The Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission is proud to announce the completion of a nature trails project at its North Charleston Wannamaker County Park. The agency was able to add and renovate a combined 2.5 miles of nature trails.
Previously, Wannamaker County Park had two miles of paved trails and limited unimproved nature trails. The improvements provide better access and maneuverability for all citizens and link these new trails with the existing nature and paved trails.
The new and renovated trails meander through a hardwood forest that includes pines, sweet gum and maple trees. In many areas, the trails run parallel to the Goose Creek Reservoir, a serene body of water filled with towering cypress trees. Sprinkled throughout the trail system are live oak clusters dating to at least 100 years.
The 2.5-mile trail renovation provided over 450 feet of new boardwalks, which make the nature walk more accessible to the public. Six new benches and two swings were installed at points along the trails to provide opportunities for rest and relaxation. Trash containers are provided along the way to keep the trails as pristine as possible. One of the most significant and visible improvements to the trail system was the installation of signage at trail intersections that inform park-goers where they are on the trail and how far they have been.
The trails were inspected by South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (SCPRT) on Aug. 18 and were given final approval on Aug. 30, 2010. Wannamaker County Park sees over 400,000 visitors per year, and with the new trails, these visitors as well as others are encouraged to embrace a more active lifestyle.
“We are very proud of the new and improved trails,” said Wannamaker County Park General Manager Edmonds Brown. “This is a project that could not have happened without the help of everyone in the agency and our volunteers, including those who worked directly on the trails, as well as those who offered support from behind the scenes.”
Wannamaker County Park contains over 1015 acres of beautiful woodlands and wetlands bordered by the Goose Creek Reservoir to the north. Approximately 350 acres of that land has been developed for public enjoyment, with the remaining property being held for future development. The park land was once part of a plantation own by the Izard family, who moved to the area in the late 17th century. CCPRC purchased the land in 1994 and opened it to the public in 1998.
Wannamaker County Park is located at 8888 University Blvd. (Highway 78) in North Charleston.
