About Us

The Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission operates over 11,000 acres of property, including regional parks, beach parks, a historic plantation site, landmark fishing piers, waterparks, boat landings, a climbing wall, a challenge course, an interpretive center, an equestrian center, cottages, a campground, a marina, and event facilities. We also offer a variety of recreational services – festivals, camps, classes, programs, and more.

Mission

The Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission will improve the quality of life in Charleston County by offering a diverse system of park facilities, programs, and services.

Vision

To be distinguished as a nationally accredited and financially sustainable park and recreation agency through our commitment to preserving our natural, historical and cultural resources, offering a clean, safe, and exceptional visitor experience that is accessible to all.

Core Values

Our core value efforts ensure a thriving park system for our children and grandchildren:

Community Enrichment - Enabling lives through education and programs
Stewardship - Preserving and conserving cultural, natural and historical resources
Fun - Delivering fun to customers
Diversity & Inclusion - Creating a park system that reflects the diversity of our community
Accessibility - Removing barriers to make programs and facilities accessible for all
Quality - Striving for quality throughout the park system
Health & Wellness - Providing and promoting healthy lifestyle opportunities
Exceptional Customer Service - Always focusing on you
Safety - Ensuring safe and secure environments
Leadership - Providing professional staff development
Building a Legacy - Maintaining a vision for the future while sustaining a healthy park system

Organizational Structure

History

The Charleston County Park, Recreation and Tourism Commission was created in 1968 as a county special purpose district by an act of the South Carolina legislature. The original act was amended in 1972, authorizing the commission to promote Charleston’s historical and tourist attractions, to create and operate countywide parks and recreation facilities, and to provide technical assistance to existing park and recreation agencies and community groups. In July 1985, the commission’s tourism function was transferred to the Charleston Trident Chamber of Commerce and the commission was renamed Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission. We represent one of the most diverse park and recreation agencies in the State of South Carolina.

The agency has specific areas of responsibility that are defined through our legislative act. The commission is charged with the responsibility to provide park and recreation services, but not to duplicate services provided by the other municipalities and special recreation districts existing in the area. As a special purpose district, we are a separate governmental entity and not a department or division of Charleston County Government, nor the State of South Carolina. As a special purpose district, Charleston County Government is not involved in our overall direction or management; however, Charleston County Council does have budgetary oversight of our tax-related budget.

One of the prime responsibilities of the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission is the development of a countywide park system. These parks are generally of a size and scope that would not be developed by other municipalities and public service districts. The park system emphasizes passive activities, outdoor recreation, environmental education, and public beach access. Each park facility offers a variety of programming generally directed toward the natural features and characteristics of the site. Our staff and commission are committed to maintaining high standards in the delivery of leisure services and facilities to the citizens of Charleston County.

Awards & Distinctions

2025

Lowcountry Parent Magazine Mom's Choice Awards: Best Holiday Event or Attraction - Holiday Festival of Lights, Best Place to Take a Hike - Caw Caw Interpretive Center, Best Place to Take a Hike - Wannamaker North Trail (Top Finalist), Best Family/Community Event - Holiday Festival of Lights, Best Horseback Riding - Mullet Hall Equestrian Center (Top Finalist), Best Rock Climbing - The Climbing Wall at James Island County Park (Top Finalist)
Charleston City Paper: Best Park - James Island County Park, Best Dog Park - James Island County Park, Best Place for Kids to Splash - James Island County Park, Best Place for Kids to Play (Runner Up) - James Island County Park, Best Ultimate Frisbee Course (Runner Up) - James Island County Park, Best Place for Kids to Splash (Runner Up) - Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark
Mount Pleasant Magazine: Best of Mount Pleasant - Best Dog Park - Palmetto Islands County Park
The Post & Courier, Charleston's Choice Awards: Best Outdoor Event - Holiday Festival of Lights, Best Family-Friendly Event - Holiday Festival of Lights, Best Park - James Island County Park, Best Dog Park - James Island County Park, Best Campground - James Island County Park Campground, Best Dog Park - Wannamaker County Park (Finalist)

2024

American Society of Landscape Architects: Honor Award for General Design of Stono River County Park
Marinas.com: Boater’s Choice Award - Cooper River County Park
Charleston City Paper: Best Park - James Island County Park, Best Place for Kids to Splash - Splash Zone Waterpark
Coastal Carolina Aquatic Association: Sportsmanship Award - West County Wahoos Swim Team
Dr. Beach: Top 10 Beaches - Kiawah Beacher Park (Fifth Place)
Lowcountry Parent Magazine Mom's Choice Awards: Best Family/Community Event - Holiday Festival of Lights, Best Family Run/Walk - Holiday Festival of Lights Family Fun Run & Walk, Best Holiday Event or Attraction - Holiday Festival of Lights, Best Place to Take a Hike - Caw Caw Interpretive Center, Best Place to Take a Hike - Laurel Hill County Park (Finalist), Best Place to Wear Out Your Kid - Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark at Wannamaker County Park, Best Rock Climbing - The Climbing Wall at James Island County Park
The Post & Courier, Charleston's Choice Awards: Best Campground - James Island County Park, Best Dog Park - James Island County Park, Best Park - James Island County Park, Best Family-Friendly Event - Holiday Festival of Lights (Finalist), Best Dog Park - Wannamaker County Park (Finalist)
USA Today 10 Best Reader's Choice Travel Awards: Best Dog Park (Sixth Place) - James Island County Park
Mount Pleasant Magazine: Best of Mount Pleasant - Best Dog Park - Palmetto Islands County Park, Best Playground (Finalist) - Palmetto Islands County Park

2023

American Marketing Association SPARK! Awards: Best Collateral - Start Your Adventure General Agency Brochure, Best Non-Traditional Marketing - the Queso Lazy River phenomenon
Boater's Choice Award from Marinas.com and Dockwa: Cooper River County Park
Coastal Carolina Aquatic Association: Sportsmanship Award - West County Wahoos Swim Team
Dr. Beach: Top 10 Beaches - Kiawah Beacher Park (Eighth Place)
Lowcountry Parent Magazine Mom's Choice Awards: Family Recreation Center - Charleston County Parks (Finalist), Best Family Event - Holiday Festival of Lights, Lowcountry Parent Magazine's Mom's Choice Awards: Best Family Run/Walk - Holiday Festival of Lights Fun Run
Summerville Journal Scene Reader's Choice Awards: Best Dog Park - Wannamaker County Park
The Post & Courier, Charleston's Choice Awards: Best Family-Friendly Event - Holiday Festival of Lights, Best Lowcountry Event - Holiday Festival of Lights, Best Outdoor Event - Holiday Festival of Lights, Best Dog Park - James Island County Park, Best Park - James Island County Park, Best Dog Park - Palmetto Islands County Park (Finalist), Best Dog Park - Wannamaker County Park (Finalist)
Mount Pleasant Magazine: Best of Mount Pleasant - Best Dog Park - Palmetto Islands County Park, Best of Mount Pleasant - Best Place for a Run (Finalist) - Palmetto Islands County Park

2022

American Society of Landscape Architects: Honor Award for Analysis & Planning of Old Towne Creek County Park
American Marketing Association SPARK! Awards: Best E-newsletter, Best Social Media Presence
Best of Berkeley Winners: Best Dog Park - Wannamaker County Park
Boater's Choice Award from Marinas.com and Dockwa: Cooper River County Park
Charleston City Paper Best Of: Best Park - James Island County Park , Best Place for Family Fun - James Island County Park, Best Place for Kids to Play - James Island County Park
Dr. Beach: Top 10 Beaches - Kiawah Beachwalker Park
Moultrie News Best of the Best: Best Dog Park - Palmetto Islands County Park, Best Family Entertainment and Summer Camp, (Runner-Up) - Palmetto Islands County Park
Mount Pleasant Magazine, Best of Mount Pleasant: Best Dog Park - Palmetto Islands, Top Place to Go for a Run (Finalist) - Palmetto Islands, Top Playground (Finalist) - Palmetto Islands
Summerville Journal Scene Reader's Choice Awards: Best Dog Park - Wannamaker County Park
The Post & Courier, Charleston's Choice Awards: Adventure Activity Business - Caw Caw Interpretive Center (Finalist), Best Birthday Party Venue - Charleston County Parks, Pet-Friendly Event - Dog Day Afternoon (Finalist), Best Family-Friendly Event - Holiday Festival of Lights, Best Lowcountry Event - Holiday Festival of Lights, Best Outdoor Event - Holiday Festival of Lights, Best Dog Park - James Island County Park, Best Park - James Island County Park (Finalist), Best Campground - James Island County Park Campground, Best Dog Park - Palmetto Islands County Park (Finalist), Best Dog Park - Wannamaker County Park (Finalist), Best Place to Wear Out Your Kid - Wannamaker County Park (Finalist)

2021

American Marketing Association SPARK! Awards: Best E-newsletter, Best Social Media Presence (Finalist), Best Illustration (Finalist)
Charleston City Paper Best Of: Best Park - James Island County Park, Best Public Space - James Island County Park, Best Place for Kids to Play - James Island County Park
USA Today 10 Best Reader's Choice Travel Awards: Best Campground (Third Place) - James Island County Park Campground

2020

Mount Pleasant Magazine Best Dog Park: Palmetto Island County Park
Government Technology’s Special Districts Technology Innovation Award
Lehman Award for Park Foundation Excellence

2019

Nationally Accredited by Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies
International Coalition of Sites of Conscience: McLeod Plantation Historic Site and Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Spirit of Cooperation Award by Community Pride, Inc. of Charleston County
Starfish Aquatics 5 Star Waterpark Award
United States Lifesaving Association Gold Seal Award for Junior Guard Program
United States Lifesaving Association Advanced Certified Agency
Mount Pleasant Magazine Best Boat Ramp: Remley’s Point, Best Place to Fish: Mount Pleasant Pier, Best Dog Park: Palmetto Island County Park
USA Today Nations Best Campground: James Island County Park
Campendium Best County Park Camping: James Island County Park
Campendium Campers Choice: James Island County Park
Charleston City Paper “Best of” Award for Best Park & Best Place for Family Fun: James Island County Park
Certified South Carolina Clean Marina: Cooper River County Park

2018

Starfish Aquatics 5 Star Waterpark Award
United States Lifesaving Association Gold Seal Award for Junior Guard Program
United States Lifesaving Association Advanced Certified Agency
Mount Pleasant Magazine Best Place to View the Ravenel Bridge: Mount Pleasant Pier
Campendium Campers Choice: James Island County Park
Charleston City Paper “Best of” Award for Best Park & Best Place for Family Fun: James Island County Park
Certified South Carolina Clean Marina: Cooper River County Park

2017

American Society of Civil Engineers, South Carolina Project of the Year: SK8 Charleston
The United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship Certification of Registration of Apprenticeship Program
South Atlantic Lifesaving Association Lifeguard Championships: 2nd Place
The Post & Courier Charleston’s Choice Winner: best dog park: James Island County Park Dog Park, best campground: Campground at James Island County Park, best park: James Island County Park, finalist for best Lowcountry event: Holiday Festival of Lights, finalist for best dog park: Palmetto Islands County Park Dog Park, finalist for best dog park: Wannamaker County Park Dog Park, finalist for best pet-friendly event: Yappy Hour, finalist for best birthday party venue: Charleston County Parks
The Independent 10 of the Most Important Civil Rights Sites in the USA: McLeod Plantation Historic Site

2016

United States Lifesaving Association Beach Safety Challenge Award
United States Lifesaving Association Gold Seal Award for Junior Guard Program
South Atlantic Lifesaving Association Lifeguard Championships: 4th Place
Starfish Aquatics 5-Star Waterpark Award
Ducks Unlimited Diamond Life Sponsor Award
The Post & Courier Charleston’s Choice Winner for best dog park: James Island County Park Dog Park, best campground: Campground at James Island County Park, best park: James Island County Park, best fishing spot: Folly Beach Fishing Pier, best Lowcountry event: Holiday Festival of Lights, best dog park: Palmetto Islands County Park Dog Park, best dog park: Wannamaker County Park Dog Park, best park: Wannamaker County Park, best pet-friendly event: Dog Day Afternoon, best birthday party venue: Charleston County Parks, best summer camp: Charleston County Adventure Camp
Government Social Media LLC Second Place for Government Use of Humor on Social Media

2015

United States Lifesaving Association Beach Safety Challenge Award
United States Lifesaving Association Gold Seal Award for Junior Guard Program
South Carolina Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects Merit Award for the Stono River County Park Master Plan
Outstanding Composting or Organics Recycling Program - Carolina Recycling Association
Best Restored Beach Award by the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association: Folly Beach County Park
Charleston City Paper Best Of: James Island County Park - Best Park and Best Place for Family Fun,
Lowcountry Parent Mom’s Choice Awards: James Island County Park - Runner up for Best Attraction or Park, Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark - Runner up for Best Place to Wear Out Your Kid
Berkeley Independent Best of Berkeley: North Charleston Wannamaker County Park - Best Park
Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beaches in America - Kiawah Beachwalker Park

2014

Nationally Accredited by Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies
United States Lifesaving Association Beach Safety Challenge Award
United States Lifesaving Association Gold Seal Award for Junior Guard Program
Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects Merit Award for the McLeod Plantation Master Plan
Dedication to REACH Program from College of Charleston
South Carolina Smart Business Recycling Award, SC DHEC Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling
Lowcountry Parent Mom’s Award
Mount Pleasant Pier - Community Pride Captain Pride Award
Ashley Cooper Stormwater Education Consortium Carolina Clear Partner
Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beaches in America - Kiawah Beachwalker Park
USA Today 10 Best Reader’s Choice Award: 3rd Place, Holiday Festival of Lights

2013

Historic Charleston Foundation Robert N.S. and Patti Foos Whitelaw Founders Award for strategic acquisition and protection of historically important places in the Lowcountry for the McLeod Plantation and Ashem Property projects
Preservation Society of Charleston Pro Merito Award for the stabilization project at McLeod Plantation
Mount Pleasant Magazine: Best Playground - Splash Island Waterpark
Charleston City Paper Best Place for Family Fun: James Island County Park
Holiday Festival of Lights - Top 20 Events in Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society
Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beaches in America - Kiawah Beachwalker Park
United States Lifesaving Association Beach Safety Challenge award
United States Lifesaving Association "Gold Seal" award for Junior Lifeguard program

2012

Community Pride of Charleston County Pride Award for Lowcountry Cajun Festival
Wannamaker County Park - Best of Berkeley County Parks Runner-up by the Berkeley County Gazette and The Berkeley Independent
Wannamaker County Park - Best of Berkeley County Dog Park Runner-up by the Berkeley County Gazette and The Berkeley Independent
Holiday Festival of Lights - Top 100 Events - by the American Bus Association
James Island County Park - Best Park by Charleston City Paper
James Island County Park - Best Place for Family Fun by Charleston City Paper
Holiday Festival of Lights - Top 10 Light Show
Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beaches in America - Kiawah Beachwalker Park
United States Lifesaving Association Beach Safety Challenge award

2011

Wannamaker County Park - Best of Berkeley County Parks Runner-up by the Berkeley County Gazette and The Berkeley Independent
Lowcountry Leaders in Event Recycling Award for Lowcountry Cajun Festival Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark
Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark - Top 5 Best Public Waterparks by Waterparks & Resorts Today/Aquatics International
Isle of Palms County Park - Best of Berkeley County Award for Best Lowcountry Beach by the Berkeley County Gazette and The Berkeley Independent
James Island County Park - Best Park by Charleston City Paper
Top 10 Light Show - Holiday Festival of Lights
Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beaches in America - Kiawah Beachwalker Park
Campground at James Island County Park - Woodalls 4 Diamond Rating
Campground at James Island County Park - Good Sams Club Top 100 Park
United States Lifesaving Association Beach Safety Challenge award

2010

Wannamaker County Park - Best of Berkeley County Award by the Berkeley County Gazette and The Berkeley Independent
Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark - Top 5 Best Public Waterparks by Waterparks & Resorts Today/Aquatics International
James Island County Park - Best Park by Charleston City Paper
Outstanding Leadership Environmental Education Award for the Master Naturalist Program
Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beaches in America - Kiawah Beachwalker Park
United States Lifesaving Association Beach Safety Challenge award

2009

Community Pride, Inc. of Charleston County Captain’s Pride Award for Sound Environmental Stewardship Efforts and New Initiatives
United States Lifesaving Association National Award for beach safety awareness
Wannamaker County Park - Best of Berkeley County Award by the Berkeley County Gazette and The Berkeley Independent
Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beaches in America - Kiawah Beachwalker Park
United States Lifesaving Association Beach Safety Challenge award
Merit Award from American Society of Landscape Architects for Historic Battlefield Parks Master Plan

2008

ADDY Award for "Let Yourself Go" campaign
Association for Outdoor Recreation Education David J. Webb Award for our Outdoor Recreation Program
Dr. Beach’s Top 10 Beaches in America - Kiawah Beachwalker Park

2006

James Island County Park - Best Park by Charleston City Paper
James Island County Park - Best Place for Family Fun by Charleston City Paper

2005

Federal Secretary of the Interior National Trails Designation awarded to Mullet Hall
James Island County Park - Best Place to Walk Your Dog by Charleston City Paper
James Island County Park - Best Park by Charleston City Paper
U.S. Department of the Interior and National Parks Service National Trail Designation at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center

2004

Platinum 2003 Award from Ellis & Associates for safety
National Afterschool Award for Community Education Program
James Island County Park - Best Park by Charleston City Paper
James Island County Park - Best Place to Walk Your Dog by Charleston City Paper
National Recreation & Park Association National Aquatic Branch "Excellence in Aquatics Class II" Award
Folly Beach Fishing Pier - Best Fishing Spot by Charleston City Paper

2003

Charleston Soil and Water Conservation District Conservationist of the Year - Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Folly Beach Fishing Pier - Best Fishing Spot by Charleston City Paper

2001

James Island County Park - Best Place for Family Fun by Charleston City Paper
Folly Beach Fishing Pier - Best Fishing Spot by Charleston City Paper

2000

Historic Preservation Award Presented by Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation, SC Department of Archives and History, and the Office of the Governor
Folly Beach Fishing Pier - Best Fishing Spot by Charleston City Paper

1997

Merit Award from American Society of Landscape Architects for North Charleston Wannamaker County Park master plan

1996

World Waterpark Association Commitment to Excellence Award
South Carolina Chapter of the American Institute of Architects award for the design of the Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Merit Award from South Carolina Chapter of American Society of Landscape Architects for Caw Caw Interpretive Center (unbuilt category)

1995

South Carolina Recreation & Parks Association Art and Humanities Award for Festival Hispano

1994

Southeastern Tourism Society Award for the Holiday Festival of Lights
South Carolina Recreation & Parks Association Award for the Cajun Festival
Recognition of James Island County Park by MUSC for Rehabilitation Week and by the City of Charleston for handicapped accessibility

1993

ADDY award for full-page, 4 color ad in the Post and Courier

1989

National Community Education Association Outstanding Community Organization Award

1984

Several ADDY Awards

1980

South Carolina Association of Community Education Allied Organization Award for the cooperative efforts between the Charleston County School Board and County PRT towards the Community Education/Recreation Program in Charleston County
35th Annual South Carolina Recreation and Park Society Special Recognition Award for outstanding contributions to leisure services in South Carolina

1979

Charleston Pride special award for the care taken in preserving the natural environment during the development of Palmetto Islands County Park
South Carolina Overall Recreation Plan (SCORP) Exchange Council Award for the development of Palmetto Islands County Park

1978

Governor’s Conference on Travel Most Outstanding Community Sponsored Event of 1977 for Miss USA pageant