Miss the Ashley River Tour? Take a Virtual Tour Here

The Ashley River Park isn't officially opened yet — and it could still be a while — but the public got a second sneak peak at the site Saturday. 

Dorchester County held a public viewing of the proposed master plan for the park, and invited the public to walk the 83-acre site and provide input.

"Instead of boards in a building, we wanted (the public) to come and walk around," Dorchester County Councilman Jay Byars said.
 
The improvements slated to be made at the park could be finished in as little as three to four months after council approval, and much of the park can be finished with the remaining $1.1 million from the county's parks bond passed by referendum, according to Byars. 

The site, situated next to Summerville on the Ashley off of Bacons Bridge Road, was formerly slated to become a subdivision. Sewer lines, road beds and some amenities like docks and boardwalks are already installed.

"This is our first real chance to build something big for a little amount of money," Byars said.

The proposed park is a passive-active park. There won't be any ball fields, but there will be fields, miles of trails and kayak access. When the new Ashley River bridge on Bacons Bridge Road is finished, a pedestrian access from the Richard Rosebrock Park across the river will link the parks. 

Byars said the new Ashley River Park would likely follow the model of Charleston County parks where it will cost $1 to enter. Byars also said a future foundation is needed to help raise money for county parks.