Remember the American Marco Polo. He loved to travel the world. That man was Julius Brittlebank. This is Brittlebank Park. It is named in his honor.
Julius Brittlebank made his fortune in milling. He started as an office boy in Indiana. Later, he formed his own company. It was called Hudnut Milling Co.
In 1889, Julius settled in Charleston. He became a major figure. He was involved in many businesses. Julius loved music. He attended symphonies around the globe. It is said that he visited Europe some 50 times.
Julius Brittlebank died in Hawaii in 1937. He was on his eighteenth trip around the world. His will provided for parks in three cities. One was in Charleston. The other two were in Indiana. His gift was triggered by his son’s death. Frank Brittlebank died in 1966.
Charleston’s City Council accepted the money in 1967. There was a condition. The city had to name the park after Mr. Brittlebank. They also had to maintain it.
But the land for Brittlebank Park had a past. It was a landfill and garbage dump. It opened in 1954. The United States Corps of Engineers closed it in 1970. They said it polluted the Ashley River.
Plans for Brittlebank Park started in 1973. The park was built in three stages. Landfill and tree plantings came first. The park opened in 1975.
Two acres went to The Citadel. This was a land swap. It allowed for the construction of Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park. This is the minor league baseball stadium. It is next to Brittlebank Park.
Brittlebank Park is a passive park along the waterfront. In 1977, the city sought permission to build a boardwalk and dock. The pier was not completed until 1992.
Brittlebank Park is known for special events. It has hosted musical events and political protests. In 1987, residents marked Harmonic Convergence Day here.
From 1989, a local radio station hosted WaveFest here. It became very popular. In 1995, 75000 people attended. The city limited the size of events at Brittlebank Park. In 1996, WaveFest moved to another site.
In 1999, the park hosted the Z-93 Budweiser Reggae Festival. In 2011, Brittlebank Park was the center for the Occupy movement. Since 2013, it has hosted the Charleston Pride Festival.
Brittlebank Park is a refreshing place. It has great water views. It is a scenic green space. The park is perfect for families. It is also great for fishermen.
The park has a playground. It is designed for handicapped children. There are picnic tables. There are also wide open spaces. The park borders marshlands. Birdwatchers come here.
Fishermen enjoy the long pier and dock. It extends into the Ashley River. People enjoy fishing and crabbing here.
Brittlebank Park also has walking paths. There is an off-leash dog area. It is located at the north end of the park.
A former landfill has become a local landmark. Brittlebank Park shows Charleston’s efforts to beautify the city. Come enjoy a concert or a festival. Take a break and enjoy the view.