New park town 'jewel'
Hundreds brave heat to witness grand opening
By Prentiss Findlay
Video
Opening Day at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park
Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park.
The Post and Courier
Scores of patrons turned out Friday to be among the first to walk out along the pier at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park. The pier will open for fishing today at 6 a.m.
The Post and Courier
Herb Hinman and his wife Judy Hinman of Charleston take a moment to soak up the new view of Charleston from a bench along the pier at the park. 'It's so beautiful out here,' Judy Hinman said.
The Post and Courier
MOUNT PLEASANT — Memorial Waterfront Park, a project 10 years in the making, was unveiled Friday afternoon to an enthusiastic crowd of hundreds who fanned themselves against a steamy heat that blanketed the opening day ceremonies.
The $14 million, 9-acre park offers stunning views of the adjacent Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, which shades the playground where town resident Stuart Scott watched his four kids climbing and jumping. "I'm going to tell everybody it's a great place," Scott said. On such a hot day, he appreciated that the park designers had thought to put the playground in the bridge shadows.
Julia and Jay Rabhan explored the Visitor Center and the rest of the park. "It makes you proud to be a Mount Pleasanter," Jay Rabhan said.
The park's 1,250-foot pier, the area's longest, opens to fishing from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. today. Afterwards, it will be a place to view fireworks launched at 10 p.m. from Patriots Point. The pier is near the park War Memorial, where area soldiers who lost their lives are remembered. A sculpture that is the memorial centerpiece will be unveiled at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
Starting Monday, park hours will be 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Glenn Young of James Island paused to reflect on the names of the dead inscribed on a wall at the memorial. They ranged from locals who had lost their lives in the War on Terror to those who perished in the Civil War. "It's well done. It's very special recognition for those who gave their lives for our safety and security," Young said.
At the park entrance on Harry M. Hallman Jr. Boulevard, Jo Ann Coaxum beamed with excitement as she arranged her wares in the open-air Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Pavilion.
Usually, she works from one of the sweetgrass stands that dot U.S. 17. The pavilion includes interpretive exhibits that explain the rice plantation roots of basket making. "I know my ancestors are just applauding this venture. This is something that's making our craft stand out to the public," she said.
Officials at the ceremony said the new park will be a gateway to the town. "This will become the town's front lawn. Now, everybody can have a yard on the water," said Councilman Joe Bustos.
Former Mayor Harry Hallman, who retired recently because of Alzheimer's disease, said: "I think it's beyond our expectations. I'm very proud of it."
Acting Mayor Kruger Smith said parks play an important role in a community, and described Mount Pleasant's new park as an "urban jewel."
"Parks shape the quality of American lives," he said, and they provide a place for exercise, and a chance for recreation with neighbors and friends.
Councilman Nick Collins said the park "sets the town apart from any other town on the East Coast. When you come to Mount Pleasant, this is a must-see attraction. This personifies what Mount Pleasant is all about."
The state Department of Transportation donated land for the park, which was financed for the most part by the town. Admission is free. Parking will be 50 cents per hour, but it is free this weekend. The park is a short distance from a pedestrian walkway for the Ravenel Bridge.
Reach Prentiss Findlay at pfindlay@postandcourier.com or 937-5711
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KidYendor (anonymous) says...
This little park grand opening was OK. The police were everywhere, including in the boat all around the end of the long pier. Back and forth, back and forth in the water policing 12 or so little boats. Ravenel bridge traffic was heard but not annoying. I did not like the very bright lights everywhere. You could barely see the stars. It was not a romantic place. Lighting from the Ravenel bridge itself is noticeable and almost plentiful. The trolley driver said the lights can be dimmed and hopefully they will be dimmed tonight for 4th of July fireworks and for romantic walks. Items can easily be thrown from psychotic drivers above from the bridge down on people. The police closed the right hand westbound lane on the bridge to prevent any first night tragedy. I did not see a cooling off fountain or shower but there are restrooms on the land side of the pier. The workers, shuttle drivers and police were friendly. A cooling off shower/fountain place is needed.
July 4, 2009 at 2:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
The P & C is mischaracterizing, as usual. It was not such a hot day and there was no "steamy heat" of the type implied. The temperature was 82 degrees F at 4:30. It was in fact much cooler than usual at this time of year. Check the NWS' official weather records if you don't believe me.
While it is obviously absurd that it took ten years for this to happen (if it had actually been well done, this park would have opened within a much shorter time-meaning years-of the Ravenel Bridge opening in July 2005). it is very nice and a plus for the town. But we shouldn't kid ourselves. It's planning and actual execution were slow and clumsy, meaning it cost more than it should have and also that it WAS NOT THERE while time and money were stupidly wasted.
KidYendor is right about cooling. What should be there are the "Coolzone" fans that we see on TV at football games keeping football players cool when not on the field. While such fans were completely unnecessary yesterday, there will be days when it really is quite hot when they would be a godsend.
As for why the P & C found it so important to report a demonstrable falsehood concerning temperature, this just tells us what attitude to take towards what it constantly insists is "news".
Also, while I understand the sentiment about the military and the sweetgrass ladies, the park's ostensible primary purpose is to be a facility for people to use, not to provide some people with a sense of special importance. Is it really that important for Kruger Smith to have a building named after him? We already know why the others cited think they are important (the military is vital while the sweetgrass ladies are actually nothing special) and don't need constant reminders about something we already understand. Remember, this made the park MORE EXPENSIVE and quite possibly delayed for years the rest of us enjoying its benefits.
July 4, 2009 at 7:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
High_Gravity (anonymous) says...
Can I get there by water taxi from Downtown?
July 4, 2009 at 8:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Thanks to Mt. P. for including and Honoring 40 Confederate dead on the Military Memorial. The ultimate sacrifice of all who have defended South Carolina are appreciated.
July 4, 2009 at 8:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
TRODI (anonymous) says...
The lights are necessary its also a fishing pier.hence the need for lighting.wait till shrimp season that place is in a hot spot for shrimp.and i imagine in the heat of the summer the early morning and from 6pm to 11 pm will be hot fishing times.
July 4, 2009 at 8:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
katie (anonymous) says...
Although this park sounds beautiful, our tax payer money was used to pay for it so for the town of Mt Pleasant to charge for parking is absolutely ridiculous and makes me thankful that I live in Summerville where I can enjoy the beautiful surroundings and parks for free.
July 4, 2009 at 9 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
Trodi, the rules will render shrimping effectively to be a fantasy. I've been there and read them.
Scottmcx, of course I understand about confederate dead. However, I simply can not believe that you would give honoring long-dead fallen soldiers from a war that ended 144 years ago priority over the practical objective of having the park open as quickly, efficiently, and inexpensively as possible.
I mean, face it. We lost. Beating the drum is absurd and I speak as a native who grew up in a household where "Lee's Lieutanants" was required reading. It has not done me a bit of good practically, financially, or otherwise. It is not helping with the current insanity we are seeing in the US and it has very little to do with the park's actual usefulness to residents and guests alike. Why, exactly, do those of us who are BORED STIFF by the subject have to wait unnecessarily, not have it to use, see irreplaceable time wasted, and our tax dollars wasted to placate the egos of people who won't let go of something they were not involved in?
So I question your logic and your assignment of any profound importance to the Confederate memorial. It's BORING and it doesn't teach us anything we don't already know or have any positive influence on our lives in the here and now. I have never read a post of yours before where your logic was less than sterling.
July 4, 2009 at 9:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Postal...
So, your point is...I can't comment on a small part of the opening that had some meaning to me and a few others in the area?
Plus, you're saying we shouldn't remember any of our US war dead, or our history, because its BORING.
"Doomed to repeat" comes to mind.
BTW, I've read all the volumes of Lee's Lieutenants. I guess I'm just bored and boring.
July 4, 2009 at 9:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
BTW..it appears a "few" decision makers felt it was important to include the Confederates. So, I'm not the only bored one around here.
The park is nice and a complete waste of taxpayer's money, that we don't have, and are borrowing from China. So, thank the Chinese for the park.
July 4, 2009 at 9:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
stephaniem (anonymous) says...
well, the P & C is trying to distract from sanford for the holidays.....I think
July 4, 2009 at 9:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
postman01 (anonymous) says...
No, scottmcx. I'm just saying that constant repitition is unnecessary. Since we already know all this, we don't need to hear a repeat. It won't reinforce anything because we already know what we believe.
The problem with worrying about "meaning" is that it is self centered. It is not the purpose of this park to provide "meaning" for you, me, or anyone else. Why shouldn't ALL of the people that live here who have other priorities have their "meanings" honored, too? What makes our "meaning" so much more important and superior to theirs? It is there to provide for the logical functions of a park, which is to promote civil society and give people a place to congregate, engage in peaceful,activities with friends and families, etc. Political overtones are simply uncalled for. We are bombarded with them everywhere. Among other things, some of us would like to go to a place where political diatribe of any kind is mercifully absent.
You are totally dodging the fact that we lost. Losing is nothing to be proud of. You are also dodging the waste of time and money involved because it was deemed so important to placate the EGOS of sweetgrass ladies and Civil War afficianados when same doesn't change anything constructively, teach anyone anything of value that they won't learn elsewhere, etc.
So, we'll just agree to disagree on this one topic. All of the other things we agree on are vastly more important to our lives now and in the future than the topic at hand.
July 4, 2009 at 9:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Factually, I love the sweetgrass ladies and it is pure politics that built the park. Without politics, no park.
I'm also proud of my White/Southern/Confederate/Gullah/Geechie/African influenced heritage. I love Okra and have about the most screwed up Nergo/Gullah accent you've ever heard. I read slave histories as well as WTBS. Guess what, I'M PROUD OF MY GULLAH HERITAGE. If you're "from around here" and think you're white eurocentric you're kidding yourself. We're all "tainted" and better off for it.
The Tyrant, War Criminal Lincoln said, "a house divided cannot stand". He did not mean the US "Union" as many will tell you, he was talking about the South and his political strategy.
As long as Black and White in the South are divided we'll never have any political power as we cancel one another out. Lincoln's "house divided" strategy has been working against us very well, ever since the 1860s, when he murdered the Constitution. We continue to pay the price today.
Say it loud...I'm Southern and I'm Proud.
July 4, 2009 at 10:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KidYendor (anonymous) says...
Well fellows, how do you like the park?
July 4, 2009 at 11:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scottmcx (anonymous) says...
Park, what park? There's a park?
July 4, 2009 at 11:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonnative1963 (anonymous) says...
Katie, Please stay in Summerville.
July 4, 2009 at 11:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
outrage (anonymous) says...
I think something should be named after Mac Burdette. He is the one who said "somebody has to pay for it". He is the genius who wanted to build it so property values would increase in the area.
See your taxes paid for the park and he is hoping to bring in more taxes in property values to fund it.
Please, name something after Mac Burdette and emblazon his name all over it. MAYBE, YES THE TOILETS - THE MAC BURDETTE TOILETS.
July 4, 2009 at 11:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Paulie (anonymous) says...
Where's the promised dog park ?
July 4, 2009 at 11:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BreezinIAm (anonymous) says...
"War Criminal Lincoln."
Did I actually read that? (Blinking, rubbing eyes.) Insanity like this doesn't still exist, does it? The un-Civil War is a legitimate part of American history. It's also good for tourism. At least learn from it and blow the right bugle.
July 4, 2009 at 12:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
miamidolphin (anonymous) says...
went today...its a decent park. The pier is nice but the kids playground is weak. I think they are adding more to the playground...hopefully.
July 4, 2009 at 1:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Friday (anonymous) says...
Jesus people. It's a nice place. Quit your whining.
July 4, 2009 at 1:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
malthus (anonymous) says...
While The park opening is a benefit for the community, It should have opened much sooner,I mean honestly how hard is it to build a park. And just like everything else Mount pleasant tried to over plan and while the results are nice I feel there are too many people who dipped into the pot on this one. Think about what they crammed in. Fishing pier probably with such a massive list of rules you can't even be bothered. Dog Park... Missing In Action. Playground needs a little expansion but good idea. War Memorial, should have spent the money to build it at Patriots Point instead so now we have Patriots Point and we have Patriots Point II around the corner. Sweet grass pavillion... Don't the sweetgrass vendors have enough exposure already. Come on baskets have been woven since mankind could twist two strands of grass together. Many of the baskets I see now are shoddy and made with mostly bull rush instead of pine straw. I have seen how the sturdy baskets I watched being made with care and attention to detail are now "mass produced" using easier to work materials. so that tourists wont scoff at the prices. The inclusion of the sweetgrass pavillion was a waste of money. Instead open a run through fountain or a public pool.
July 4, 2009 at 4:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UPYERWAHZOO2 (anonymous) says...
Posted by charlestonnative1963 on July 4, 2009 at 11:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Katie, Please stay in Summerville.
Go find a boy friend !you arrogant tard.
July 4, 2009 at 5:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
elcidee87 (anonymous) says...
Lincoln was a war criminal and a tyrant. His death was justified, sadly though, four years too late.
July 5, 2009 at 2:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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