Lowcountry Land Trust is excited to highlight the permanent protection of Red Top Park, a cornerstone of community life in the historic Red Top neighborhood of Charleston County. The conservation of this culturally significant property, spearheaded by the Red Top Improvement Association and Dr. Melody Dover, ensures it will continue serving local residents as it has for nearly a century.
The protection of Red Top Park provides a rare opportunity to interpret and celebrate the historical and cultural legacy of the Red Top community. Established by formerly enslaved people and their descendants, it has long served as a symbol of resilience, heritage, and shared identity. Currently owned and operated by the Red Top Improvement Association, this now community-owned land will not only preserve the existing park but also lay a path forward for its long-term prosperity. As the former site of the historic Red Top Rosenwald School, built in 1927, the park will remain publicly accessible and continue to serve as a gathering space for current and future generations.
Protecting Red Top Park and its historic and ecological significance was made possible in part through funding from the Charleston County Greenbelt Program and the South Carolina Conservation Bank, with vital support from the Conservation Voters of South Carolina, highlighting the power of collaboration in preserving places that matter. Beyond its cultural importance, the property also protects critical upland habitat adjacent to the salt marshes connected to Rantowles Creek and the Stono River, contributing to the ecological integrity of the surrounding landscape. Its legacy continues to be shaped by the people who have loved and maintained it, and will continue to shape its future for the better.
“The Red Top Community extends heartfelt gratitude to our fellow partners: Charleston County Greenbelt Program, South Carolina Conservation Bank and the Lowcountry Land Trust whose generous support has helped secure the future of the Red Top Park—a cherished space that holds deep historical significance and collective memory for generations within our Black Settlement community,” says Dr. Dover, Red Top Improvement Association’s President. “This park is more than green space—it is a living testament to our heritage, resilience, and the stories that have shaped our identity. Through collaboration and shared commitment of these organizations, we are able to protect this landmark for future generations and ensure it remains a place of reflection, celebration, and inspiration.”
