The Felix C. Davis Community Center, a cherished venue hosting meetings, reunions, and high school dances since the World War II era, has now given way to a new and exciting addition to the North Charleston community. The freshly unveiled community building, located in a tax increment financing district, is set to carry on the tradition of fostering unity and celebration within the neighborhood.
Mayor Summey enthusiastically expressed his confidence in the new community center, which offers versatile indoor and outdoor event spaces, promising to continue providing the same community benefits that its predecessor did. Additionally, it will house art facilities previously located in the city hall building.
Funding for this project was secured through a bond sale, with the city relying on increased property tax revenues in the Park Circle district to repay the debt. As part of this tax increment financing (TIF) initiative, the North Charleston Sports Complex, situated nearby on Monitor Street, is slated to receive an additional $25 million in funding.
One of the standout features of the Park Circle playground is its inclusivity. Designed to cater to the needs of all community members, it includes rubber surfacing, which is particularly accommodating for children in wheelchairs. This improvement over traditional wood chips or sand makes it easier for children to access the playground. It’s not just limited to children; parents and caretakers who use walking devices will also find it more convenient. Moreover, the rubber surfacing is especially beneficial for children with autism, as it eliminates concerns about them throwing or trying to eat sand.
The design of the playground takes the intense Lowcountry summers into account, with almost 85 percent of the playground shaded. These canopy shades provide comfort for parents and support those with autism who may struggle with regulating their body temperature. To enhance cooling, a dedicated section features water misters.
The playground’s commitment to inclusivity extends to its equipment, which includes several “transfer stations” for children in wheelchairs. These stations allow caretakers to assist children in navigating the platforms and slides. In addition, there is a wheelchair charging station conveniently located next to a set of games for children to enjoy while waiting.
To further cater to children with various disabilities, the playground incorporates elements designed for those who are visually impaired and offers igloo-style domes for children experiencing sensory overload.
TJ Rostin, North Charleston’s Recreation Director, highlights the forward-thinking nature of this project, emphasizing the importance of setting a new standard for playgrounds. As Luna, the founder of the nonprofit organization “Just Bee,” which focuses on creating autism-friendly spaces, notes, “All playgrounds from this starting point need to be like this. We cannot go back to the status quo.”
This is not North Charleston’s first venture into inclusive playgrounds. A $250,000 inclusive playground was opened in Oak Terrace Preserve, just a mile away from the Park Circle location. It features wheelchair-accessible ramps, swings, and a rubber surface.
The Park Circle playground offers a wide range of activities, including traditional favorites such as towering structures leading to spiral slides and challenging rope courses. For older children and adults, there’s even a Ninja Warrior course inspired by the popular TV show.
Rostin sums up the philosophy behind this project: “We’ve designed this playground for everyone, but we’ve also made sure that there are parts of it that are challenging and there are parts of it that are not challenging.”
With the Park Circle playground, Luna and the community look forward to a future where all children can play together in a space that promotes inclusion and celebration. “A playground is the place for everyone to feel included, to be welcomed, to shine, and to just be themselves,” Luna concludes.
