Play Naturally at Cheraw State Park

Cheraw State Park is more than 7,000 acres of pristine, wooded forest, and wetlands. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a relaxing, peaceful afternoon in the great outdoors. From equestrian trails and fishing to boating, biking, and camping, this park has something for everyone.

Now, Cheraw State Park can add its renovated and upgraded playground to the list. A beautiful, custom-built play structure, designed by General Recreation Inc., has replaced the weathered 30 year-old, wooden one and makes the park’s playground safer and much more fun for its users. Open since last spring, the area seamlessly blends into the park’s natural surroundings, which was a must for Cheraw’s Park Manager, Mark Davies.

Mark worked with Gerald Hitch, regional sales consultant with General Recreation, to develop a product conducive to the park’s recreational offerings. Using stumps, trunks, and tree house components a realistic, natural feel was created. According to Gerald, “Mark loved the tree house design and add-ons, including a bridge, rock and rope combo, boulder climbing rock—[he] wanted an ‘adventure scape.’”

It was also vital that the new structure have durability and longevity. It needed to last for 10 to 15 years, and General Recreation’s “excitement and passion for this type of structure definitely aligned with our parks’ values,” stated Mark and he adds, “what General Recreation delivered was a fit with the environment.”

The installation, which was done by a crew of park staff, was guided by Gerald and took three days. The crew was able to be truly hands-on and to take pride in its effort. It was a terrific team exercise for Mark’s staff and seeing such a positive reaction from the kids utilizing the area has been extremely rewarding.

The kids are fascinated with the little details, like the seashells that have been embedded in the rock wall and the raccoon and squirrel hidden in the tree’s trunk emphasizing the park’s significant natural features.

Naturally, Cheraw State Park’s new playground is a hit. Maybe it’s time you played naturally, too. To give young people in your community a fun-filled playground experience contact Gerald Hitch at 866-304-1062 or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .