Charleston County Parks’ Customer Appreciation Day is even bigger and better in 2018! On Sunday, March 4, the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) says “thank you” to its regular and first-time visitors by offering free gate admission to many popular park facilities. Plus, the day will kick off the agency’s 50th anniversary in-park giveaways and surprises for guests.

Parks waiving admission fees on March 4 will include Caw Caw Interpretive Center, McLeod Plantation Historic Site, and North Charleston Wannamaker, Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands, James Island, Johns Island and Laurel Hill County Parks. SK8 Charleston will offer free skating all day. Free parking will be offered all day at Kiawah Beachwalker Park, Isle of Palms County Park, and Folly Beach County Park, as well as free fishing at the Folly Beach Pier and the Mount Pleasant Pier!

Accept CCPRC’s invitation to enjoy all of the play with none of the pay on March 4! For people who have never visited the county parks, this is a great opportunity to explore them for free! Visit the area’s newest park facilities, including McLeod Plantation Historic Site on James Island and the SK8 Charleston skate park on the upper peninsula.

Plus, park-goers on March 4 will have opportunities to win Gold Passes and other prizes, as well as take part in select free activities, including nature programming, jump castles, climbs on the portable climbing wall, boat rentals, scavenger hunts and much more. SK8 Charleston will offer free helmet and skateboard rentals on a first-come, first-serve basis. Activities vary by park. For details, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.

To also thank the public for 50 years of patronage, CCPRC will host a variety of special experiences, activities and giveaways in the county parks throughout 2018. Each week from March 4 through Dec. 15, guests to select parks and events will be the recipients of surprise giveaways or free activities. Dog-park goers one day may be surprised with free bottled water, while guests to the fishing piers may find shade under free umbrellas, and visitors to McLeod Plantation Historic Site may receive free tea and cookies. Activities and giveaways will vary by date and location.

For more information, including hours of operation and directions to the parks, call 843-795-4386 or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com.