In April 2020, Dorchester County executed a contract with Edcon, Inc. for construction of Ashley River Park (ARP). The total budget for park development was $13M. The Ashley River Park officially opened to the public on March 19th, 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. Plans are currently in place to include a ropes course and climbing wall.

Ashley River Park Master Plan (PDF)

Archival Project Updates

2011 - 2014

The ARP property was purchased in 2012, at a cost of $1.45 million, with proceeds from the 2010 voter-approved $5 million bond referendum for parks and conservation.  

In September of 2014, Dorchester County hired its first Parks and Recreation Department staff member to oversee this project and to develop a countywide parks and recreation system. 

2015

As part of the 2015 County Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update process, staff solicited public feedback on the ARP project and other county park and recreation initiatives. The major themes of feedback regarding ARP were related to the need for event spaces, multi-use green space, trails, fishing, and waterway access.  

In June of 2015, preliminary work commenced related to wetland delineation and verification, flood zones, utility easements, and associated surveying. It quickly became clear that all of these factors would create significant challenges to park design and development.  

2016

In September of 2016, the county signed a contract with Seamon Whiteside and Associates to provide master planning services for ARP.

2017 - 2019

Public feedback gathered in 2015 was incorporated into the updated Ashley River Park Master Plan. County Council approved this plan in January of 2017.

In February of 2017, the county signed a contract with Seamon Whiteside and Associates to provide the remaining project consulting services: permitting, design, bidding and construction administration.

Schematic design proceeded at a steady pace considering site challenges and the county submitted for the project wetland permit in December of 2017. In January of 2018 the wetland permit was placed on public notice. 

In March of 2019 wetland permits were issued and the project was construction-ready, but funding was not available. 

In November of 2019, Dorchester County voters approved a bond referendum to spend up to $38M on park and recreation capital projects. Shortly thereafter, procurement for park construction services began.

2021-2022

Steel flood panels have been installed at the Restroom and Outfitters Buildings. Deck work is nearly complete at all buildings and trim work on buildings is underway.

Cypress siding on Pavilion Building is complete and the hardwood decking is close to being finished. Restroom partitions, wood doors and hardware have been installed.

 Dorchester County also met with the Dorchester Trust   Foundation in mid-December 2021 to discuss plans to   build a tunnel underneath Bacons Bridge Road to   connect Rosebrock Park to Ashley River Park. HITT   Contractors is currently reviewing two options for the   crossing to determine constructability.

In December 2021, the County closed on seven parcels (shaded in green) totaling 78.42 acres located across from Ashley River Park on Bacons Bridge Road with frontage along Ashley River. This land will be used for future Parks & Recreation projects.

Purchase of the eighth parcel (shaded in orange) was finalized in May 2022.

The Ashley River Park opened to the public on March 19th, 2022. Furniture outfitting was completed for the office building and Ashley River Pavilion later that month. The park has had steady attendance since opening along with praise for the facilities from the public. 

In December of 2022, AV speaker equipment was installed at the Ashley River Pavilion.

2023

Shade structures have been installed around the splash pad.

2024

Improvements to the dog park were completed; shelter materials are scheduled to arrive early spring.