As the holiday season approaches with thoughts of year-end charitable giving, Charleston area residents are encouraged to give gifts in support of the upcoming Colonial Lake renovation. The Charleston Parks Conservancy – in partnership with the City of Charleston and Historic Charleston Foundation – is planning a major renovation to the popular downtown park, and local park lovers are encouraged to be part of this historic opportunity.

Historic Charleston Foundation is leaving its mark on this park project with a financial donation. The Charleston Parks Conservancy accepted a $25,000 gift from the Foundation on Tuesday, Dec. 17. The presentation took place at the Northwest Beaufain Street Garden, which is a part of the renovation project. Historic Charleston Foundation will be recognized for its gift with a marker at that garden.

“This financial gift as well as the overall support from the Historic Charleston Foundation goes a long way toward fulfilling the vision for a renewed Colonial Lake,” said Harry Lesesne, executive director of the Charleston Parks Conservancy. “Our park projects depend on partners like Historic Charleston Foundation to join with us in our efforts to connect people to their parks. This gift will make a long-lasting impact on our city as well as on the people who live, work and visit here.”

Katharine S. Robinson, president and CEO of Historic Charleston Foundation, noted Colonial Lake’s importance to Charleston history and the historic neighborhoods that surround it. “The Charleston Parks Conservancy is enhancing neighborhoods through the restoration and improvement of the city’s parks with the focus on their becoming thriving, community focused areas,” she said. “This is a park renovation project that will help ensure this historic area’s livability for generations, and we are very proud to be a partner in this exciting project.”

The City of Charleston has contributed $4 million to the project, and the Conservancy is raising funds from private sources for the remaining $1 million to cover construction costs, plus an additional $200,000 for ongoing park maintenance. Individuals, organizations and neighborhood associations are invited to join in this historic opportunity. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2014.

Complete information about the Colonial Lake renovation including diagrams, sketches and project details can be found at www.charlestonparksconservancy.org/coloniallake.