Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission

Parks and recreation in Charleston County

The Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission (CCPRC) is a special-purpose governmental entity created in 1968 by the South Carolina Legislature. Its role is to manage a countywide park and recreation system that complements, without duplicating, the services offered by municipalities and local recreation districts. In 1972, the law was amended to also authorize the promotion of historical and tourist attractions, a responsibility that in July 1985 passed to the Charleston Trident Chamber of Commerce, at which point the agency adopted its current name.

A system of more than 11,000 acres

The agency manages more than 11,000 acres of land distributed across large parks, beaches, historic sites, fishing piers, and boat ramps. Among the spaces it mentions are waterparks, a climbing wall, a skatepark, a campground, and event venues. The offering seeks to reflect the county's landscapes and heritage, with destinations that allow visitors to climb, paddle, bike, camp, celebrate, and explore.

Programs and activities throughout the year

Recreation is central to the commission's mission. Throughout the year, it organizes festivals, interpretive activities, classes, programs, and special events for people of all ages and abilities. The calendar includes offerings such as early morning bird walks at the Caw Caw Interpretive Center, gentle yoga sessions at the Schroder Recreation Center, aerobics activities, youth tackle and flag football leagues, and events such as Wine Down Wednesday at Old Towne Creek County Park. It also offers camps, programs for school groups, and custom field trips.

Facilities and services for visitors

The system has parks, camping, and season passes. The agency manages venue rentals and business opportunities, as well as a volunteer program and a parks foundation. Visitors can check the events calendar and explore an interactive map with the various locations.

Accreditation and recognition

The commission is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). In 2025, it earned its third reaccreditation with a perfect score by meeting all standards. The agency presents itself as one of the most diverse in its field in South Carolina.

Structure and governance

As a special purpose district, CCPRC operates as a separate governmental entity, not as a division or department of the Charleston County government or the State of South Carolina. The Charleston County Council oversees the tax-related budget but does not intervene in daily operations or the commission's overall management.

Location and contact

861 Riverland Drive, Charleston, SC 29412 · Email: customerservice@ccprc.com