Boat House: Phase One
One of the largest projects defined by the Lafayette Park Master Plan is the renovation and expansion of the Boat House by the Main Lake, providing signature event space complete with catering facilities, storage and updated restrooms. The project will be completed in three phases. Phase I, stabilizing the existing structure by replacing the roof together with selective tuckpointing is targeted for completion in 2010 at a cost of approximately $125,000. (Click heading for further details or to make a donation.)

Pathways Renovation
Architectural work on a master plan for renovating the pathways in the park was completed in late 2009. Although the basic path layout is inherently sound, some important paths, particularly those leading to the grotto bridge, are completely missing and will be reconstructed. In other places the amount of paving has become excessive over the decades, and some of this will be returned to grass. Existing pathways have some sinkholes and badly deteriorated surface coatings, and these will be resurfaced with rolled and sealed limestone chips. The more formal decorative plantings and the park entrances cry out for stronger definition to reinforce their attractiveness. Pathway renovation is expected to cost $400,000-$700,000 and will be most likely be completed in phases over the next several years. (Click heading for further details or to make a donation.)

Music Stand
Preliminary drawings are complete and a bid of $500,000 has been received to recreate the 1876 Music Stand in the spot where the original base now stands near the center of the park. When completed, this music venue will support larger music groups than the Elizabeth Cook Pavilion. currently used for summer concerts, in addition to providing a distinctively Victorian centerpiece that can be easily seen by motorists passing the park on Lafayette Avenue. The Conservancy is currently seeking grant providers or other lead donors as it begins raising funds for this high-impact project. (Click heading for further details or to make a donation.)

Playground Update & Expansion
Thanks to federal grants and matching city funds totaling approximately $150,000, a major playground update including swings to replace those damaged by a storm was installed in August 2007. Final project completion, including minor repairs to the original playground, potential color and safety modifications, and planting of new shade trees, is now in the planning stages and should be accomplished in late 2010. (Click heading for further details or to make a donation.)

Revolutionary War Monument
The first of the three guns from the British warship HMS Actaeon, sunk in the Charleston, SC harbor in 1776, was handsomely restored and conserved in 2009. Its newly constructed wood-and-iron carriage, with a design life of 100+ years, now rests on its own brick-surfaced foundation. The Conservancy is now raising funds to restore the other two guns. (Click heading for further details or to make a donation.)