Stono River County Park Master Plan

Project Description

The current site of Stono River County Park was once slated to be a dense residential development, but the economic crisis became a boon to the county when those plans were abandoned and local philanthropists purchased the land for the Charleston County Parks Commission.

Biohabitats worked on a team with Stantec to develop the master plan for the new park. Stono River County Park is an 83-acre site dominated by tidal salt marsh habitat with two small upland islands. Its location in relation to local recreational opportunities is a key feature of the site. The popular West Ashley Greenway currently terminates in a gravel lot behind a sign company. In addition, that stretch of the Stono River is part of the Coastal Blueway water trail.

Biohabitats analyzed the salient ecological features of the property and created a land use plan featuring Conservation, Recreation, and Marine Zones. Stantec and the rest of the design team then worked together to create a master plan that protects the ecological value of the park’s vernal pools and transitional zones while affording access to visitors for passive recreation. The planned park is a safe and attractive gateway to the West Ashley Greenway and an appealing stop for paddlers.