The City of Charleston has approved significant investments in two major recreational projects for the West Ashley and Johns Island communities. These initiatives aim to enhance local amenities and provide better recreational spaces for residents.
West Ashley: New WL Stephens Aquatic Center and Forest Park Playground
In West Ashley, the city plans to demolish and rebuild the WL Stephens Aquatic Center, transforming it into a state-of-the-art 28,000 square foot facility. According to Deja McMillan, Communications Director for the City of Charleston, the new pool will be 25 meters by 25 yards and entirely indoor, ensuring year-round accessibility.
In addition to the aquatic center, the Forest Park Playground will be replaced with a new, inclusive, and accessible playground designed for people with physical disabilities. The goal is to create recreational spaces that cater to the needs of all residents, making them more versatile and community-friendly.
Local resident Malcom Tyson emphasized the importance of these spaces, saying, “This place is a hidden gem in Charleston, just the versatility this place has. There is so much to do out here, you can create your own fun.”
McMillan added, “It’s so important for us to invest in facilities and our parks, for residents to truly be able to enjoy them and have them in their backyards. One of the main things that this administration really wants to do is making sure that we’re putting amenities where people live.”
Johns Island: First Full-Scale Recreation Center
Johns Island will soon get its first full-scale recreation center, a 50,000 square foot facility designed to serve the growing population on the island. The new center will feature indoor pools, splash pads, workout rooms, and courts for basketball and pickleball.
McMillan explained, “Johns Island doesn’t have any sort of recreation facility, and there’s a huge population out there, so this is really exciting for the community.”
Long-Term Efforts to Improve Recreational Spaces
Charleston city leaders view these projects as part of a long-term commitment to improving park and recreation spaces across the Lowcountry. The plans aim to provide residents with better access to amenities, creating spaces for families to gather, make memories, and enjoy outdoor activities.
Construction for these projects is set to begin in early summer of 2026, with an expected completion timeline of 18 months, assuming scheduling and permitting proceed as planned.
