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Council hears phased plan for Buckwalter Place Park, favors low‑water misting and shade
Summary
Town staff presented a three‑phase plan for Buckwalter Place Park focused on safety, lighting, perimeter sidewalks and enlarged restrooms. Council members favored a lower‑maintenance misting feature over a full splash pad and discussed pavilion size and shade options; Phase 1 is budgeted for this year.
Pat Rooney, capital improvement manager for the town of Lockton, told the mayor and council the conceptual master plan approved in January will be implemented across three phases in fiscal years 2025–2027 and that Phase 1 focuses on safety and access improvements.
"Phase 1 really includes the perimeter sidewalks, the entrance off of the northwest corner to access parking areas... the raised crosswalk across Innovation Drive to connect both east and west parks together, and then also site lighting around the perimeter," Rooney said, summarizing the work the town has budgeted for the coming year.
Rooney said the town has already completed small improvements in fiscal 2024, including new palm trees and signage, and that the current design work concentrates on the Phase 1 elements plus a restroom enlargement at the amphitheater building.
On a proposed interactive water feature, Rooney presented two consultant options: a button‑activated misting station that uses less water, requires no DHEC permitting and has lower equipment needs; and flush‑mounted jets similar to Coligny Beach Park that are treated like pools and carry higher permitting, maintenance and water demands. Council members repeatedly favored the misting option for its lower cost and reduced upkeep.
"I think that spray option for that park... would be my preference," one council member said, reflecting a common view echoed by several colleagues who cited maintenance and expense concerns for the larger jet systems.
Constance Collection, the project manager for the site, told the council Phase 1 is budgeted at $744,190 and that contingency language is included should the council select higher‑cost options later.
Rooney and council members discussed pre‑engineered pavilion options (hip roof or gable with shed roofs) and several shade structures around seating and exercise stations. Several council members preferred an approach emphasizing shade and practical pavilion size, and noted that Phase 2 and 3 items (pavilions, interactive fountain, exercise stations) will be proposed in future budget cycles.
Rooney said the consultant will design all three phases so the town can solicit bids for each phase in its year of funding, allowing council to choose whether to proceed one phase at a time or accelerate work if funding allows.
Next steps: staff will carry design work forward and return to council with phase‑by‑phase cost estimates during the budget process so members can decide whether to fund additional phases beyond the red areas covered in this year’s budget.
The workshop moved on to the New Riverside Barn Park after council feedback on Buckwalter Place Park.
