This week saw another mini milestone: area waterparks and the Charleston City Market open once again. With the COVID crisis, pretty much everything experienced a shutdown of sorts. The last couple months have seen a gradual reopening, as government authorities announce new phases in effect. The weather has been wonderfully mild so far this year. As we approach the official start of summer this weekend, the mercury is on the rise. Temps look to be climbing into the 80’s in time for Father’s Day and the summer equinox. With the hot weather comes the desire to get in the water. Charleston County runs some very popular waterparks in the Lowcountry. They include Splash Zone Waterpark at James Island County Park, Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark, and Splash Island Waterpark in Palmetto Islands County Park. The latter is the closest to our Isle of Palms vacation rentals, just past Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant. All waterparks officially reopened this past Monday, June 15th. Although they are now open, they do have some new parameters in place to ensure everyone’s health and safety.
New Waterpark Guidelines
- Each park will open at reduced capacity in order to promote social distancing. Capacity limits will be reassessed as the season continues.
- Guests will notice increased signage throughout the parks that inform them of updated procedures and help them maintain social distancing while in lines.
- Staff will be sanitizing tubes/kickboards/mats and other shared equipment according to the specific needs for each area of use.
- If you wish to leave and return to the park, you can obtain a wrist band to put on before exiting.
- Sanitized tables and chairs are in place according to social distancing standards.
- Staff will inspect and clean restrooms multiple times throughout the day.
- Life jackets available upon request. If you do not wish to use one of our life jackets for your child, you are welcome to bring your own.
- Splash Passes will not be available for the 2020 season. Those who purchased a Splash Pass prior to the season will be refunded.
- Birthday parties, discounted rates (i.e. after 3 p.m. rate and group rates), promotional days and other select offerings will not be available in June.
- Visitors are asked to stay home if they feel sick or have recently been sick, had a fever, cough or other flu-like symptoms. Everyone is asked to practice good hand hygiene including bringing hand sanitizer and washing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds and respect safety barriers that are in place.
- Please bring a filled water bottle with you as water fountains are currently not available for use.
Charleston City Market Open
One of the area’s must-sees is the Charleston City Market downtown, located between East Bay and Meeting Streets. There you can purchase quintessential Lowcountry items like the iconic sweetgrass basket, direct from the maker. The City Market has been closed for months due to COVID - ever since March 19th, to be exact. On that date, all City of Charleston special facilities closed, including the City Market, Angel Oak, Dock Street Theatre, Maritime Center, Old Exchange Building, Old Slave Mart Museum, and the Cannon Street Arts Center. But as of this Thursday (June 18th), that finally changed. Now the status is - Charleston City Market open for business. Organizers are taking measures to ensure everyone’s health while visiting the City Market. All vendors will be required to wear a face mask. They will practice safe six-foot social distancing throughout. Signage and stickers will help in the effort. Although shoppers are not required to wear masks, they are encouraged to do so. For the time being, the Night Market remains closed. Read more about it from Channel 2 News. So check out the waterparks and Charleston City Market open once again. And be sure to give us a call at EP when you’re ready to book a great place to stay and stay socially distant at the beach. All best, Lowcountry Lisa your Isle of Palms vacation blogger