CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – The Coakley Chapel Park, a 6.5-acre property located in the historic Hamlin Beach community of Charleston County, will be permanently protected.
The grassroots effort is thanks to a purchase by the Lowcountry Land Trust, a nonprofit committed to preserving Lowcountry landscapes and waterways for current and future generations.
“This is a historic designated community by Charleston County, and it is, and it’s vital that we support these communities and we help them preserve their way of life and preserve the land they live on.” Lowcountry Land Trust Community Lands Director Sam Seawell said.
At the park’s core is the historic Coakley Chapel, originally known as The Meeting House, established by Mr. Sam Coakley in the early 1900s. It served as a prayer house and meeting space for community members. Now the chapel will continue to serve as a community gathering space and provide educational programming about the history and culture of Hamlin Beach’s Gullah Geechee roots.
“This is kind of the epicenter of one of the strongest aspects of Charleston County’s identity, which would be the sweetgrass baskets,” Seawell said.
The $1.9 million purchase was made possible through the generous support of the Charleston County Greenbelt Program ($1,614,500), the South Carolina Conservation Bank ($300,000), the Gary C. Butler Family Foundation ($60,000) and Atlantic Packaging ($40,000). Members of the Hamlin Beach community are donating $85,000 in property value.
Charleston County’s Greenbelt Program is made possible through a half-penny sales tax program.
“This project does align with Greenbelt goals and priorities in a number of ways. It does help protect culture and historical assets, and of course, it protects wetlands, which help provide mitigation against flooding and stormwater. It will also provide a public green space for that community and members of the county,” Charleston County Housing Development and Land Management Director Eric Davis said.
Seawell added that much of the Lowcountry is undergoing lots of development, and this park will ensure historic and natural roots are preserved.
“We want to be a beacon of light not only for our community but for other communities that have a lot of historic importance. It’s very important that growth is absolutely necessary and I’m a champion for growth, but I’m also a champion for protecting and preserving the history of the community,” Hamlin Beach Community Association Secretary Cassandra Davis said.
“We can’t stop every development that’s coming into every community strategically. We can ensure these very important places are preserved for citizens and our visitors as well,” Davis said.
Lowcountry Land Trust will hold the property during the development phase of the park, after which ownership will transfer to the Hamlin Beach Community Association.
They plan to have public meetings to determine future uses of the park. Seawell said the development of trails, signage, boardwalks, and passive recreational use may take a year or two to be completed.
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