Top 10 Parks & Playgrounds In Summerville

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There’s nothing I love more than watching my kids swing, smell the flowers, make new friends, and run around without the confines of a fenced-in back yard. Hence, why we love spending time at parks and playgrounds. Being from Columbia, South Carolina, we pretty much knew every playground the city had to offer, so moving here to Summerville gave us a great opportunity to experience what this lovely little town had to offer. And Summerville definitely has plenty to offer!

Now that the weather is gorgeous and it’s officially summer break, here’s a list of the top ten parks and playgrounds around Summerville where you’ll find us. Okay, so maybe you won’t find us at the skate park, but your older children might really enjoy that one.

Azalea Park:

105 W 5th S Street

Azalea Park, aptly named for its beautiful blooming azaleas, is a great park location for many different activities. While there is not a playground, there is plenty of space for walking on the many paths, admiring the many unique sculptures, playing a round or two of tennis, or even having a picnic. There are restrooms on site and free parking. This was a perfect date night park for me and the hubs. We both enjoyed the serenity this park seemed to offer.

Doty Park:

320 North Laurel Street

Doty Park has very unique play structures that older children will enjoy, as well as a smaller structure for the little kids, and swings too. There are several picnic shelters around the park and one that is directly near the playground. Doty Park is also the home to Summerville’s Tennis program, and there are six tennis courts. This park also has a horseshoe pit and bathrooms on site.

Gahagan Park:

515 West Boundary Street

This playground has turned into my children’s favorite playground with them now referring to it as “the castle.” This huge playground structure is wooden and has areas for younger and older children. There are also several infant swings, a handicap swing, and several tire swings. Located near baseball, football, and softball fields, this would be a great location to kick a ball or two around when there aren’t games in session.

Newington Plantation Park:  

601 King Charles Circle

This playground is located in the neighborhood of Newington Plantation next to the Newington Pool. The playground has a fun feel with the equipment designed like a tree house. There are also picnic tables that are covered by a shelter with a water fountain nearby. Newington Park is also connected to the Saw Mill Branch Hiking/Biking Trail.

Sawmill Branch Trail

Photo credit: SC Great Outdoors website
Photo credit: SC Great Outdoors website

This seven-mile-long paved trail runs along the Sawmill Branch Canal and starts at East Richardson Avenue and ends at the Summerville YMCA, but has entrances all along the surrounding neighborhoods that leading onto the path. The town of Summerville provides a helpful map for navigating your way through the trail.

Wassamassaw Community Park:  

651 Wassanassaw Rd

Wassamassaw Park has play structures perfect for smaller children and older children. There are two covered picnic table areas, a walking trail surrounding the playground, bathrooms, and a water fountain on site. The dog track near the entrance is a great place to bring pets as well.

Huger Playground:  

615 W. Richardson Avenue

A small but fun neighborhood playground that has picnic tables and an updated play structure.

Saul Alexander Playground:

615 S. Laurel Street

This cute little playground right in the middle of historic Summerville has some fun and quirky playground features. Complete with a merry go round, which are perfect for kids and grownups alike to play on, the playground is also home to Summerville’s Miracle league. There are also several picnic tables, bathrooms, two tennis courts and plenty of shade.

Shepard Park:

200 Parkwood Drive

Photo credit: Sculptures In the South

Shepard Park is between the intersection of Parkwood Drive and Simmons Avenue. A scenic walking trail leads you through gardens and dogwoods and over a bridge. The pond is home to a bronze statue of a hippo and the park features a playground and a gazebo.

Skate Park:

The corner of E. Richland Street & S. Magnolia Street

Bring your helmet, elbow pads, and skateboard over to this 5000 square foot skate park! While my children are still a bit too young for this adventure, they’ll one day be sure to enjoy features like a grind box, Hubba ledge, stairs, railings, and many more.

Are there any we left out? Where are your favorite Summerville spots?

2 COMMENTS

  1. Thank you for putting this list together. We are new to the area, and your list has become a fav of our kiddos. They want to cross off each one.

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