Lowcountry Land Trust is thrilled to announce the successful acquisition, protection, and transfer of Main Road Park on Johns Island. This 40-acre landmark project, fully funded by the Charleston County Greenbelt Program, ensures that a vital greenspace remains free from development while providing both active and passive recreational opportunities for the community.
Located directly across from Grayson Oaks, another recently protected property with public benefits, Main Road Park reinforces a network of natural areas for people and wildlife. Future plans include connecting walking trails on both properties and pedestrian improvements to Main Road, led by Charleston County. With approximately 1,000 feet of wooded road frontage along Main Road, the park will also contribute to the rural character of Johns Island, experienced daily by the 20,000 vehicles that travel the corridor.
Having access to open space is part of Johns Island’s culture. Main Road Park fortifies Charleston’s urban growth boundary, preventing further residential development that would increase congestion on roads and infrastructure. At the same time, it creates a valuable community asset, giving residents greater access to recreational opportunities and reducing the need to travel elsewhere. The project ensures that current and future generations can enjoy the outdoors close to home.
Main Road Park will feature both active and passive recreational areas to serve the community’s diverse needs. The active recreation area, spanning 13 acres, will primarily support the Barrier Islands Little League, providing ballfields, seating, and reservable space for outdoor activities and family gatherings. Meanwhile, the passive recreation area, covering 27 acres, will preserve the forested views along Main Road and protect 17 acres of wetlands, ensuring the island’s natural beauty and ecological integrity remain intact for future generations.
This achievement wouldn’t be possible without the strong support of local partners—including Charleston County Councilman Joe Boykin, the Charleston County Greenbelt Program, which granted $1.67 million to fund the project, the landowners who sold the property to Lowcountry Land Trust below market value, and the Barrier Islands Little League, which will realize the property’s recreational components and steward its conservation values.
