Tom Conley Park secures state grant to fund first-ever LED marquee sign

LADSON, S.C. (WCBD) – For the first time in its decades-long history, Tom Conley Park is receiving state funding, a milestone moment for a ballfield that’s been powered by volunteers and community support since the 1960s.

The park recently secured a PARD grant, approved by Berkeley County and the state delegation. The funding will go toward installing an LED marquee sign at the park’s entrance, the first sign of its kind for the facility.

Park leader and Berkeley County Councilman Tommy Newell says the new sign will be a vital communication tool.

“This particular PARD grant request that was approved by the state delegation is extremely instrumental to inform the public of when ball registrations are open and when they’re closed, whenever we have events out there,” said Newell.

Newell added that the marquee will help the park stay top-of-mind in a fast-growing area. Surrounded by neighborhoods and a nearby middle school, the sign will serve as a daily reminder to residents that youth sports are alive and well at the field.

For long-time volunteer Frank Longello, the grant represents something deeper.

“It always reached out to help people that didn’t have the money to get involved in other places. Membership was kept low. Uniform registration costs were kept low. And it never ran on a lot of money,” Longello said.

The new sign is expected to be installed later this year. Leaders say it’s one small step in a broader effort to revitalize the park and continue its mission of keeping kids active, connected, and off the sidelines.