Hampstead Park, Charleston’s Oldest, Restored and Reopened
Hampstead Park, created in 1769 and known as Charleston’s oldest public park, has been restored and is ready to reopen to the public. Dating back before America’s founding, Hampstead Park has a rich and vibrant history. Originally named after a refined British park in suburban London, it was advertised in 18th-century newspapers as a clean, grassy refuge dotted with shade trees and flowers. It was a haven for prosperous planters and merchants seeking an escape from Charleston’s bustling, often muddy streets.
Throughout the centuries, the park experienced several transformations—it burned to the ground during a war, came back to life as a multiracial immigrants’ neighborhood, and once flourished as a beloved working-class community. However, in more recent years, it faced neglect, accruing a reputation as a crime-plagued, deserted structure.
Today, the park has been lovingly restored to its original charm, thanks to the concerted efforts of a diverse coalition of dedicated neighbors, ‘garden angel’ volunteers, Reverend Mathew Rivers of St. John’s Chapel, Second Saturday volunteer cleanup groups, the Eastside Garden Club, Charleston’s Parks Conservancy, and more. This group rallied support from the city, the school district, and various nonprofit organizations. The grand reopening of the park will be celebrated on August 1st at 10:30 a.m. at 10 East Hampton Square.
Park Enhancements
A significant change includes the replacement of a locked chain-link fence, owned by Charleston County School District, which made one quad of the park inaccessible to neighbors. The fence has been replaced by a sophisticated gated wrought iron structure. The park now also boasts landscaping improvements, public Wi-Fi access, and a new amphitheater. The gated quad will be accessible to the public during non-school hours, increasing its potential as a place for community gatherings.
Residents’ Reactions
Eastside resident Steve Bailey, a Hampstead restoration volunteer, and Joe Watson, owner of Mary’s Sweet Shop and community leader, express gratitude at seeing the park’s transformation. Watson, whose mother opened the Black-owned restaurant next to Hampstead in the Jim Crow era, appreciates seeing a new generation of children playing sports, climbing over the playground, and just enjoying the park.
Despite the park’s improvements, there are still challenges to face. Charleston’s parks director, Jason Kronsberg, noted the difficulty in maintaining the park’s diverse plant selection, which includes specimens capable of blooming in the city’s tropical summers and chilly winters. Furthermore, public drinking in the park remains an issue, along with the necessary continuous effort to keeping the area clear of litter harmful to small children.
Future Plans for Hampstead Park
In spite of these challenges, the community harbors high hopes for the park’s future. Residents aspire to organize community events such as coffee hours, daylight Halloween celebrations, and neighborhood picnics to ensure the park can be enjoyed by all. The local school district is already using the park’s new amphitheater for student activities and there is the possibility of it being used for local concerts in the future. These improvements aim to make Hampstead Park a true community hub for generations to come.
