On March 15, 2021, County Council approved the Pine Trace Natural Area Master Plan. The park will feature an extensive trail system throughout the mature mixed hardwood forest, bike/pedestrian connections, 6-acre fishing pond, fishing pier, ADA kayak launch, shelters, playground, disc golf course, and dog parks. Design development is underway and the project is expected to be completed in early 2025. The total cost for park development is just over $13 million.

Project Updates

Pine Trace 

Park Update: We're Almost There!  

We know many of you are eagerly awaiting the opening of Pine Trace Natural Area— and we are too! The team has been working hard to create a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy, but we’ve encountered a few unexpected construction delays. 

What’s causing the delay? 
Like many large projects, a few supply chain issues and weather-related setbacks have slowed progress. Our priority is making sure the park is safe, accessible, and built to last — and that takes just a bit more time. 

But here’s the good news! 
Even though the gates aren’t open just yet, we wanted to give you a sneak peek at the progress. Check out these behind-the-scenes photos! From the walking trails to the playground features, to the dog park, stocked pond, fishing dock, disc golf course and picnic shelters, the park is truly coming to life. 

We’re just as excited as you are to see families playing, friends gathering, and the community enjoying everything this space will offer. Thank you for your patience — it won’t be long now! 

Stay tuned for updates and a special announcement about our grand opening  

— The Dorchester County Parks and Recreation Team 

Archival Project Updates

2011 - 2014

The 306 acre Pine Trace Natural Area property was purchased in 2011, at a cost of $2,500,000.

In September of 2014, Dorchester County hired its first Parks and Recreation Department staff member to oversee this project and to develop a countywide parks and recreation system. 

2015 - 2017

Preliminary site and records investigations revealed that an existing wetlands delineation had expired. A new wetlands delineation was performed and a Preliminary Jurisdictional Determination was issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The wetlands footprint increased substantially from the prior delineation.

2018

In conjunction with the Ashley River Park project, 404 and 401 permits were issued to account for anticipated impacts to wetlands on site for basic access infrastructure (roads and parking lots). 81.5 acres of wetlands and wetland buffers were placed under perpetual protection through restrictive covenants while saving the County over $500,000 in wetland mitigation fees.

2019

Voters approved the $38,000,000 parks capital bond referendum, providing $4,500,000 in funding for the Pine Trace Natural Area project.

2020

A contract was executed with ADC Engineering for design consulting services for the park and surveying and master planning started.

2022

Meetings were held mid-January 2022 to discuss the scope of work for this park, and a meeting with internal stakeholders and the design team will be scheduled for late April - early May to discuss several aspects of the project.

Descriptions, timelines, milestones, and reports were shared. The park will feature an extensive trail system throughout the mature mixed hardwood forest, bike/pedestrian connections, 6-acre fishing pond, fishing pier, kayak launch, shelters, playground, disc golf course, and dog parks. The multi-use trail included in the park boundaries will be funded as part of the Eagle Chandler Creek Trail extension.

In July, schematic drawings were sent to estimators and revisited plans have been shared with County staff.

ADC Engineering prepared construction drawings in November and plans were reviewed by the Town of Summerville.

2023

The Parks and Recreation Department has received approval by the Town of Summerville Design Review Board (DRB) for the renderings below.

The County held a groundbreaking event on March 9, and plans were delivered Spring of 2023. 

Please click to view the Pine Trace Building Renderings as of 2-3-23.
Please click to view the Pine Trace Building Renderings Visual as of 2-3-23.

2024 - 2025

Pine Trace Natural Area PDF

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