Stono River County Park Master Plan

When development plans are abandoned, a new county park becomes a secure and beautiful gateway to an urban greenway.

The site of Stono River County Park was once slated to be a dense residential development. However, the economic crisis became a boon to the County when those plans were abandoned and local philanthropists purchased the land for Charleston County Parks Commission.
Biohabitats worked on a team with Stantec, Inc. to develop the master plan for the new park. Stono River County Park is an 83-acre site dominated by tidal salt marsh habitat with two small upland islands. Its location in relation to other recreational opportunities is a key feature of the site. The popular West Ashley Greenway currently terminates behind a nearby business. In addition, that stretch of the Stono River is part of the Coastal Blueway water trail.

Biohabitats analyzed the ecological features of the property and created a land use plan featuring Conservation, Recreation, and Marine Zones. Stantec and the rest of the design team then worked together to create a master plan that protects the ecological value of the park’s vernal pools and transitional zones while affording access to visitors for passive recreation. The planned park is a safe and attractive gateway to the West Ashley Greenway and an appealing stop for paddlers.