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1. When are the dog parks closed for maintenance?

The off-leash dog parks are closed for routine maintenance for a couple of hours each week:

• Wannamaker: Closed each Monday until 10 a.m.
• James Island: Closed each Wednesday until 9 a.m
• Palmetto Islands: Closed each Wednesday until 9 a.m.

2. Is the water quality of the lake at James Island County Park monitored?

At Charleston County Parks, we responsibly and safely monitor our natural recourses within our park system. The dog park at James Island County Park is situated on a peninsula that is surrounded by a retention pond that does not drain into storm water sewers. In addition, riparian buffers were created along the retention pond border. These buffers help protect the water from the impact of the adjacent land. Our staff worked with the S.C. Department of Health & Environmental Control (DHEC) prior to opening the dog park. We have contracted the services of a pond management company to conduct water quality tests multiple times throughout the year to ensure that we meet DHEC standards for recreational use for dogs and people

3. Do you have a warning about alligators?

Alligators are a natural, normal, and important part of wetlands along the coast of South Carolina. Usually docile creatures, these reptiles can become aggressive as an unintended result of being fed by people. Once the alligator associates people with food, it must be killed. Remember: A fed gator is a dead gator. For this reason, the S.C. Dept. of Natural Resources can fine up to $2,000 and imprison anyone feeding, harassing, or approaching an alligator.

4. Is the dog park the only area where my dog can be off-leash?

Exercising, sniffing, and playing off-leash are important to a dog’s sense of well-being. Your county park system is proud to provide these facilities for our pooch patrons in several county parks. However, once your pet leaves the dog park, it must be leashed at all times.

A leashed pet is not likely to:

Stress songbirds & other wildlife.

Be harmed or killed by poisonous plants, venomous snakes, ticks, or vehicles.

Ruin the outing of another visitor who does not understand how lovable your pet is.