive. It includes meticulous pruning of laurel oaks damaged by multiple hurricanes, replacing trees reaching the peak of their lifecycles and unveiling the recently refurbished steeple of the Second Presbyterian Church, which the McGee family attended for generations.
Incorporating Local Horticultural Heritage
The redesign of garden beds now includes Patti’s favorite plants and provides a grand spotlight on the historical wrought-iron fence of the square. Diseased trees have been removed and replaced with vibrant palmettos and live oaks. Infrastructure improvements like the restoration of lawns, paths, lighting, irrigation, and hard landscaping have collectively enhanced the park’s identity.
City Parks Department staff, Charleston Parks Conservancy staff, and a battalion of volunteers have tirelessly worked in planting and transplanting hundreds of plants across the square, honoring the McGee’s love for gardening and their community.
A Family’s Dedication Meets Community Effort
The couple’s daughters, deeply touched by their parents’ love for community and horticulture, led this initiative in collaboration with the Conservancy.
“Mom opened her home, her garden, and her heart to everyone,” shared Evie McGee Colbert. “We hope the revitalized Wragg Square will feel just as welcoming.”
Her sister, Madeline McGee emphasized on their family’s gratitude towards the local organizations involved. “Our father and families are so grateful to the City of Charleston and their amazing Parks Department, the Charleston Parks Conservancy, Second Presbyterian Church, and the Garden District Neighborhood Association for their partnership and support of our vision for making Wragg Square a world-class greenspace.”
The Future of Wragg Square and The Charleston Parks Conservancy
The Patti and Peter McGee Gardens within Wragg Square will officially be dedicated on April 7, 2024, during a neighborhood garden and tea party hosted by Second Presbyterian Church. However, the family’s investment has not just been in the renovation but also in maintaining the park’s beauty and functionality. The Charleston Parks Conservancy has also committed to securing additional resources for the park’s care and programming.
The Charleston Parks Conservancy, a non-profit organization, has been instrumental in driving the transformation of over 24 parks across the city in partnership with the City of Charleston over the past 15 years. The organization is dedicated to inspiring locals to connect with their parks and create vibrant public spaces, thus strengthening community ties.
For more details about Wragg Square and how you can contribute to this and other projects, please visit the Charleston Parks Conservancy at charlestonparksconservancy.org.
