SUMMERVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA – Leadership Dorchester Class of 2023 is pleased to commence fundraising efforts for the revitalization of Huger Park. Scheduled to begin August 1st, with the goal of renovating Huger Park, including the addition of needed ADA signage within the park and a memorial fixture and brick pathway in honor of former Town of Summerville Planner, Joe Christie. 

In addition to the $100,000 in funding the Summerville Parks Foundation was able to secure through the  Town of Summerville, the class intends to raise $50,000 to finalize the project. The scope of work includes equipment replacement, Installation of a legacy walkway, and ADA Signage. Site work includes grading, leveling, landscaping, and adding engineered mulch. The project will replace fencing, gutters, and paint for the pavilion, as well as refurbish current memorial benches and plaques. “Parks give individuals a space for meeting their neighbors in person. Community parks can be spaces for kids and adults to gather and meet new people who enjoy similar activities. Parties and reunions can use picnic areas to provide space for large gatherings. Those interactions then form the basis of community.  Separate families and individuals can bond together with the intention of creating a communal space like a park can help bring a space where citizens can interact with neighbors and community members,  sparking unique and meaningful connections,” states Bob Jackson, Summerville Council Member. 

Huger Playground is a sweet, pocket park located in the heart of downtown Summerville, just off West  Richardson Avenue. This playground is loved and used by many in the community. The playground currently has many of the original pieces that were installed around the 1950s. This project will transform this hidden gem into an inviting adventure for all children. It is the goal of the Leadership  Dorchester Class of 2023 to create a space that encourages community togetherness and safety. "Summerville Parks Foundation (501c3) was developed to assist with providing capital resources to improve the Town of Summerville parks. Partnership with Leadership Dorchester on the construction of  Huger Playground is a fantastic demonstration of combining public-private resources to redevelop the park with an improved play structure for the next generation and celebrates the Summerville spirit of community involvement and collective goodwill. We look forward to celebrating this project and others to follow.” states Steven Doniger, Summerville Parks Foundation Board Member. 

“Being a part of Leadership Dorchester has opened my eyes to so many wonderful things about the region that I did not know about in all sectors of business, community, and government. But it's also so much as we get to forge lifelong friendships with some amazing people that we may never have met and that is truly a gift. With the project that we are a part of, we get the opportunity to work together as a  team to make a lasting impact in our community,” states Larry Collett, Project Leader for Leadership  Dorchester Class of 2023. 

To help ensure the success of this project please visit, https://leadershipdorchester.com/support. 

Sponsors can join Leadership Dorchester by sponsoring a Legacy Brick to be added to the newly created walkway or invest at the Visionary, Platinum, or Gold level. Detail and benefits on each option can be found at https://leadershipdorchester.com/support. 

About Leadership Dorchester: 

The Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Dorchester program is an 11-month intensive and comprehensive study of the political, civic, economic, and social dynamics in action within Dorchester County. The program begins with an overnight retreat and ends with graduation. Upon completion of this program, the participant will be well-positioned to educate their peers, coworkers, and potential residents about Dorchester County. The class participates in unique opportunities in team building exercises, professional network development, training, and leadership development. Leadership Dorchester emphasizes diversity and develops proactive, forward-thinking leaders that can identify and offer unique solutions to specific community issues. The primary objective is to increase awareness, knowledge, and understanding of the region’s economy and community networks while developing the future community and political leaders of Dorchester County. 

Learn more at https://www.greatersummerville.org/leadership-dorchester 

About Summerville Parks Foundation: 

The Summerville Parks Foundation is a newly formed 501C-3 led by volunteers in the community. Its’  Board of Directors is dedicated to preserving, enriching, and maintaining cultural, environmental, and recreation facilities and programs in Summerville. 

Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089679357333 

About the Town of Summerville: 

The Town of Summerville Parks and Recreation Department’s mission is to improve the quality of life and overall wellness of residents through the creation and provision of safe, healthy, beautiful, and harmonious park facilities and diverse leisure opportunities in a sustainable and fiscally responsible manner. 

Learn more at https://summervillesc.gov/ 

For more information, please call (843) 696-9458 or email [email protected]