Exciting Greenbelt Projects Approved for Johns Island, Promising New Recreational Spaces!

Exciting Developments in Johns Island: Greenbelt Funds on the Table!

Hey there, Johns Island folks! If you missed last night’s Charleston County finance committee meeting, you might want to grab a cup of coffee and sit down because there are some exciting updates about local greenbelt projects. This wasn’t just any ordinary meeting—it involved the future of our green spaces and recreational facilities!

Financing the Future: 18 Projects on the Horizon

The finance committee gathered to discuss 18 greenbelt projects, and they came with a hefty $1.6 million price tag. Excitingly, all of them, except one, received the thumbs up from the committee. The lone holdout? A $1.6 million proposal tied to a 40-acre plot off Main Road on Johns Island, which saw a deadlock during the vote, thanks to one council member being absent.

The Lowcountry Land Trust’s Ambitious Plan

So, who’s behind this much-debated project? Enter the Lowcountry Land Trust, specifically their Sea Islands Program Director, Natalie Olson. If they get the nod from the county council next week, they plan to purchase the property, place a conservation easement on it, and hand it over to the Barrier Island Little League. And why, you may ask? This nonprofit sports league for kids, which has been serving the community since the 1950s, has been waiting for more recreational spaces to accommodate its large roster.

Making Room for Play

“The Barrier Islands Little League has a number of kids on the waitlist due to the lack of recreational facilities,” Olson explained. Imagine this—about a third of that 40 acres will transform into active sports fields equipped with dugouts, lights, bleachers, fencing, concessions, and even a playground! The Little League will get top priority when it comes to scheduling, but guess what? There will be opportunities for the public to use those fields when they’re not in use!

Concerns from Committee Members

During the meeting, some committee members raised eyebrows about how accessible these fields would actually be. “With a yearlong season for Little League, how much time can the public actually use these facilities?” they wondered. But Olson reassured everyone that the other two-thirds of the land would be dedicated to passive park space. This means lovely walking trails where locals can stroll during the day, without worrying about any games in progress.

Mixed Feelings about the Landowner

Interestingly, council member Jenny Honeycutt expressed her skepticism about the landowner’s involvement, noting that they had previously been quite critical of Charleston County. Despite her concerns, she ultimately voiced her support for the project, seeing it as a terrific opportunity to give back to the community. “I think it’s a really good program and a way to preserve land for people in that area,” she said, emphasizing the importance of supporting local kids in sports.

A Second Project on the Table

But that’s not all! Another project that got the green light was a $2.9 million proposal for a 94.4-acre property called Grayson Oaks, sitting off Humbert and Main Roads. Once again, the Lowcountry Land Trust is at the helm! If they get that final stamp of approval, they plan to maintain the agricultural use of this land, making it a beautiful and sustainable farming space.

Engagement with Agriculture and Community

Olson pointed out the significant value in keeping Grayson Oaks as farmland. “We aim to maintain it as agricultural property and connect the community through school trips, farm dinners, and tours,” she shared, highlighting plans for walking trails that could enhance mobility on Johns Island.

Looking Ahead

All eyes are now on the county council as they gear up for the final vote next week. If these projects receive the green light, we could be looking at an exciting transformation in our community’s outdoor spaces in just a few months! To find out more information about the rest of the projects in the pipeline, stay tuned for updates.

Here’s hoping for some positive news ahead. Let’s keep our fingers crossed!