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.
From our busy iconic parks to hidden neighborhood gems, your donation has a lasting impact on how Charleston thrives. Thanks to you, we are working to transform Charleston’s parks and green spaces into even more thriving, welcoming spaces.
Seasonal displays at Rose Pavilion, Marion Square, Hazel Parker and Tiedemann Nature Center have brought vibrant color making these beloved parks even more inviting year-round.
The revitalization of Vangie Rainsford Park includedclearing out overgrown plants and the addition of shade-loving annuals and perennials.
Mitigating flood waters with the installation of bioswales at Tiedemann Park & Nature Center.
Supporting the urban eco-corridor with the installation of a pollinator habitat at Corrine Jones Park & Community Garden.
The revitalization of Wragg Square brought new life to this historic park, with reimagined gardens and restored pathways, creating a welcoming space for community events.
Expanding our donation programs through the installation of the Mulberry Park Food Forest & the cut flower garden at Magnolia Community Garden.
We’re Not Stopping
In 2025, we’re taking on even bigger projects like the revitalization of 3 acres of gardens at Colonial Lake, which is underway and will be completed next year. Allan Park will be getting a refresh and we are thrilled to expand our urban garden program to Shaw Community Center with the installation of fruit trees and teaching vegetable beds.
With 90% of the Conservancy’s annual funding relying on the generosity of donors like you – your continued support is critical to allowing these projects to come to fruition. Consider a donation today to help keep Charleston’s parks blooming.
The Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the people of Charleston to connect with their parks and create stunning public places and a strong community. The Conservancy secures 90% of the funding required to maintain 26 parks across the city through private and corporate donations, while the City of Charleston covers 10% of costs. The Conservancy team provides year-round park care, with a focus on strategic seasonal plantings, major park revitalizations, and sustainable maintenance. In 2024 alone, the organization planted over 46,000 plants and 1,000 trees, donated two tons of fresh produce and 1,200 fresh flower bouquets grown in its parks and gardens, and advocated for the vital role of parks in urban life. Through 180 hours annually of free programming including popular events like the Teddy Bear Picnic, the Conservancy cultivates vibrant, welcoming green spaces that serve as hubs for recreation, relaxation, and community connection.Read More.
When parks thrive, people thrive. Donate today to make an impact in our community.
On November 2, go big or gourd home! Hitch a hay ride, decorate a pumpkin, dance to live bluegrass music, dig into a plate of Carolina barbeque and enjoy all the fall fun at our annual Harvest Festival!
Two Weeks and Counting…
Join in the countdown to the 2024 Holiday Festival of Lights! We’re flipping the switch and opening the gates to the public on November 15. Don’t wait, get your tickets today!
Enter the Dragon
Add a new favorite to your annual holiday traditions: seeing the Holiday Festival of Lights from a dragon boat! Get a hands-on introduction to this ancient sport on the James Island County Park lake, then let us treat you to a hot chocolate and free admission to the festival. These boats fill up fast, so reserve your paddle now!
Bird By Bird
Escape to a stunning natural wonderland – without ever leaving the Lowcountry. On November 8, join our birding expert for a walk through Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve, where a rich diversity of birds make their homes within the protected marshland and maritime forest habitats.
Good as Gold
Already stressing about your holiday shopping? Make the gift-giving season easier on yourself when you give the Gold Pass! From your Secret Santa to your dog sitter to your neighbor who helped you clean up after the storm, everyone can enjoy a year in the parks with this one-size-fits-all present.
Cooler days + changing leaves = the perfect fall run. On November 2, celebrate the season with a 5K through scenic Laurel Hill County Park. After the race, reward yourself with a hearty cup of chili! Register today to claim your spot at the starting line.
Join us this upcoming weekend for an afternoon filled with live tunes from Idlewild Revival, an Allman Brothers tribute band. It’s the perfect way to spend a fall day at Palmetto Islands County Park.
Spooky Moves
Boo! It’s officially October which means our Trick, Treat, And Trail Family Fun Run Walk And Stroll is just a few weeks away on October 26! So bring out your family in their best costumes for a day full of fun including trick-or-treating, ghoulish music, face painting, jump castles, refreshments, and more.
A Seashore Stroll
Mourning the end of beach season? Not so fast! Fall’s a great time to explore our local shorelines, and our trained naturalist can help you see the beach in a new light. Join us this season for a Seashore Exploration!
Gator Tales
That smile! Those eyes! Search out the alligators of Wannamaker County Park to get the 411 on these fascinating creatures. On October 22, learn how they earned the title of keystone species…and everything else you need to know to admire them – from a safe distance, of course!
One Fish, Two Fish
Skip your Saturday to-do list and hang a “gone fishin'” sign on the door. On October 12, bring your rod and reel to the Folly Beach Pier for another Cast Off Fishing Tournament. Anglers ages 3 and up are welcome; no preregistration necessary!
Park Notice
On Sunday, October 13, Palmetto Islands County Park will be closed until 4:30 p.m. so that we may host the Palmetto Park Jam. For ticketed guests, the park gates open at 11 a.m.
Cruisers Net is proud to be a member of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association whose lobbying work is crucial to keeping the Waterway navigable and safe. Your membership dollars directly support their vital work. Please join and encourage your boating neighbors to do likewise, regardless of their homeport.
One month away! AIWA’s 25th Anniversary Annual Meeting November 18-20, 2024 Charleston, SC
The AIWA’s 25th Anniversary Annual Meeting is fast approaching and we hope you are making plans to attend and learn from a distinguished group of speakers and network with fellow waterway stakeholders. In addition to confirmed speakers, we are expecting leaders from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. DOT Maritime Administration, and NOAA to attend this year’s celebratory annual meeting in Charleston, South Carolina. The program will include:
State of the Waterway presentations of recently completed projects and upcoming projects for all USACE Districts along the waterway in 2025
Beneficial use of dredged material and natural infrastructure, including representatives from industry, universities and federal agencies
Waterway closures and impacts to stakeholders and M-95
Dredging challenges and safety issues
Emerging technologies and solutions
and more!
We expect to finalize the agenda in the next couple of weeks. If there are topics you would like to see added to the 25th anniversary program, please contact us ataiwa@atlanticintracoastal.net.
Early registration rates and the hotel room block close on October 18, and we encourage you to make your plans today!
Sponsorships are available beginning at $525 and includes one event registration.
Congress Passes Continuing Resolution for FY2025 Appropriations Bills
After their August recess, Congress returned to Washington with a looming government shutdown at the end of September. After a false start and posturing by a number of members of Congress and outside influences, The House passed a relatively “clean” continuing resolution on September 25. The continuing resolution was then taken up and passed by the U.S. Senate on the same day and subsequently signed by President Biden on September 26, which keeps federal agencies open through December 20th.
In making the decision to only pass a three-month extension, the tables are set for another Congressional showdown right before Christmas. While Congress doesn’t have to wait until the last minute, it is highly unlikely that any movement will take place prior to mid-December with Congress out of session until after the election. Passing a three-month extension was the most palatable option for both political parties since each side is gambling that their party will control more votes needed for passage after the election. The best case scenario for the waterway would be for Congress to pass the Energy & Water Appropriations bill in December, but the reality is that if either party controls both the House and Senate after the election, there will likely be another continuing resolution so that controlling party can exert their will to pass new appropriations bills, especially if they also control the presidency. If the House and Senate remain as is, there will be a stronger push to pass the appropriations bills and have a clean slate for the new Congress in January 2025.
In the table below is the current breakdown of funding as it stands today (same as last month). In addition, the House and Senate have also included the following amounts in the Additional Dredging Needs funding pots which we are eligible to receive.
General Navigation – House: $931.945 million, Senate: $20 million
Inland Waterways – House: $50 million, Senate: $64.987 million
Updated Local Notice to Mariners (LNM 40/24): New Waterway Closure Schedule for Onslow Beach Swing Bridge Replacement near Camp Lejuene, NC
After a multi-month suspension of construction activities to construct a new bridge to replace the Onslow Beach Swing Bridge across the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, mile 240.7, at Camp Lejeune, NC, the U.S. Coast Guard has given the green light again for the contractor to perform in water construction activities that require multi-day shutdowns of the waterway for two weeks in November. To facilitate construction of the bascule span (structural steel), the new bridge will remain in the closed-to-navigation position and will not be able to open at any time during the extended bridge closure periods, as reflected below:
from 7 a.m. on Monday, November 4, 2024, through 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 7, 2024
from 7 a.m. on Monday, November 18, 2024, through 9 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2024
While additional work will be performed at other times with limited waterway openings, during the time periods listed above there will be no openings for waterway users. We encourage everyone to read the full Local Notice to Mariners by clicking here. The specific section related to this project begins on page 33 of 61.
Through efforts undertaken by Mr. Robert Sherer and other recreational boating partners along with input from our commercial members, the AIWA was able to highlight that there are “no good weeks” in the fall for waterway shutdowns. Although we were unable to successfully remove full closures, the U.S. Coast Guard invited and listened to our concerns regarding the waterway closure and pushed the closures back to the last month of hurricane season, reduced the initially requested closures to one quarter of the request, integrated a construction cancellation plan for incoming heavy weather, and took into account the semi-annual snow bird migration.
We know that our engagement on behalf of the waterway users made a difference and we want to thank the U.S. Coast Guard for inviting our engagement in this project.
The AIWA is a national non-profit organization with the mission of securing funding and support for the maintenance of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. We are the only organization dedicated to ensuring the future of the AIWW and proudly represent all stakeholders of the waterway.
On October 6, bring your appetite and your dancing shoes to Wannamaker County Park! Our annual celebration of Latin and Caribbean cultures promises delicious authentic foods, fabulous music, traditional dancing, and more.
Cheers, Y’all
Happy hour is going to the birds! On September 28, nature lovers and social butterflies can flock to to Caw Caw for live music and cold brews. Gorgeous natural landscapes and good company? That’s our kind of Saturday night.
Evening at McLeod
Spend an evening at McLeod on September 28 to hear the powerful story of Mr. William Dawson, accompanied by musical selections from the Charleston Symphony Brass quintet. A special event in support of the Charleston County Parks Foundation, the evening will include drinks and light hors d’oeuvres, and local African-American artists will be in attendance. Get your tickets today.
Sling Some Arrows
Hunting for a new hobby? Take aim in our archery classes for beginners! We’ll provide the equipment and beginner-level instruction for you; you bring your inner Katniss or Hawkeye. Don’t wait to reserve your bow; these classes fill up fast!
A Fab-BOO-lous Time
On October 26, get in one last Halloween training session at our Trick, Treat, and Trail Family Fun Run/Walk & Stroll. You’ll wind your way through Wannamaker County Park, trick-or-treating along the 5K course before heading to Boo Fest for face painting, entertainment, a costume contest…and more candy!
Park Notice
On Sunday, October 13, Palmetto Islands County Park will be closed until 4:30 p.m. so that we may host the Palmetto Park Jam. For ticketed guests, the park gates open at 11 a.m.
Hurricane kit haul: The essentials your kit needs this season
There’s a popular saying if you live in a hurricane-prone area: “Hurricane season is a marathon, not a sprint.” If you check the pulse of spectators on social media, you will get the sense that the marathon is particularly long this year.
As we head into the 2nd half of hurricane season, the National Weather Service wants to make sure you are ready if and when a storm threatens where you live.
Click the button below to learn about what essentials your hurricane kit needs this season!
Today is the day! Tickets for the 14th Annual Party for the Parks are officially up for grabs, and they’re bound to go fast. With a theme that blends the glamour of 1960s Palm Beach with Charleston’s unique charm, this year’s event at Colonial Lake promises an unforgettable night of style, fun, and community spirit.
Don’t wait—secure your spot now and be part of one of Charleston’s most celebrated events, all while supporting the parks that make our city so special.
GET YOUR TICKET TODAY!
Ticket Details
General Admission – $175: This all-inclusive ticket includes complimentary tastings from some of Charleston’s trendiest restaurants, access to a full open bar, and an evening packed with live entertainment and dancing under the stars.
VIP Tickets – $300: Enjoy an elevated all-inclusive ticket with exclusive access to the VIP lounge, featuring a private premiere bar, restrooms, elevated tastings, complimentary hair and makeup services, and more. It’s the ultimate way to make your night even more special.
Thank you to our Sponsors and Partners
Join Charleston’s leading businesses, elevate your brand to a coveted audience, and guarantee a spot at the most exciting party of the year and become an event sponsor! Sponsorships start at $1,500, and customized exclusive sponsorships start at $5,000.
BECOME A SPONSOR
Help Us Win Nonprofit of the Year
The Charleston Parks Conservancy has been nominated as the Charleston Regional Business Journal’s Nonprofit Organization of the Year, and we need your support to win! As a community-driven organization, we are dedicated to nurturing and enhancing Charleston’s parks, creating vibrant spaces that connect people to nature and each other. Your daily vote will help us raise awareness of the importance of parks and our mission. Voting is open through Friday, September 27.
To vote, click on “Companies of the Year,” then scroll to “Nonprofit Organization of the Year,” find Charleston Parks Conservancy, and click “Vote.” You can vote once per day, every day, so let’s show Charleston the power of our community!
VOTE
ABOUT THE CONSERVANCY
Charleston Parks Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to securing 100% of the funds essential for the operation and programming of Charleston’s parks, acting on behalf of the city. While our partners at the City contribute 10% of the Conservancy’s required budget, donations from supporters and attendees of our paid programs enable us to continue our high standard of care to keep the park clean, green, and thriving.
The core mission of Charleston Parks Conservancy revolves around safeguarding, nurturing, and enhancing the various parks under its purview, cultivating an atmosphere conducive to connecting people with their parks. As diligent stewards, the Conservancy is committed to actively involving the community through cared-for gardens, welcoming amenities, and top-notch programming. The organization believes that within an urban landscape, every individual deserves access to a park that facilitates recreation, provides moments of respite, and stewards community relationships. Read More.
When parks thrive, people thrive. Donate today to make an impact in our community.
DONATE
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Spend your Friday night on the dance floor with us this summer! Whether it’s a Moonlight Mixer on the Folly Beach Pier or Dancing On The Cooper on the Mount Pleasant Pier, we’ve got plenty of space to move and groove.
All Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission parks and facilities will close at 3 p.m. today and remain closed on Tuesday, August 6 and Wednesday, August 7.
All Charleston County Parks programs and camps have been canceled through Thursday, August 8.
Here’s your perfect excuse to cut out early and head to our parks — June is National Great Outdoors Month! Fly a kite in the meadow, build a sandcastle on the beach, hike a trail, go fishin’ from the pier, watch for birds on the marsh boardwalk, or splash around the waterpark!
Cool ‘n’ Fit
When you need to hit the gym but really want to go to the pool, dive into our aquatic fitness classes for the best of both! Enjoy a wellness-boosting workout in the water when you register for the July session of H2O Moves 4.5 or H2O Balance & Flexibility.
#LifeguardGoals
Give your young swimmer a sneak peek at lifeguarding in our Junior Lifeguard Program. Kids will get hands-on experience in first aid, training, environmental awareness, rescue equipment and more. Spots are filling quickly, so nab yours today!
Your Holidays Start Here
Escape for a cozy holiday weekend – right in our backyard. Enter to win a magical 2-night stay at a cottage in James Island County Park on the opening weekend of the 2024 Holiday Festival of Lights. The winner will be drawn on June 20.
Go Skate Day
This Friday, grab your board and head to SK8 Charleston for a local celebration of international Go Skate Day. Newbies are welcome, and more experienced skaters can show off their skills – and win sweet swag – in our Mini-Quarter and Euro Gap contests.
PaddleSUP
Ease back on the throttle this summer when you sign up for our paddlesport essentials classes. Cruising local waterways in a kayak or on a SUP offers a fresh, relaxing perspective on coastal living. Plus our instructors have that whole “fun teacher” thing going for them, so it’s a whole chill vibe.
This is one of 161 derelict boats that the non-profit Wounded Nature-Working Veterans has helped remove from South Carolina waters. The group’s leader thinks a new kind of insurance would solve the problem.
Wounded Nature-Working Veterans is a group of veterans, non-veterans and active duty military personnel run locally by Captain Rudy Socha, a former Marine turned conservationist. The non-profit volunteer organization is working to cleanup, preserve and protect our coastal environment, particularly from derelict vessels.
Spice up your Spring! The Lowcountry Cajun Festival is bringing Louisiana to the Lowcountry with a full day of Zydeco music, Cajun and Creole foods, kids activities, and all-around ragin’ Cajun fun!
Moonlight Mixers are back at the Folly Beach Pier!
Enjoy 5 nights of dancing and music this summer
[FOLLY BEACH] – The Moonlight Mixer series on the Folly Beach Pier is back once again! The pier’s Mixers series will kick off on Friday, May 3.
All ages are invited to celebrate summertime with some dancing on the Folly Beach Pier. On five Friday evenings this summer, dancers will enjoy music from a DJ or live band. On May 3, July 26 and Sept. 20, DJ Bill Shelton will spin the hottest oldies and beach music. And on June 14 and Aug. 16, the Dave Landeo Trio will perform a variety of upbeat, energetic covers and originals.
Advance tickets are $10 per person. If the event has not sold out, on-site tickets will be $15 per person. Tickets are limited and the events are expected to sell out, so advance purchase is recommended. Event hours are 7 – 10 p.m.
Beverages will be available for purchase on site. No outside food or drink is allowed, and pets are not permitted at the event. Food and snacks will be available for purchase at the Pier 101 Restaurant and the Gangplank Gift & Tackle Shop, both located at the entrance to the pier. Food, beverages and parking fees are not included with ticket purchase. Chairs are welcome as seating is limited.
The Folly Beach Pier opened to the public on Dec. 26, 2022. The 1049-foot-long pier is 25 feet wide and features concrete pilings and substructure, with a wooden walkway and railings. Amenities at the Folly Beach Pier include restrooms, the Pier 101 Restaurant and Bar, beach access, showers, and the Gangplank Gift & Tackle Shop (which sells gifts, sundry items, refreshments and tackle/bait, and offers rod rentals). The iconic Folly Beach Pier is the perfect location for saltwater fishing, walking, birding and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the “Edge of America.”
Moonlight Mixers offer accessible parking, restrooms, and water fountains, as well as an accessible ramp to the pier and an accessible route to the event area at the end of the pier. KultureCity Sensory Bags are available for checkout on a first-come, first-served basis during the event. Visit the event gate for more information on accessibility in your parks. For additional information on the Folly Beach Pier, visit ccprc.com/follypier.
For details or to purchase tickets, call 843-795-4386 or visit CharlestonCountyParks.com (direct link). This event is brought to you by Dasani and your Charleston County Parks.
Owned and operated by the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission (CCPRC), the Folly Beach Fishing Pier is located at 101 East Arctic Avenue on Folly Beach. 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, two landmark fishing piers, a skate park, three waterparks, a historic plantation site, 19 boat landings, a climbing wall, a challenge course, an interpretive center, 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, volunteer opportunities, and more. For more information, call 843-795-4386, or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com.
Photos courtesy Charleston County Parks. High resolution photos available upon request
Wounded Nature-Working Veterans is a group of veterans, non-veterans and active duty military personnel run locally by Captain Rudy Socha, a former Marine turned conservationist. The non-profit volunteer organization is working to cleanup, preserve and protect our coastal environment, particularly from derelict vessels.
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