Historic Red Top Park in Charleston County Permanently Protected Through Community-Led Effort

Lowcountry Land Trust Helps Protect Historic Red Top Park, Preserving Nearly 100 Years of Community Legacy

Preserving Place and Purpose: Red Top Park Safeguarded as a Cultural and Ecological Landmark

Charleston, SC, May 19, 2025 – Lowcountry Land Trust, a nonprofit committed to preserving Lowcountry landscapes and waterways for current and future generations, is proud to share 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 preserves an irreplaceable piece of community-owned land, providing 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, the Red Top community has long served as a symbol of resilience, heritage, and shared identity. The property will now remain publicly accessible and will continue to serve as a gathering space for generations to come. 

The former site of the historic Red Top Rosenwald School, built in 1927, the park has long served as a central gathering space and symbol of resilience, learning, and pride for generations of families. Its legacy continues to be shaped by the people who have loved and maintained it, and who now have the opportunity to shape its future for the better. 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.

“This protection ensures the property will continue to serve the local community as it has for the last 100 years,” said Sam Seawell, community lands director at Lowcountry Land Trust. “Owned and operated by the Red Top Improvement Association, this community-owned land will not only preserve the existing park but also lay a path forward for its continued prosperity. It will provide a truly unique, publicly accessible open space that features cultural and historical interpretation highlighting the significance of the property and the Red Top community.”

Protecting Red Top Park was made possible in part through funding from the Charleston County Greenbelt Program and the South Carolina Conservation Bank, highlighting the power of collaboration in preserving places that matter. This project was made possible through the vital leadership of the Red Top Improvement Association and support from Conservation Voters of South Carolina.

“The Red Top Community extends heartfelt gratitude to our fellow nonprofit 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.” 

Stay connected by following @LowcountryLandTrust on social media and signing up for their email newsletter to receive the latest updates on conservation efforts and ways to get involved.

ABOUT LOWCOUNTRY LAND TRUST

Lowcountry Land Trust—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization—permanently protects land throughout coastal South Carolina that is foundational to the area’s coastal ecosystem and residents’ quality of life. Having protected over 163,000 acres of land since its founding in 1986, Lowcountry Land Trust is one of the most impactful local land trusts in the United States. More information about Lowcountry Land Trust is available at www.lowcountrylandtrust.org.

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