North Charleston’s Park Circle has long been the home of playgrounds, summer programs and after-school activities, but it has now become the site of a transformative redevelopment as well. As the city evaluated the park’s aging facilities for replacement, it noted that children with mobility challenges could not fully participate in outdoor recreation. After years of careful research and planning in collaboration with experts in playground design and disability needs, the city moved to reimagine Park Circle as a fully accessible space that takes down barriers and improves lives.  

Park Circle now offers the world’s largest inclusive playground, an inclusive baseball field and a multi-use community facility where parkgoers of all capabilities can play and enjoy the space together. Hospital-grade changing tables in restrooms provide dignity and support for families and caregivers. The park’s green spaces, including a nature garden and walking trails, and its farmers’ market pavilion are designed for easier accessibility. With a total cost of $20 million, the project made use of funds from a preexisting tax increment financing district, as well as private investment from partners such as Boeing and Roper St. Francis Hospital. 

The park received more than 500,000 visitors in its first six months. Building on this accessibility focus, the city is expanding programming through its new Therapeutic Recreation Division. The department oversees the adaptive sports leagues using the new baseball field, schedules sensory-friendly events and performing arts programs as well as supports community education initiatives for accessibility. 

Contact Mandi Mills at mthompson@northcharleston.org or 843.568.7356.