What’s Happening – Charleston Parks
What’s Happening In Your Parks – Charleston County Parks
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What’s Happening In Your Parks – Charleston County Parks
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Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Charleston Harbor Marina
Salty Southeast Cruisers Net Sponsor Charleston County Cooper River Marina has provided this helpful information for your visit to Charleston this Spring and Summer.
Public Contact: 843-795-4386 / www.charlestoncountyparks.com
Media Contact: Sarah Reynolds / (843) 762-8089 / sarah.reynolds@ccprc.com
Read this online: www.ccprc.com/newsreleases
[JAMES ISLAND] –Charleston County Parks kicks off the 2025 Reggae Nights Concert Summer Series at James Island County Park on Friday, May 30! The first concert this year will feature the Atlanta-based Black Lion Reggae Band.
The Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series at James Island County Park features traditional old-school roots reggae with a new-school attitude in a beautiful outdoor setting. Gates open for the event at 7:30 p.m. and music begins at 8 p.m. Event gates will close to incoming traffic at 10:30 p.m. and music will end at 11 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs for seating in the park meadow.
The 2025 Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series lineup is:
The Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series is open to all ages. A variety of food options from local food trucks and vendors, as well as beverages (beer, wine and Pepsi products) are available for purchase on site. Crafters and vendors will also be on site with souvenirs and gifts available for purchase.
Advance tickets are $20 per vehicle (up to 15 people) and available at CharlestonCountyParks.com (direct link). Tickets purchased at the event will be $30 per vehicle (up to 15 people). Gold Pass holders will be admitted free when presenting their pass at the gate, if space is available.
The Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series takes place in the park meadow, and guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs, blankets, etc. Concerts will take place rain or shine. No outside alcohol or coolers are permitted into the event. Dogs are welcome, but must remain leashed at all times.
James Island County Park is located at 871 Riverland Drive. For more information on the Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com (direct link) or call (843) 795-4386. The Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series is brought to you by your Charleston County Parks.
The mission of the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) is to improve the quality of life in Charleston County by offering a diverse system of park facilities, programs and services. The large park system features over 11,000 acres of property and includes six regional parks, a skate park, three beach parks, four seasonally-lifeguarded beach areas, three dog parks, two landmark fishing piers, three waterparks, 19 boat landings, a climbing wall, a challenge course, an interpretive center, a historic plantation site, an equestrian center, cottages, a campground, a marina, as well as wedding, meeting and event facilities. The park system also offers a wide variety of recreational services – festivals, camps, classes, programs, and more. For more information on CCPRC, call 843-795-4386 or visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.
High Resolution photos available upon request
Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission / 861 Riverland Drive / Charleston, SC 29412 / (843) 795-4386
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Salty Southeast Cruisers Net Sponsor Charleston County Cooper River Marina has provided this helpful information for your visit to Charleston County’s Beach Parks this Spring and Summer.
NEWS RELEASE
Public Contact: 843-795-4386 / www.charlestoncountyparks.com
Media Contact: Sarah Reynolds / (843) 762-8089 / sarah.reynolds@ccprc.com
Read this online: www.ccprc.com/newsreleases
Photos and video available
Charleston County Waterparks to open for weekends starting May 17
(CHARLESTON COUNTY) – The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) will open its three waterparks – Splash Island in Mount Pleasant, Splash Zone on James Island, and Whirlin’ Waters in North Charleston – as well as the pool at the West County Aquatic Center in Hollywood, for weekends only starting May 17. Daily operations will begin on May 30. The parks’ hours will vary this year; see schedule below for details.
A schedule for each park’s operations is as follows*:
– Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark:
Open weekends only starting May 17; Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Open daily from May 30 – Aug. 10; weekends from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and weekdays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Monday – Friday)
Open weekends only starting Aug. 11 and closing after Labor Day, Sept. 1
– Splash Island Waterpark and Splash Zone Waterpark:
Open weekends only starting May 17; Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1 – 6 p.m.
Open daily from May 30 – Aug. 3; Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sundays from 1 – 6 p.m.; weekdays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Close for the season after Aug. 3
– West County Aquatic Center:
Open weekends only starting May 17; Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sundays from 1 – 6 p.m.
Open daily from May 30 – Aug. 10; Saturdays and weekdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; and Sundays 1 – 6 p.m.
Open weekends only starting Aug. 11 and closing after Labor Day, Sept. 1
*Parks are open on Memorial Day and some holidays have different hours; please visit CharlestonCountyParks.com (direct link) for a full daily schedule and hours of operation for each park before planning your visit. Schedules are subject to change.
Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park is the largest of CCPRC’s three waterparks. Whirlin’ Waters features unique activities for all ages with attractions including a 60-foot-tall multi-person slide The Washout, plus the Big Splash Tree House, Rollin’ River lazy river, Big Kahuna wave pool, Tubular Twister slides, Rip Tide Run mat racer slide and Otter Bay kiddie area.
Splash Zone Waterpark is located within James Island County Park. It offers two 200-foot-long slides, a large leisure pool, a 500-foot-long lazy river with sprays and waterfalls, and a family play complex called The Rainforest that features slides, buckets and sprays.
Splash Island Waterpark, located within Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park, provides hours of fun for toddlers to pre-teenage children. Attractions include a 200-foot-long body flume, activity pool, a 16-foot-long otter slide, sprays, geysers, raindrop waterfalls and more.
The waterparks also offer a full range of amenities including concessions, lockers, lounge chairs, showers and restrooms. Each waterpark is staffed with certified lifeguards. Birthday party packages are also available. Admission fees vary, and Splash Passes for all-season waterpark access are available for sale now at CharlestonCountyParks.com.
The West County Aquatic Center offers a 6,000-square-foot seasonal outdoor pool for beginner and seasoned swimmers. It also offers programming including swimming lessons, fitness programs and a competitive swim team.
For more information on the waterparks or West County Aquatic Center, and a full daily schedule of operations for each park, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com or call 843-795-4386.
Some openings are still available for seasonal lifeguard and other park positions. Charleston County Parks’ jobs offer competitive pay and great benefits. For a list of open positions and to apply, visit ccprc.com/jobs.
Splash Zone Waterpark, Splash Island Waterpark, Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark and the West County Aquatic Center are all owned and operated by CCPRC. The mission of CCPRC is to improve the quality of life in Charleston County by offering a diverse system of park facilities, programs and services. The large park system features over 11,000 acres of property and includes six regional parks, three beach parks, three dog parks, a skate park, two landmark fishing piers, three waterparks, 19 boat landings, a climbing wall, a challenge course, an interpretive center, a historic plantation site, an equestrian center, cottages, a campground, a marina, as well as wedding, meeting and event facilities. CCPRC also offers a wide variety of recreational services – festivals, camps, classes, programs, volunteer opportunities, and more. For more information, call 843-795-4386 or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com.
1. RAMSHORN CREEK LIGHT 39 (LLNR 35825) IS RPTD OFF STATION. ALL MARINERS ARE REQUESTED TO TRANSIT THE AREA WITH CAUTION.
![]() 1. WADAMALAW RIVER DAYBEACON 95 (LLNR 34915) RPTD MISSING. ALL MARINERS ARE REQUESTED TO TRANSIT THE AREA WITH CAUTION. BT |
Salty Southeast Cruisers Net Sponsor Charleston County Cooper River Marina has provided this helpful information for your visit to Charleston County’s Beach Parks this Spring and Summer
NEWS RELEASE
Public Contact: 843-795-4386 / www.charlestoncountyparks.com
Media Contact: Sarah Reynolds / (843) 762-8089 / sarah.reynolds@ccprc.com
Read this online: www.ccprc.com/newsreleases
Make your visit to the Charleston County Beach Parks a Breeze! Tips for a great beach park experience
(CHARLESTON COUNTY) – With spring break upon us and summer just around the corner, many locals and tourists will soon flock to the Lowcountry’s beaches. Charleston County Parks encourages beachgoers to familiarize themselves with important information and best practices to ensure the most enjoyable and safe time at our local beach parks.
The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) operates Folly Beach County Park, Isle of Palms County Park, and Kiawah Beachwalker Park. From spring break through September, the beaches are quieter on weekdays, with Fridays, weekends and holidays seeing large crowds. CCPRC encourages beachgoers to take note of the following tips and important information:
Park Capacity
While approaching the islands, CCPRC encourages drivers look for digital highway signs denoting beach parking capacity. The status of the parking lot for CCPRC’s beach parks will be updated in real time by staff, so guests know before they reach the park if parking is full.
Kiawah Beachwalker Park has 150 parking spots and usually fills to capacity by 10:30 a.m. in the summer. The Town of Kiawah prohibits vehicles from idling or parking outside the entrance to Kiawah Beachwalker Park. When the park is full, staff can add guests to a virtual line. Text notifications alert customers as they move to the front of the queue. Parking for buses, RVs and campers is not guaranteed.
Isle of Palms County Park has 445 parking spots and usually fills to capacity by 10:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays, with spots often becoming available again in the late afternoon. When parking is full, police will allow up to about 20 vehicles to wait in line for spaces to open. Once the turn lane outside the park is full, police direct vehicles to move to other parking areas not operated by CCPRC. Be aware of City of Isle of Palms parking ordinances. And note that there are only two lanes of traffic leaving Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island. On a crowded day, if weather or another event causes many people to try leaving the islands at once, traffic will back up, and it could take up to two hours for the park to empty. The free CARTA Beach Reach Shuttle is another way to access Isle of Palms County Park.
Folly Beach County Park has 225 parking spots and usually fills to capacity by 10:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays, with spots often becoming available again in the late afternoon. When the parking lot is full, look for City of Folly Beach parking lots on West Ashley Ave. to prevent blocking roads and driveways. Review City of Folly Beach parking ordinances in order to avoid being towed or ticketed.
The beach surrounding the Folly Beach Pier can be a troublesome location for rip currents. Staff at the pier frequently respond to emergencies when patrons swim too close to the pier and get caught in rip currents. When swimming in the vicinity of a pier, stay at least 200 feet away from the structure. Also, learn how to spot a rip current and how to escape them by swimming parallel to the shore. Learn more on the USLA website at https://www.usla.org/page/RIPCURRENTS.
Pets on the Beach
Pets must always remain leashed within the beach parks, but are not permitted on the Folly Beach or Mount Pleasant Piers. Each municipality has their own ordinances pertaining to dogs on the beach:
City of Folly Beach, City of Isle of Palms, Town of Kiawah Island
Alcohol & Smoking
Possession of alcohol, consumption of alcohol, and smoking, vaping and tobacco use are prohibited at CCPRC beach parks.
Additional beach park rules and information can be read on the parks’ webpages: https://ccprc.com/3222/Beach-Parks
Other safety tips
Other Resources
Keep up to date on the latest beach traffic reports by downloading the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Government’s Beach Reach app, available for Apple and Android. Also consider taking the free CARTA’s Beach Reach Shuttle to Isle of Palms County Park.
For more information on Charleston County Parks beach parks and safety, call 843-795-4386 or visit CharlestonCountyParks.com (direct link: https://ccprc.com/3222/Beach-Parks).
High Resolution Photos Available Upon Request
861 Riverland Drive / Charleston, South Carolina 29412 / (843) 795-4386
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Russ on M/V Twin Sisters has this helpful advice for cruisers: While at the marina in Beaufort, SC & listening to the Lady’s
Island Bridge on channel 9, it appears most sailboats have the incorrect opening schedule of (the old) openings on the top of the hour.
Per the bridge tender on weekdays (weekends may be different):
NO openings between 6:00 – 9:30 AM or 3:30 – 7:00 PM.
Between 9:30 – 3:30, openings at every :30 (on the HALF hour).
Before 6:00 AM & after 7:00 PM on request. This is pretty extreme & may change, so if in doubt, the bridge tender can be reached at (843)521-2111.
ALL VESSELS: Pass thru the northern (Beaufort town side) opening ONLY as the other pass has serious damage to the fender system which could damage your hull. The height boards on both sides were also damaged & now missing.
From Post & Courier newspaper’s facebook page: Abandoned boats are a growing problem in Charleston’s rivers, creeks and waterways. A local nonprofit teamed up with county and state agencies to remove and destroy two from the Stono River.
Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/4dpn2nmt or https://www.facebook.com/reel/594512623496684
Harbor clearance plays a critical role in maintaining the safety, efficiency, and ecological balance of maritime environments. Whether following natural disasters, vessel groundings, or routine dredging operations, harbor clearance ensures that ports and shipping lanes remain navigable and free from hazardous debris.
Modern clearance operations use a blend of traditional diving techniques and advanced technologies such as sonar mapping, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and specialized salvage equipment. These tools allow teams to quickly assess underwater obstructions, prioritize removal efforts, and minimize disruptions to port operations. Precision is crucial—not only for the restoration of maritime traffic but also for protecting delicate marine ecosystems.
Strategically, harbor clearance is essential to global trade and national security. Blocked ports can cause significant economic losses, delay critical supplies, and pose threats to environmental health if hazardous materials are involved. As such, clearance operations often align closely with government compliance standards, environmental protection regulations, and maritime safety protocols.
Today’s harbor clearance teams are multidisciplinary, combining expertise in commercial diving, engineering, environmental science, and logistics management. Innovations in salvage technology, such as high-capacity lift bags and hybrid-powered underwater vehicles, are enhancing capabilities and reducing operational footprints.
With increasing climate risks—such as stronger storms and rising sea levels—harbor clearance efforts are becoming more frequent and complex. Forward-thinking strategies that integrate resilience planning and sustainable practices are critical to ensure the longevity and safety of the world’s maritime infrastructure.
Source: https://resolvemarine.com/services-capabilities/government-relations
Alas, blocked by a paywall.
Derelict boats are an ongoing issue in almost all states. Below is a link to an ABC News article on how South Carolina targets derelict boats with new legislation to protect waterways
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This new bridge crosses the Ashley River just west of City Marina and does not cross the ICW. Not to be confused with Wapoo Creek Bridge which does cross the ICW.
MSIB 03-25 Ashley River Crossing
Our thanks to Ted Arisaka for this good news for SC boaters.
Winter Weather Closure Notice
Parks Reopening After Winter Weather
With the exception of those noted below, all Charleston County Parks and facilities will open at 12 p.m. on Sunday, January 26.
The following will remain closed on Sunday due to ice accumulation:
– Palmetto Islands County Park
– Mount Pleasant Pier
– McLeod Plantation Historic Site
– SK8 Charleston
– The Outdoor Zone (Climbing Wall & Disc Golf Course) at James Island County Park
Please visit our alert center (https://ccprc.com/
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adrotate banner=’477′] Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, sits on the Mount Pleasant side of Charleston Harbor, hard by Patriots Point between Horse Reach’s flashing buoys #34 and #36.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Charleston Harbor Marina
![]() 1. CHARLESTON HARBOR CHANNEL LIGHTED BELL BUOY 22 (LLNR 2440 [32°44.4254N / 079°50.6794W, 32.740424 / -79.844657]) IS OFF STATION. ALL MARINERS ARE REQUESTED TO TRANSIT THE AREA WITH CAUTION. |
February Events and Programs in your Charleston County Parks!
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This Safety Zone is just north of the AICW’s east-west path through Charleston Harbor.
Marine Safety Information Bulletin
U.S. Coast Guard MSIB Number: 01-25
Sector Charleston Date: January 16, 2025
Waterways Management Division
1050 Register Street
North Charleston, SC 29405
E-Mail: CharlestonWaterways@uscg.mil
SECURITY ZONE – Charleston Harbor
Charleston, SC
On Sunday, January 19, 2025, from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m., a security zone will be in effect for certain waters
of the Cooper River adjacent to the International African American Museum in Charleston, SC. The security
zone will encompass all waters within an area approximately 680 yards long and 500 yards wide. No vessels or
persons are permitted within the security zone unless authorized by official patrol. Official patrol may be
contacted via VHF radio channel 16. Mariners are encouraged to plan transits accordingly to avoid unnecessary
disruptions.
This MSIB can be viewed at https://homeport.uscg.mil/port-directory/charleston. For questions or concerns
regarding this MSIB, please contact the Sector Charleston 24-hour Command Center at (843) 740-7050.
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