Make the Woodlands Property a Park

Summerville and Dorchester County have a unique and special opportunity, but time is running out and they must act to take advantage of it. They should through a colloborative effort design a new gateway to our community and enhance our quality of life by creating a new park on the Woodlands property adjacent to the historic Woodlands Mansion. This park would be almost double the size of Azalea Park.

In the 1920’s Azalea Park was created a result of the combined wisdom, vision and leadership of the Flowertown Garden Club, Mayor Grange Cuthbert and George Segelken during much less favorable economic conditions. We can all bear witness to the benefits of Azalea Park but it has no room to grow as our community grows.

Adjacent to the Woodlands Mansion are two parcels at the intersection of Parsons Road and West Richardson Ave. which total approximately 31 acres. These properties were acquired in 2006 by Woodlands Village, LLC. Currently, there is a town approved proposal for the property to build more than 200 homes – furthering overcrowding our roads. However, we have a limited time opportunity to stop the development, use available funds from both the town and the county, and create new crown jewel for Summerville by turning the Woodslands property into a park – permanently preserving it.

However, time is of the essence. Summerville's plans for the extension of Maple Street through to Parsons Road are taking 3.65 acres from Woodlands Village and dividing their property. Summerville and Dorchester County should use this opportunity to put together the available parks, recreation, and open space funds with the road acquisition funds and acquire the entire 31 acres before it gets developed into 200+ homes.

Sign the petition to make the Woodlands property a park.