Comprehensive Plan
Parks & Recreation For All!
The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (‘CCPRC’) is a “Special Purpose District,” originally established by the South Carolina State Legislature in 1968. CCPRC’s primary function is to create and operate countywide parks and recreational programming, and provide technical assistance to other park and recreation agencies and community groups. The range of experiences and places offered within the CCPRC system make it one of the most diverse and innovative park and recreation agencies in South Carolina.
"Parks and Recreation For All!" (PARFA) is CCPRC's comprehensive plan for parks, recreation, open spaces, facilities, and trails. This plan, developed every ten years, is the guiding document for CCPRC's park system planning in Charleston County, and identifies opportunities for facility, program, and organizational enhancements, as the agency continues to uphold its reputation among residents. The PARFA Plan was informed by a collaborative process with CCRPC staff, residents, and other stakeholders.
Timeline and Schedule
This plan was developed through a four-phase process that began in November 2021, with an initial kick-off meeting held in December 2021. The planning effort included meetings with CCPRC staff and the CCPRC Commission, Steering Committee sessions, a series of public workshops, extensive community surveys, and both internal and external focus groups. Together, these efforts help CCPRC to:
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Understand existing agency resources and assets.
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Gather community and staff input about needs for programs, parks/facilities, and services.
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Establish goals and priorities for programs, parks/facilities, and services.
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Recommend strategies to accomplish those goals.
Focus Areas
The PARFA plan process was guided by five focus areas. The process used these focus areas to provide a thoughtful approach for understanding, analysis, visioning, and the creation of system-wide goals and strategies that benefit and respond to the needs of all.
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ACCESS Our parks provide high-quality experiences for all.
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RELEVANCY Our parks reflect our changing and growing communities.
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RESILIENCE Our parks celebrate and respond to our dynamic environment.
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CONNECTIVITY Our parks connect our communities to nature and to each other
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ORGANIZATIONAL HEALTH Our agency is dedicated to providing exceptional performance in service of our communities.
View the PARFA Plan Executive Summary (PDF)
Plan Engagement
The primary goal of engagement for the PARFA Plan was to facilitate a truly inclusive and community-driven planning and decision-making process that cultivates a shared vision for the future of CCPRC. This outreach plan included:
