Work begins on Daniel Island's long-awaited Governor's Park

The sound of traffic rushing over Daniel Island on the Interstate 526 bridge was joined by the whirring of land movers and the crackling of trees falling to the ground last week as L&L Contractors began clearing land for the long-awaited Governor's Park.

The 40-acre park near the Family Circle Tennis Center is scheduled for completion by September.

Plans call for athletic playing fields, an outdoor stage, a grand lawn, a walking trail along the Wando River and a dog run.

The park was part of the plan since the city of Charleston annexed Daniel Island in the early 1990s.

The timeline for park development, however, was put on hold when the Family Circle Tennis Center opened in 2001.

Kevin Sarlo, who moved to Daniel Island about three years ago, said it was nice to see Governor's Park construction finally happening.

"Growth has slowed on the island," he said. "Seeing that construction continue is a good sign that things are on an upswing."

Charleston City Councilman Gary White, who lives on the island, said the park will be another catalyst for economic development and an opportunity to bring more special events to the island than there are now.

The park's $4 million construction is funded through a seat tax collected at both the Family Circle Tennis Center and Blackbaud Stadium on the island and from a general obligation bond for capital projects.

Once complete, the Charleston city recreation program will use the grand lawn area, now an overflow parking lot for Family Circle Tennis Center events, for recreation programs.

Laurie Yarbrough, Charleston Department of Recreation director, said the field's location will be good advertising for the programs because current fields on the island are more hidden.

One can be found behind Daniel Island Elementary and Middle School and another is at Etiwan Park across the street from Bishop England High School.

Bobby L. Carrier, property management director for Colliers International, is leasing units in a once-empty strip mall at Daniel Island Town Center near Publix. He said the park should be good for businesses there. It's just across the street.

The park would bring more people to that side of the island's eastern end. Mothers might take a break from watching soccer practice to visit one of the boutique clothing stores or the whole family might stop at Wasabi Japanese Steak House after a game, he said.

Dog owners such as Joan Whiston have already been using the park because it's the only off-leash area in town. But she will use it more after the enclosed dog run is complete. She'll feel more comfortable letting her Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Miss Lula, roam free.

Park construction stopped for a brief groundbreaking ceremony Nov. 1.

There, Charleston Mayor Joe Riley said Governor's Park would become the city's second largest after West Ashley Park.

"Less than a year from now, it's going to be one of the greatest parks in any city anywhere," Riley said.

A hawk and a flock of birds flew over the park's future grand lawn as men returned to work.

Reach Jessica Miller at 937-5921.