Parks and Nature

Williamson Park

Williamson Park is a 64-acre nature park located between Spring Street and Cashua Street about six blocks from downtown Darlington, South Carolina. Foot trails run along both sides of Swift Creek, winding over bridges and boardwalks amongst cypress knees and an abundant variety of vegetation and wild flowers. Among the beautiful old bald-cypress and swamp chestnut oak trees in this "forest primeval," it is often easy to forget you are in an urban setting. Visiting there in September 2006, a group from Francis Marion University in nearby Florence watched a pileated woodpecker and a bunch of Carolina Wrens and flickers. Also commonly seen are Great Blue Herons and Wood Ducks (if you are really quiet, you can sneak up on them). There is also a scenic road, Williamson Park Drive, adjacent to the park. Recently supporters sponsored a 5 kilometer race, called the "Darlington 5000," to raise funds for the park. The park is open during daylight hours free to the public. Fore more information on Williamson Park call 843-398-4000 Extension 108.

Frank & Mary Sue Wells Park

Located on South Main Street in Darlington, Frank & Mary Sue Wells Park is dedicated to former Darlington Mayor Frank Wells and his wife Mary Sue who were dedicated to preserving parks in the City of Darlington. The park is maintained by the City of Darlington and is used by area residents especially employees from Dixie Cup on their lunch break.

City of Darlington Recreation Department

The Darlington Recreation Department located at 300 Sanders Street offers many activities for children and adults. Walking programs are available at the gym on Sanders Street. The following programs are offered in season by DRD. basketball, football, baseball, and soccer. Wallace Bradley is Recreation Department Director and he can be reached at 843-398-4030.

Burry Park

Burry Park is located between 4th and 5th Streets near the center of downtown Hartsville.  It is the venue for many community events such as:

-the Good Living Marketplace on the first Saturday of every month
-the Christmas Tree Lighting service
-Veteran's and Memorial Day services
-Screen on the Green movie viewing
-Hartsville YMCA demonstrations

Families can also come to Burry Park for picnics and just relaxing.  Be sure to check out the Hartsville Veterans Memorial sculpted by Hartsville native Charlie Pate of Greenville, SC.

Bylery Park

This 93-acre multi-use recreation complex features six soccer fields, four softball/baseball fields, a 400 meter eight-lane track and field facility, two football fields, six tennis courts, 12 horseshoe pits, 1.2 mile walking, jogging, biking trail, picnic area, concessions (during special events/tournaments) and two playgrounds. The most recent additions is a sports center that offers indoor activites (basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, plus fitness equipment (treadmills,elipticals, stationary bikes, stair steppers, and three universal weight stations) a four- field youth complex.