The City of Sumter Parks & Gardens Department employs a team of individuals to maintain, care for and protect our many parks and gardens throughout the city. From spray parks to swing sets to the flowers and trees at Swan Lake, our crew works to make sure that Sumter is an enjoyable place to live, work and play.
If you need help finding a park near you, please visit our community Parks & Trails section!
Parks
Responsibilities
- Maintain all 27 City Parks
- Maintain all Recreational Trails
- Maintain City's three HOPE Centers
- 100 Miles of Streets and rights-of-way
- Maintain Historic Downtown Main Street
Logistical Support for Events, including, but not limited to:
- Springfest
- Iris Festival
- Downtown 4th Fridays
- Fall Feast
- Art in the Park
- Riley Park - American Legion, USC Sumter, and Morris College Baseball
- Festival on the Avenue
- Oktoberfest
- and more.
Facility MAINTENANCE
- Riley Park
- Skate Park
- Spray Parks
- Birnie HOPE Center
- North HOPE Center
- South HOPE Center
- Crosswell Park
- South Sumter Gym
- Bobby Richardson Ballfields
- Palmetto Tennis Center
- Palmetto Park Gazebo
- Aquatic Center
- Memorial Park Gazebo
Gardens
Responsibilities
- Maintains 150-acre Swan Lake Iris Gardens
- Maintenance on nine garden facilities
- Production and distribution of all seasonal plants throughout the city
- Care and maintenance of all swans by City Aviculturist
- Maintenance of seven City entranceways
- Fantasy of Lights
- Support for special events annually
Facilities
- Visitor Center
- Heath Pavilion
- Gazebo
- Garden Street Shelter
- Three Picnic Shelters
- Iris Market
- Playground
Information about the parks and gardens is available through the Swan Lake Visitor Center at (803) 436-2640.