The first idea presented by the Charleston County School District to renovate the southeast quadrant of the Hampstead Mall did not go over very well.

Residents of the East Side neighborhood did not like the proposed football field very much. The quadrant sits next to the former Wilmot Fraser Elementary School, now Early College High School, and the district was looking to provide the necessary outdoor sports space.

But residents and local organizations have called on SDCC and the City of Charleston to make green space accessible to all, as it once was – to restore Hampstead Mall, the city’s oldest public park, to its former glory.

During a January 13 presentation, SDCC facilities manager Ron Kramps revealed a revised rendering of the quadrant, which replaced the football field with an open lawn that can be used in a variety of ways by faculty. school physical education.

Kramps described a “park-like” concept that would satisfy the district’s needs for Early College High School and also make the quadrant available to the public when school is not in session. The quadrant would feature a large, multi-purpose natural lawn on the southern half, and walkways, benches, trees and landscaping on the northern half.

The unpopular chain link fence currently surrounding the square would be replaced with a decorative fence similar to others in Hampstead Shopping Centre. The new fence would provide needed security for students, a more pleasing aesthetic, and access to designated gates.

During the presentation, several community members said the revised plan was a great improvement, but attendees nevertheless raised several questions. The most important concerned the ownership of the property. Did he belong to the CCSD or to the city? No title was found.

Kramps said district attorneys are looking into the matter.

“We won’t move forward until we can prove CCSD ownership,” he said.

Charleston officials are also looking to answer the question.

“Our legal department is currently researching the story,” city spokesman Jack O’Toole said. “But either way, the city views public spaces as an essential part of the neighborhood’s quality of life and looks forward to working with the school district to ensure public access to all four quadrants of the plaza.”

Someone asked what the division of responsibilities was and if the CCSD would consider entering into a memorandum of understanding with the City.

“We’re open to that,” Kramps said.

Jason Kronesberg, director of the city’s parks department, said he, too, was open to considering formalizing some sort of deal. However, a few details must first be worked out regarding public access and any role the city might play in maintaining or monitoring the site.

“We have to understand what it looks like,” he said.

Someone else questioned the need for closure. Kramps said it was standard safety protocol similar to what the district does at all other schools.

Neighborhood resident Latonya Gamble said a fence would help keep dogs out of the restroom in the park, and Early College High School principal Vanessa Denney said it would help keep students safe .

A few participants questioned the need to build a large parking lot behind the school. Why not create more green spaces instead?

Kramps said parking was needed next to the building and district engineers were now trying to determine how much.

“We don’t want more parking than necessary,” he said. “It’s expensive, and there’s runoff.”

The East Side is prone to flooding, which can become severe along parts of America Street.

Currently, the northwest section, Hampstead Mall Playground, and the southwest section, Philip Simmons Park, are public and run by the city. Last fall, neighborhood volunteers and community groups, along with the Parks Department and the non-profit Parks Conservancy, completed the renovation of Philip Simmons Park. Funding for this project came from an AARP grant worth $12,000 and approximately $11,000 more raised by East Side residents.

The northeast quadrant, Mary Conway Park, is owned by Trident Technical College and leased by the city. Its renewal will likely be based on a similar collaboration and could begin this spring. The city has allocated $15,000 in its current budget for the renovations.

Hampstead Mall, a 4½ acre park, was established in 1769 when Henry Laurens subdivided the area. It was split in two in 1905 when Columbus Street was built, then split again in 1956 when America Street was built.

The East Side neighborhood, which comprises two parts according to the US census, has been changing rapidly since 2010. In the area south of Lee Street, the black population has shrunk to 39% while the white population has increased to 52%, data shows. of the census. shows. In the area north of Lee Street, which includes a large housing project, the black population has shrunk to 58% and the white population has nearly doubled to 36%.

Denney said physical education is required by state education standards and a big part of the day. The green space would be well used by students, she said.

After 3 p.m. each weekday and on weekends, the public would have access to the quadrant.

Kramps said the school district hopes to begin the renovation project this summer.