Swan Drive Construction Site Plan

Swan Drive Construction Set Kayak Launch

In 2006, Dorchester County took ownership of the Carolina Water System's sewer utility system and territory in Kings Grant, Plantation Ridge, and Teal on the Ashley. The County also took ownership of the water utility system and territory serving the Teal on the Ashley subdivision. This was to better serve the public interest, providing reduced rates and avoiding two discharges into the Ashley River. Dorchester County proceeded to oversee the cleanup and restoration, eventually meeting the DHEC compliance requirements. This not only cleaned up the Ashley River to meet approved water quality standards, but also greatly benefited the local ecosystem and wildlife. 

The 2016 Parks and Recreation Master Plan established the development of an upper Ashley River access site as a top priority for Dorchester County Parks and Recreation, which was confirmed again with County Council's approval of the 2020 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Dorchester County then released an online survey to gather public feedback and comments that was used to refine the plan.

Dorchester County owns six acres at 137 Swan Drive, Summerville, SC 29485, just downstream of the US HWY 17A bridge and approximately five river-miles upstream of the Bridgman River Access at Bacon's Bridge and Ashley River Park. This stretch is not recommended for beginners due to the narrow channel, vegetative obstacles, and considerable current, but is ideal for intermediate+ paddlers. The section offers a secluded paddle with relatively undisturbed vistas and nature viewing opportunities. Several large tree blockages will be removed by contractors prior to the site opening.

The current master plan includes a permeable access road and parking lot with twenty spaces, a restroom, and an improved path leading to a launch structure at the high watermark. The facility will be maintained by nearby Ashley River Park-based staff, patrolled by Park Rangers, SCDNR, and Dorchester County Sheriff's Office, and locked daily at dark. The budget for this project is $971,000.

Archival Project Updates

2015 - 2017

A plan for a small, eight-parking space river access site was developed but was ultimately put on hold due to lack of funding.

2019

Voters approved the $38,000,000 parks capital bond referendum, providing $500,000 in funding for the Swan Drive River Access Site.

2020

Dorchester County executed an agreement with Stantec for consulting services for project master planning. Parking capacity was expanded to twenty spaces to accommodate peak demand and was based on usage at the Bacon's Bridge River Access Site.

2021

A site master plan was developed and published along with a survey for public feedback. The survey has since been closed and feedback results were provided to County Administration for review.

2022

Dorchester County leaders continue to discuss potential changes to stay within budget. In October, Technical Review Committee comments were addressed. Construction drawings have been completed and permitting is underway.

2023

Federal permits have been received. Public comments were sent from SCDHEC to County Administration. Construction is still anticipated to begin in 2024.
Cost proposals for this project are currently under review as current work order packages are over budget.

2024

Dorchester County executed an agreement with F.H. Paschen in August 2023 to construct the park which includes the kayak launch, driveway improvements, a gravel parking lot, ADA parking, and pedestrian walkway to the kayak launch. F.H. Paschen began site work on January 29, 2024, following the project kickoff meeting with the County’s Capital Project Manager and Stantec. As of February 2024, the project is on track for substantial completion in late May 2024. The primary construction milestones for this project are outlined below which is subject to change based on material lead times and site conditions.

As of July of 2024, site work is currently in progress. Due to the general site conditions/location, the rainfall in 2024 caused significant delays. The latest project schedule projects an early September completion weather permitting.