A Guide to Parks in Summerville, SC
Summerville is a charming town located not far from Charleston that boasts a variety of parks and green spaces, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. From the beautiful and well-maintained Azalea Park, to the newly renovated Hutchinson Square, and the exciting Summerville Skate Park, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re a local or visiting Summerville, the town’s parks are not to be missed. So grab a picnic basket, bring your furry friends, and enjoy the beautiful green spaces that Summerville has to offer.
Azalea Park
Location: 500 S. Main Street, Summerville, SC
Alternate entrance: 500 S. Magnolia Street, Summerville, SC
Hours: Dawn to dusk (Tennis courts open from dawn to 10 p.m.)
Azalea Park is a beautiful and well-maintained park in Summerville, featuring bronze sculptures, gazebos, ornamental gardens, restrooms, a tennis backboard, two tennis courts, and walking trails.
Brown Family Park
Location: 3000 Front Street, Summerville, SC
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Brown Family Park is a lovely community space in Summerville, featuring an amphitheater, benches, tire hammock swings, and a walking trail. The park provides a comfortable and engaging environment for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
Doty Park
Location: 320 N. Laurel Street, Summerville, SC
Hours: Dawn to 10pm
Doty Park offers a range of amenities, including free public Wi-Fi, gazebos, horseshoe pits, picnic shelters, a playground, restrooms, a tennis court, and a walking trail. The park also hosts community events such as movie nights and holiday celebrations.
Herbert H. Jessen Boat Landing
Location: 4820 Ladson Road Extension, Summerville, SC
Hours: 6am to 10pm
Herbert H. Jessen Boat Landing provides a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors, including benches for relaxation, docks for boating, fishing spots, a kayak launch, picnic tables for gatherings, a portalet, Rotary Centennial Park, and a walking trail.
Huger Park
Location: 615 W. Richardson Avenue, Summerville, SC
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Huger Park features a playground, picnic area, and open green space. The park is a favorite spot for informal sports and family gatherings.
Hutchinson Square
Location: 102 S. Main Street, Summerville, SC
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Hutchinson Square, a beautifully renovated park in the heart of Summerville, was officially reopened on March 1, 2019, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The redesign showcases a raised pavilion and a striking entrance sign at the corner of Main St. and Doty Ave., inspired by the historic train depot that once stood near the square in the early 1900s, and the archway that spanned Main St. near Hwy. 78.
The park features an amphitheater, benches, bronze sculptures, new oak trees, updated landscaping, sidewalks, and a fountain. Modern lighting has been installed, and Little Main St. has been resurfaced.
The Summerville Town Council approved the Hutchinson Square Revitalization Project in 2015, and the project’s master plan won the Engineering Excellence Award in 2016, recognizing its outstanding engineering achievement.
Jerry Blackwell Sports Complex at Gahagan Park
Location: 515 W. Boundary Street, Summerville, SC
Hours: Dawn to dusk
The Jerry Blackwell Sports Complex at Gahagan Park offers a variety of amenities, including baseball/softball diamonds, benches, bronze sculptures, a football field, parking, picnic shelters, a playground with a large climbing castle, restrooms, soccer fields, and a walking trail. The park hosts several tournaments throughout the year, making it a popular destination for sports enthusiasts and families alike.
Newington Plantation Park
Location: 601 King Charles Circle, Summerville, SC
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Newington Plantation Park offers a variety of amenities for visitors, including picnic shelters for gatherings, a playground for children, and a walking trail for exercise and leisure. The park also connects to the Sawmill Branch Trail, providing a continuous path for bikers and walkers to explore.
Summerville Ashley River Preserve
Location: Adjacent to Herbert H. Jessen Boat Landing
Hours: Not yet open
The Summerville Ashley River Preserve is a developing project in the Town of Summerville, which aims to transform a 43.65-acre undeveloped property along the historic Ashley River. Located next to the existing Herbert H. Jessen Boat Landing, which spans 7.61 acres, the preserve will provide direct access to the riverfront for the residents of Summerville. The project’s goal is to enhance the recreational offerings in the town while ensuring the protection of the Ashley Scenic River’s natural beauty.
Oakbrook Nature Trail
Location: 84 Springview Lane, Summerville, SC
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Opened in July 2014, the Oakbrook Nature Trail is situated on a twelve-acre tract of land designated as a conservation area by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The trail, which stretches 3,600 feet, offers a mix of gravel paths and wooden boardwalks that span across three delineated wetland areas. This picturesque trail provides visitors with an opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Saul Alexander Park Playground
Location: 615 S. Laurel Street, Summerville, SC
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Saul Alexander Park Playground officially opened on February 18, 2022, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The playground is handicap accessible and designed to be enjoyed by children of all abilities. Renovations include sidewalks, a zip track, an inclusive whirl, and a musical corner, promoting social equity and enhancing the community’s quality of life. Children with cognitive, physical, sensory, or social disabilities are provided with equal opportunities to play.
Sawmill Branch Trail
Location: 500 E. Richardson Avenue, Summerville, SC
Trailheads:
- E. Richardson Ave. Trailhead: 500 E. Richardson Ave.
- Ashley Dr. Trailhead: 182 Ashley Dr.
- Bacon’s Bridge Trailhead: 1900 Bacon’s Bridge Rd.
- YMCA Trailhead: 908 Crosscreek Dr.
Hours: Dawn to dusk
The Sawmill Branch Trail is a paved biking and walking path that stretches just under seven miles in length. It is part of the larger planned Loblolly Greenway system and runs along the Sawmill Branch Canal. In addition to the main trail, the Sawmill Ridges, an off-road single track trail, is also accessible. Along the trail, visitors can find four fitness stations and one playground.
Shepard Park (James Allen Playground)
Location: 330 Shepard Street, Summerville, SC
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Shepard Park, also known as James Allen Playground, is a welcoming community space featuring bronze sculptures, gazebos, a playground, reflecting pond, and a walking trail. The park provides a serene and enjoyable environment for families and individuals alike to relax, play, and explore.
Summerville Skate Park
Location: 931 John McKissick Way, Summerville, SC
Hours: Dawn to dusk
The Summerville Skate Park is a popular destination for skaters and spectators alike. The park features various amenities such as benches, a grind box, hubba ledge, portalet, rail, ramp, and stairs, providing an exciting space for skateboarding enthusiasts.
Wassamassaw Community Park
Location: 651 Wassamassaw Road, Summerville, SC
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Wassamassaw Community Park is a popular spot for residents and visitors alike, offering various amenities for everyone to enjoy. The park features a baseball/softball diamond, basketball court, dog park, free public Wi-Fi, picnic shelters, playground, restrooms, and a walking trail.