Parks Master Plan and Project Updates

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The Dorchester County Parks and Recreation Master Plan was originally published in 2009. The goal of the ongoing master planning process is to provide a clear path to developing and improving a robust countywide park and recreation system. The 2020 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which was approved by County Council in December of 2020, is available for review below.

2 020 Parks and Recreation Master Plan

2019 Capital Bond Referendum

In November 2019, Dorchester County voters approved a bond referendum question asking voters to approve the use of up to $38M for the provision of County park and recreation facilities. This funding has jump-started park development with Ashley River Park and Davis-Bailey Park currently under construction. The Pine Trace Natural Area, Ashley River Park-Rosebrock Park Connector, and Upper Ashley River Access projects are currently in master planning phases.

2019 Parks Referendum Ordinance

Ashley River Park

In April 2020, Dorchester County executed a contract with Edcon, Inc. for construction of Ashley River Park (ARP). The total budget for park development is $13M. The project has been completed and opened to the public in the spring of 2022.

The unique 85 acre riverfront property offers something for all ages and abilities with primary features that include trails, fishing pond, pavilion, picnic shelters, playground, splash fountain, dog parks, festival lawn and kayak launch.

Visit the Ashley River Park page for more detailed project information.

Davis-Bailey Park (formerly Courthouse Park)

In April 2020, Dorchester County executed a contract with Hill Construction for construction of Davis-Bailey Park. The total budget for park development is $6M. The project has been completed and opened to the public on June 5th of 2021.

Named in honor of County Councilmen and park champions Willie Davis (in memoriam) and George Bailey, Davis-Bailey Park will be located on 17 acres adjacent to the County Courthouse in St. George. The true multi-use Park will feature two illuminated youth baseball fields, two illuminated basketball courts, an illuminated multi-purpose field, paved walking trail, event pavilion, playground, splash fountain and pond.

Visit the Davis-Bailey Park page for more detailed project information.

Pine Trace Natural Area

An updated master plan for Pine Trace is being developed and the wetland permit for the site has been issued. This 300+ acre natural area is anticipated to provide a forested oasis featuring trails, a pond, fishing pier, kayak launch, disc golf course, picnic shelter, playground, outdoor classroom, dog parks, a youth group camping site and will be the northern anchor for the Eagle Chandler Bridge Creek Multiuse Path.
A groundbreaking event was held on March 9, 2023. Sitework will commence in full once the MS4 is received.

Visit the Pine Trace Natural Area Page for more detailed information.

Ashley River Blue Trail

The Ashley River Blue Trail Howard Bridgman Access at Bacon's Bridge opened to the public on December 2nd, 2017. The new access site, located at the front of Ashley River Park, provides public access to a unique stretch of river suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. As future plans for additional upstream access come to fruition, adventurers will be able to utilize a series of regular public launching points for trips of varying lengths from the headwaters of the Ashley River all the way to Charleston Harbor! Maps of the Ashley River Blue Trail are available. Please contact the Parks Office at (843) 832-0193. Visit the Ashley River Access page for additional information on the blue trail.