Johns Island, South Carolina The City of Charleston is seeking public feedback on designs for Johns Island’s inaugural recreation and aquatic center.
Council members say this is a long-awaited project that will provide significant facilities to one of the region’s fastest-growing communities.
The planned layout comprises two swimming pools, an indoor gymnasium with two basketball courts, workout facilities, classrooms, multipurpose areas, a catering kitchen, outdoor pickleball and basketball courts, and an inclusive playground and splash pad.
The project, located off Maybank Highway, will be funded by the City’s $70 million parks bond referendum, which voters supported decisively in 2023.
According to city officials, the preliminary design includes nearly all of the facilities that people have previously requested. Their biggest concern in soliciting feedback is the amount of multipurpose rooms, citing the island’s limited meeting places.
Charleston District 3 Councilmember Jim McBride said the new center will provide handy, much-needed recreation choices for citizens who currently have to drive significant distances to similar facilities.
“These kinds of things are needed public services,” McBride says. “When they’re on the island, they don’t have to drive far to obtain it. Currently, if someone wants to utilize a pool, they must drive 20 or 30 minutes away, which is inconvenient for certain individuals.
City officials believe that enhancing recreational opportunities on Johns Island will help alleviate traffic congestion by offering families additional reasons to stay on the island for activities.
The public feedback meeting will take place Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Haut Gap Middle School. City officials and the design team will present preliminary ideas for the 50,000-square-foot facility.
Construction on the recreation and aquatic complex is planned to start within the next two years.
