Byerly Park:

Byerly Park is a 93-acre multi-use recreational complex in Hartsville, South Carolina, thoughtfully designed to elevate local quality of life through diverse athletic and leisure opportunities  . Nestled at 700 Russell Road, the park’s footprint reflects intentional planning and ample community impact  .

Key Features:

  • Athletic venues include 2 soccer fields, 8 softball/baseball fields, 2 football fields, 6 tennis courts, and an 8‑lane 400‑meter track and field facility  .

  • Trails and wellness amenities: A lighted 1.2‑mile walking/jogging trail and the Terrence J. Herrington Track support fitness and accessibility  .

  • Indoor recreation: The Coach T.B. Thomas Sports Center offers a gymnasium, indoor track, strength & cardio equipment, and group fitness classes  .

  • Family-friendly spaces: The park features a playground and the “Born Learning Trail,” an interactive educational path for young children that promotes school-readiness and parent-child learning  .

  • Additional amenities: Picnic areas, concessions during events, and fenced dog areas contribute to the park’s all‑ages appeal  .

The Impact of the Byerly Foundation

The park’s name honors the Byerly Foundation, a longstanding, private grant-making entity in Hartsville that has shaped local education, economic development, and quality of life since its establishment following the sale of Byerly Hospital in 1995  .

  • Over the years, the Foundation has invested nearly $25 million in community-focused initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to long-term local empowerment  .

  • Notably, the park’s creation began with what started as a grassroots desire for soccer fields—a few parents hoping to secure a place for their kids to play. That initiative grew into a $650,000 grant from the Byerly Foundation, which catalyzed the development of what is now Byerly Park—elevating the vision into a comprehensive recreation complex  .

Why It Matters

Byerly Park stands as a testament to what thoughtful philanthropy and community collaboration can achieve. Through strategic investment, the Byerly Foundation not only made fields and trails possible—but helped shape a vibrant, inclusive space where athleticism, wellness, and family engagement intersect.