According to the survey there are a total of 160 municipal and county parks and recreation facilities in the three county region, with a total of 4182 acres. Based on the 1999 population of 552,803, this equals 7.6 acres per 1,000 population. In addition to the municipal and county facilities, the study identified 4 state and private facilities, with 7,328 acres of land. In total the 164 facilities have 11,509 acres of land, or approximately 20.8 acres per 1,000 population. To Think About Recreational patterns and trends have changed over the past several decades as a result of societal changes - i.e. increased income, workforce participation, increased commuting times, increased average age, early retirement, great health consciousness, etc.
Residents expect a wide diversity of facilities and programs to be available in the community.
In order to meet this demand, local government must constantly evaluate and expand its local recreational options through park and facility development and in terms of the mix of programs offered. As a result, available land for development is being purchased and targeted. Concern is rising over the availability of land for additional recreational development in the future and the costs associated with any such acquisition. Both Charleston and Dorchester counties are currently considering referendums in the November 2000 general election to determine resident's desire to specify funds for recreational facilities, public parks, and preservation of open spaces. The study is limited to local government facilities and state parks.