Image by Andi Errol/TheDigitelImage by 20081031park.jpg View more pictures from the park opening.
The Elliotborough Park on Line Street opened on Saturday, September 25, transforming the old City Garage from an empty lot into a garden paradise. With a dedication ceremony blessed by Mayor Riley, neighbors, members of the community, and children celebrated the successful results of a three-week hands-on installation.
Almost three years ago, members of the Cannonborough-Elliotborough Neighborhood Association approached the City of Charleston about creating a community garden and green space, inspired by the success of projects in other cities. The City donated the land, triggering the MUSC Children's Hospital in conjunction with the Free Coalition for Kids and the Lowcountry Earth Force to join forces with the neighborhood association in identifying and applying for grants and locating community sponsors.
Partners of the Elliotborough Park include: The City of Charleston Parks Department, Johnson Controls, Earthforce, Cannonborough/ Elliotborough Neighborhood Association, Peggs Recreation, Allstate Local and Regional Representatives, Injury Free National Coalition, Trident Area Safe Kids Coalition, Navy Consolidated Brig- Marine Detachment, Kiwanis, Kohl’s Department Store, Children’s Garden Project, Lowcountry Mulch Inc, Wendy’s, D’Alessandro’s Pizza, Palmetto Pride, Costco, Five Loaves Café, Eastbay Deli, Sugar Bakeshop, MUSC Catering, and Costco.Claire Xidis, president of the Cannonborogh-Elliotborough Neighborhood Association, proudly shared that "The neighborhood is so grateful to the City of Charleston, the private donors, the nonprofit organizations, and the individual volunteers who came together to make Elliotborough Park possible. This unique and beautiful park provides so many opportunities for residents to come together and enjoy the outdoors, here in the middle of the City. The playground, the bocce ball areas, the stage, and the community garden areas will draw residents from our neighborhood and beyond for years to come. We also hope this space, especially the community garden, will be a place that local schools and other groups can use for environmental, science, and nutrition education. We are really looking forward to having students from Mitchell Elementary and Calvary Day School join us in the community garden."
Located at 134 Line Street, the Elliotborough Park is located just south of the Crosstown. Stop by to play a game of chess, bocce, or just come to admire the 20 neighborhood garden plots, filled with over 1500 vegetable plants grown for and provided by the City’s horticulturist. If you are more into swings and slides, enjoy the state-of-the-art playground equipment with local neighbors. Who said playgrounds were just for kids?
Stayed tuned to watch this important part of the community evolve!
