A New Era for Nature and Inclusion in Dorchester County
After more than a decade of planning and several months of delays, Dorchester County has officially opened Pine Trace Park, a landmark project designed with both conservation and accessibility at its core. Located off Miles Jamison Road in the heart of Summerville, this $13 million investment is the result of years of effort and community vision.
The land that now houses Pine Trace Park was originally intended for residential development, with plans to build up to 900 homes. However, during the recession, the developer went into foreclosure, leaving only a pond behind. Recognizing the potential of the site, the county stepped in to purchase the property and transform it into a natural preserve and public park.
David Chinnis, Dorchester County Council Chairman and representative for District 2, highlighted the significance of the transformation. “Ultimately, this was a repurposed pond that was dug as part of infrastructure well before the conversation about building these homes 15 years ago. But we were able to take that and turn it into something,” he said.
Despite the ambitious vision, the project faced several setbacks. Originally slated to open in the fall last year, the park experienced delays due to weather challenges and supply chain issues. Chinnis acknowledged the frustration among residents, especially with schools starting their semesters recently. However, he emphasized that the extra time was necessary to ensure the park was ready and environmentally sound.
“We would’ve loved to have seen it open last fall. That was the initial goal. Doing it right was more important,” Chinnis said.
Now that it’s complete, Pine Trace Park brings several firsts to the area. It features the county’s first intentionally inclusive playground, designed to allow children of all abilities to play together. The playground includes ramped play structures, transfer stations, a RoxAll seesaw, sensory-friendly wave climbers, and cozy zones for children who may need a break.
In addition to the inclusive playground, the park offers a range of amenities. These include:
- Disc golf course: The county’s first of its kind.
- 5 miles of hiking trails: Perfect for nature enthusiasts.
- Kayak rentals and launches: For those looking to explore the water.
- Pond stocked with bluegill and bass: Ideal for fishing.
- Fenced-in dog parks: A great spot for pets to enjoy.
- Reservable picnic shelters and event spaces: Suitable for gatherings and special occasions.
Chinnis emphasized that the park’s natural feel is intentional. Minimal paved pathways and a design that prioritizes green space and natural features over infrastructure and development reflect the county’s commitment to preserving the environment. As a native of the Lowcountry, Chinnis recalls playing in the beautiful landscapes surrounding the area. He believes that keeping the current atmosphere of the park is what makes it unique.
“It’s intentionally meant to be natural and not a developed park,” he said. “Over time, we may do some changes to that, but I think it’s intentional to be able to have this.”
This aligns with Dorchester County’s broader commitment to conservation. The county has contributed $4 million to conservation efforts with the State Forestry Commission and has preserved over 3,000 acres of land. Chinnis added that the work is far from over.
Chinnis hopes families will come to enjoy the park’s natural beauty. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Thursday at 9:30 a.m., with free admission for the public on that day. Afterward, the park will charge $2 for anyone over the age of three. County residents can also purchase an annual park pass for $42.
