Lake City Park now has even more to offer to residents and tourists with the recently completed expansion of Lake City’s premier lake. Once nicknamed the “lake-less city,” Lake City gained its name from a series of smaller swimming ponds, dubbed Lynches Lake, in 1883. As the town grew, several of these small ponds were filled in for development, deeming the name Lake City questionable. The re-creation of this idea of a public recreational body of water began in 1988. Although permits were issued, the project was never launched.

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With a determination to finally give the name Lake City merit, Florence County officially opened Lake City Park in April 2018. Developed from the grounds of an old landfill and swamp, Florence County invested $4 million in the 8-acre project, located only a few blocks from Lake City’s historic downtown district. Aside from giving Lake City its missing namesake, the goal for this project was to provide and promote outdoor recreational tourism. After seeing the lake’s immense success, talks soon began to further increase the size of the lake.

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Adjoining the 2018 lake, Lion’s Park, originally featuring tennis courts, a baseball field, and an event venue, was once a hotspot for locals. After falling into a state of disrepair, Lake City Council voted to gift Florence County with the property in 2017. Demolition and redevelopment of the beloved Lion’s Park commenced shortly after when Florence County Council approved a nearly 4-acre lake expansion proposal in May 2022. The $1.4 million project was officially completed earlier this month, increasing Lake City’s lake by approximately 50%.

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Today, Lake City Park is a beautiful destination for outdoor weddings, fishing, boating, and afternoon strolls. With public amenities such as picnic shelters, exercise equipment, restrooms, walking trails, fishing piers, a playground, and more, Lake City’s missing recreational oasis has finally been reborn. However, Florence County isn’t done quite yet. Construction for the new Lion’s Park Multi-Purpose Hall is underway. “The venue will feature meeting space, event space, and a catering kitchen,” according to Florence County Council member, Jason Springs. In addition to the new venue, Florence County is also planning to erect a new tennis court and pickleball court around Lake City Park.

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Lake-less no more, Lake City Park serves as an economic development driver and outdoor recreational center for the citizens of Lake City and tourists alike.

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Lake City Park is located at 273 North Church Street, Lake City, SC 29560