Citizens Provide Input for Future Park

Under clear skies, hundreds of Summerville area residents ventured to the county's newest project, Ashley River Park.

The park is on the east side Bacons Bridge Road and runs along the Ashley River. The county's first park, Richard Rosebrock Park, is on the other side of the river, on the west side of Bacons Bridge Road. 

"The turnout today has exceeded expectations," Dorchester County Councilman Jay Byars said. Byars is the chair of the parks and recreation committee. "People are obviously very hungry and very excited for providing input into a future park here." 

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Volunteers ushered citizens along a 45-tour Saturday. The park could feature a kayak put-in, fishing, covered dock along the pond, a floating dock, a dog park, camping, a scenic overlook and more. 

Ron and Sydney Smith came out to the park location Saturday. They live nearby with their two sons Taylor, 16, and Jared, 12. 

"We're hoping it will provide a nice family area with a nice place to walk," Ron Smith said. 

"I'm hoping to keep the feel of Summerville," Sydney Smith said. 

Jared wanted to see more open fields for sports, and Taylor was excited about the possibility of camping on the property.

"It has great potential," Taylor said. 

Summerville resident Richard Danielson said open fields are about the only thing he does not agree with at the location. He said he did not like the idea of a dog park either. But overall, the plans look great, he added.

"I feel like Dorchester County has needed something like this for many, many years," Danielson said.