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Berkeley County adds $300,000 to Parks operations, authorizes Land and Water grant application for Inwood Park
Summary
The Berkeley County Commission voted unanimously to add $300,000 to Parks & Recreation’s operating budget and authorized county officials to apply for a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant to complete major amenities at Inwood Park; the grant would require a county match estimated at about $1.49 million.
The Berkeley County Commission voted unanimously to add $300,000 to Parks & Recreation’s operating budget and authorized county staff to apply for a federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant to complete key amenities at Inwood Park.
Commissioner Kevin proposed the $300,000 addition and suggested splitting the cost between coal‑severance funds and the county contingency account. "I would like to see us at this point in time commit another $300,000," he said during discussion. County staff described the allotment as intended for operations, not capital growth, to help the department cover increased maintenance and programming demands as Inwood Park moves toward opening.
Separately, staff told the commission that three large park features — an amphitheater, a large playground and restroom facilities — have a combined estimated cost of about $2,977,000. Staff said the Land and Water Conservation Fund operates on a dollar‑for‑dollar matching basis, meaning the county would be responsible for roughly $1.488 million if it pursues the full package. "Land and water conservation money is dollar for dollar match," staff said.
Commissioners discussed funding options, including using tax‑increment financing (TIF) funds and seeking private donations to reduce the county match. County staff recommended giving the commission president authority to sign necessary paperwork if the board decided to apply; the board approved that authorization by voice vote.
The unanimous votes included motions to (1) allocate the $300,000 to Parks & Recreation operations (with suggested split of $150,000 from coal‑severance and $150,000 from contingency) and (2) authorize application for the Land and Water Conservation Fund grant and sign related documents. Commissioners directed Parks & Recreation to provide detailed operating and maintenance cost estimates for both Hoke's Run and Inwood Park to inform future budget decisions.
The action sets a near‑term operating boost for Parks & Recreation and moves the county closer to seeking significant matching grant funds that, if awarded, would advance construction of major amenities at Inwood Park.
