Edgefield County Officials Celebrate Groundbreaking for New Star Park

“It means a lot to be doing this; it's going to be huge for Edgefield County,” Nick Wates, parks and recreation director, said during a recent ceremony to begin construction.

Edgefield County officials officially began construction on the $2.45 million regional Star Park on Nov. 4. The project, located at the intersection of Rabbit Trail and Star Road, marks the start of an estimated eight-month construction timeline aimed at a summer opening.

The development aims to introduce amenities to the area that currently do not exist within the county’s existing park system. Edgefield County Council Chairman Dean Campbell described the upcoming facility as a “next generation park” that will utilize 9 acres of land to provide diverse recreational opportunities.

Work set to begin on Star Park in Edgefield County

The planned site will feature a variety of athletic and leisure facilities designed to serve multiple demographics. Residents can expect a football field, a large soccer field, and a dedicated youth soccer field. For court sports, the park will include a basketball court and six pickleball courts.

Families will have access to a large playground equipped with adaptive equipment, alongside a splash pad. While the splash pad is included in the project scope, officials noted it might be completed as part of a second phase of construction. The site will also include two picnic shelters, restroom facilities, benches, and a concession area designed to accommodate food trucks during sporting events.

To improve local connectivity, a three-quarter-mile walking path is slated for development. This path will eventually link Star Park to the Ten Governors Trail.

The project’s funding relies on a combination of resources. The financial breakdown includes a $750,000 state appropriation, a $500,000 Land and Water Conservation Grant, and the grant’s $500,000 county match paid for by interest accrued on Edgefield County’s cut of the plutonium settlement.

Edgefield County breaks ground on new $2.45M park

The county council awarded a $1.83 million construction contract to Threlko, a firm based in Ninety Six, in September.

The ceremony drew several local and state leaders. Attendees included Sen. Shane Massey, R-Edgefield; Rep. Bill Clyburn, D-Aiken; and Rep. Bill Hixon, R-North Augusta.

For the county, the investment represents a move toward modernized, multi-use recreational spaces. Wates noted that the facilities being built are different from the parks he remembers playing in during his youth, moving toward more specialized and inclusive equipment.

If construction proceeds according to the current schedule, the park is expected to open to the public next June.

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