The City of Camden is actively seeking applicants for the newly established Camden Public Art Committee, created as a cornerstone initiative of the public art policy recently approved by City Council.
Under the terms of the approved policy, the Camden Public Art Committee is comprised of seven members, each appointed by City Council to serve two-year terms with the opportunity for renewal, not to exceed three consecutive terms. City Council reserves the authority to designate the Committee Chair from among the appointed members. The committee is looking for representatives from the following groups:
• Arts Leadership: The Director or designated representative from the Arts Center of Kershaw County • Creative Professionals: Active members of Camden’s art community, encompassing artists, gallery owners, art dealers, and cultural industry professionals • Community Advocates: Engaged citizens and business owners from the City of Camden and surrounding unincorporated areas who reflect our community’s rich diversity and share a genuine passion for public art • Philanthropic Partners: Individuals with demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships with donors and supporters who share our vision for public art excellence
This exciting opportunity offers committee members the chance to shape Camden’s cultural landscape while fostering community engagement through meaningful public art initiatives.
How to Apply: Prospective applicants are encouraged to visit Boards and Commissions – Experience Camden, South Carolina to download and submit their application online. Applications are also available for pickup at City Hall’s Finance Department, located at 1000 Lyttleton Street.
Join us in creating a more vibrant, culturally enriched Camden through the transformative power of public art.
Camden Invites Community to Trees4SC! Open House to Shape Urban Forest Future
Public Input Sought on Community Tree Canopy Plan and Urban Forest Initiative
August 21, 2025 – CAMDEN, SC – The City of Camden, in partnership with Green Infrastructure Center, Inc. (GIC), invites residents to attend a community open house on September 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Revolutionary War Visitor Center, located at 212 Broad Street, Camden, SC 29020.
The Trees4SC! initiative represents months of collaborative work between City of Camden staff, community stakeholders, and GIC staff to assess the community’s tree canopy, develop comprehensive mapping, and review existing ordinances. City officials are now ready to present their plan for Camden’s urban forest and seek valuable community input.
What Attendees Can Expect:
View comprehensive community tree maps showing current canopy coverage
Provide feedback on urban forestry initiatives
Help decide optimal locations for new tree plantings
Enter a free tree raffle for residents
Enjoy complimentary food and beverages
“We are excited to have been chosen as one of the communities to participate in the Trees4SC! program,” says Community Development Coordinator Kat Spadacenta. “This community open house is an important next step in the program, and we are hoping to engage as many residents and civic groups that we can to provide input on where trees are most needed in the City of Camden.”
The urban forest plan aims to enhance Camden’s environmental sustainability, improve air quality, provide natural cooling, and increase property values while preserving the city’s historic charm.
Tree planting campaigns will be launched in the community in November, and the City is looking to engage residents in learning about the benefits of trees and proper tree care during that time as well. Trees will be distributed by GIC to be planted within the City of Camden.
Can’t Attend but Want to Participate?
Residents unable to attend the meeting can still contribute by scanning the QR code on event materials or click on this link Camden Trees Community Survey to access an online survey about the community’s trees and urban forest priorities.
For More Information:
Marsha Potter Community Forestry Planner mpotter@gicinc.org 434-996-1378
Tom Knowles Community Forester tknowles@gicinc.org 434-995-8576
The Trees4SC! Open House is free and open to all City of Camden residents. Light refreshments will be provided.
About Trees4SC!: The Green Infrastructure Center (GIC) and the South Carolina Forestry Commission’s Urban and Community Forestry Program have joined forces to champion urban forestry initiatives across South Carolina through a new program called Trees4SC! With funding from the USDA Forest Service, courtesy of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), three cities, including Camden, Dillon, and Walterboro, were selected to receive support for this second round of funding to plan for and plant trees over the next two years, beginning in 2025.
Your New Ride Around Town: King Haigler Express is Here!
Free bus service now connecting Camden’s key destinations! Camden residents, get ready for a new way to get around town! As of Monday, August 4th, the King Haigler Express is rolling through our community, offering free weekday bus service that connects you to the places you need to go most.
What You Need to Know The King Haigler Express runs Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., following a continuous loop route with convenient stops throughout Camden. The service is completely free during this pilot program, and the buses are fully accessible for all riders.
Where Can You Go? The route covers practically everything you need for daily life.
Shopping & Errands: Food Lion, Walmart, Piggly Wiggly, CVS, Walgreens at DeKalb, Belk at Springdale Plaza, and Ollie’s at Camden Square
Healthcare: MUSC Health at Haile St., MUSC Women’s Health at DeKalb St., Community Medical Clinic, Fresenius Dialysis, and Kershaw County Mental Health at Liberty Hill Rd.
Government & Community Services: City Hall, Kershaw County Government Center, United Way, Camden Post Office, Camden Library
Recreation: Boykin Park and Monument Square
Try It Out – It’s Free! Since this is a pilot program, your feedback matters. The City of Camden and the Santee-Wateree Regional Transportation Authority want to hear from you about how this service works for your needs.
“This pilot program reflects our commitment to providing practical solutions that support Camden’s future, improve quality of life, and ensure everyone has access to the places that matter most,” said Councilman William Wilkes. Whether you need to pick up groceries, visit the doctor, handle business at City Hall, or just explore downtown, the King Haigler Express offers a reliable, safe way to get there without needing a car.
The City of Camden is currently under a residential development moratorium that will expire on September 30, 2025.
The ordinance regarding the moratorium, which was approved by City Council states in Section 1: “The City Council has determined to consider certain amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Use Code regarding the approval of new major subdivisions and multi-family developments within the City. The City Council has determined that amendments may be necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare of the City and its citizens due to (i) the possible environmental impact of these types of development, particularly the protection of wetlands, forests, wildlife and aquatic life, and the retention of open space; (ii) the increased demand that developments of these types place on existing City road and utility infrastructure and the increased cost to improve, extend, or increase the capacity of such infrastructure to support such development; and (iii) the need to ensure that provisions of the Land Use Code regarding development of these types are aligned with the goals, objectives and strategies of the Comprehensive Plan regarding historic and cultural qualities of the City and its community.”
It further directed staff and the Planning Commission as follows: “During the pendency of the moratoriums enacted hereby, City staff and the Planning Commission shall proceed expeditiously to study, prepare, and make recommendations concerning amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Code consistent with the findings in Section 1 of this Ordinance.”
Based on direction from City Council, staff and planning consultants determined that revisions were warranted to the housing and land use elements of the comprehensive plan. Drafts of these two elements are completed and scheduled to be reviewed by the Planning Commission on August 26 at 6:15 PM. City Council will hold a public hearing on the draft elements at their meeting on September 2, 2025 at 5: 30 PM. Copies of the draft elements may be accessed with the links below.
CAMDEN, SC – The City of Camden is pleased to announce the hiring of Jenny Waller Parrish as the city’s first Director of Tourism, a newly created position designed to enhance Camden’s growing tourism industry and promote the city’s rich historical heritage.
Parrish brings over a decade of tourism experience to Camden, most recently serving as Executive Director of the Olde English District Tourism Commission since 2020. In that role, she created and executed comprehensive tourism promotion and integrated marketing plans, managed cooperative marketing projects with partner organizations, and worked to formulate sustainable visitor economy strategies. Her extensive background includes serving as Industry Relations Manager for the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, where she managed the annual SC Governor’s Conference on Tourism & Travel, and as VP of Destination Services for Visit York County.
Parrish holds a Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management from Clemson University with a Travel + Tourism concentration. She is a certified Tourism Marketing Professional (TMP) and is currently completing her Certified Destination Management Expert (CDME) certification through Destination’s International, expected to be completed in the fall of 2025.
The creation of this position reflects Camden’s commitment to developing and expanding its tourism sector, which plays a vital role in the local economy. The Director of Tourism will be responsible for developing comprehensive marketing strategies, coordinating with local businesses and attractions, and creating initiatives to attract visitors to Camden’s historic downtown, Revolutionary War sites, and equestrian events.
“I’m thrilled to bring my tourism education and experience to the City of Camden and help spotlight all that makes it special. There’s so much potential here, and I’m eager to help share Camden’s story with visitors near and far, said Parrish when asked her thoughts on accepting her new position.
“Camden has so much character and charm, and I’m excited to be part of the effort to elevate it as a travel destination. I’m passionate about showcasing special places, and I can’t wait to show the world what Camden has to offer.”
Camden City Manager Matt DeWitt expressed enthusiasm about the new hire and the position’s potential impact on the community.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer Parrish as the new Tourism Director for the City of Camden. Jennifer brings a wealth of experience from her years leading the Olde English District, where she consistently demonstrated her passion for heritage tourism and regional collaboration. Her deep familiarity with Camden’s unique history, charm, and visitor experience makes her an ideal fit to take our tourism efforts to the next level. With Jennifer at the helm, we look forward to elevating Camden’s profile as a premier destination in South Carolina and beyond.”
The Director of Tourism position was established as part of Camden’s strategic plan to capitalize on its unique historical significance, including its role in the Revolutionary War and its designation as a key stop along South Carolina’s Historic Trail. The city is home to numerous attractions including the Revolutionary War Visitor Center at Camden, the National Steeplechase Museum, and hosts the annual Carolina Cup steeplechase race.
For more information about Camden’s tourism initiatives, contact Jenny Parrish at 803-432-2421 or visit www.experiencecamdensc.com.
Dawn-Marie Johnson Named Public Information Officer for the City of Camden Camden, SC — July 1, 2025 — The City of Camden is excited to announce Dawn-Marie Johnson as its new Public Information Officer (PIO). A passionate storyteller and community connector, Johnson brings extensive experience in communications, marketing, and community engagement to her new role, where she will help shape how Camden shares its unique story with residents, businesses, and visitors.
As PIO, Johnson will lead the city’s strategic communication initiatives, manage media relations, coordinate public event information, and oversee crisis communications. Her mission is to ensure Camden’s citizens stay connected and informed through authentic, transparent, and timely information.
“Camden is rich with history and vibrant stories waiting to be told. This role, which I am so honored to step into, represents leadership through service — bridging the space between institutions and people by being a trusted voice, a calming presence, and a guide through change or challenges. My goal is simple: Inform. Impact. Inspire. — always with authenticity and transparency,” said Johnson.
Johnson brings extensive experience in communications, marketing, and community engagement, most recently having held positions at the Community Medical Clinic of Kershaw County and The Post and Courier (Columbia and Myrtle Beach). Her communications foundation is strengthened by extensive media and public relations experience in television journalism, including positions at WRDW-TV (CBS) in Augusta, Georgia, and WSOC-TV (ABC) in Charlotte, North Carolina. She also served as Public Relations Director for GM Productions, managing high-profile promotional campaigns for major events.
In announcing the appointment, City Manager Matt DeWitt stated: “We are thrilled to welcome Dawn-Marie Johnson to the City’s team as the new Public Information Officer. She is a local resident and has built many invaluable connections throughout Camden over the years, so she understands many of the issues this community is facing as she enters this new position. Dawn-Marie also brings with her a wealth of communication expertise, and a passion for connecting with OUR community. Her skills will be vital as we work to enhance transparency, share important information effectively, and strengthen engagement with our residents.”
With her guiding philosophy of Inspire. Inform. Impact. Johnson looks forward to collaborating with residents, businesses, and city leaders to share Camden’s stories — rooted in history and those being written today — and deepen the connections that make the community thrive.
For media inquiries, please contact: Dawn-Marie Johnson 803-432-2421, ext. 1107 Djohnson@camdensc.org
