CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – A new community park officially opened in downtown Charleston on Saturday, featuring green space that spans nearly an acre between King and Meeting Streets.
The park, named American Gardens, centers around a walkway of 68 crepe myrtles and more than 100 magnolia trees that connects the two streets with a green space. The park is surrounded by eight live oak trees with two four-tiered fountains.
A café on the King Street side of the park is also expected to open in the future.
The project is a collaboration between a private developer, the City of Charleston, and the Gibbes Museum of Art.
The Beemok Hospitality Collection says the park’s name pays homage to the American Dream, symbolizing hope, opportunity and unity. The organization says the park will host a variety of events throughout the year, ranging from story time to live performances.
The grand opening of the park was at noon on Saturday. The event began with a special flag-raising ceremony followed by a performance by American singer-songwriter Edwin McCain. The celebration also featured live music, complimentary King of Pops treats and tours of the park.
“Creating American Gardens has been a wonderful adventure for my wife and me, and I’m proud to say that we’ve been deeply involved in working with our team on everything from providing the original design inspiration to making all of the details come to life,” Beemok Hospitality Collection founder Ben Navarro said. “Our hope is that this new park will bring together the citizens of Charleston and become a place to celebrate all that we have in common as members of one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
After opening, the park will be adorned with twinkling lights, a 30-foot Fraser fir and a whimsical carousel for guests of all ages. There will also be a host of family-friendly experiences, including a holiday market, nightly live music, visits with Santa and children’s workshops with the Gibbes Museum of Art.
The park is located just north of the Gibbes Museum of Art between 141 Meeting Street and 174 King Street.
For more information about the park, click here to visit the American Gardens website.
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