Eat oysters, buy bricks and have fun

Most sidewalks don’t get a birthday party.

But on March 15 from 5:30 to 9 p.m., the Charleston Medical District Greenway will hold a fundraising oyster roast to celebrate the preview of its new brick-paved walkway that will run right through the heart of the downtown sanctuary.

The new 10-foot-wide brick path will replace the existing concrete sidewalk on the Institute of Psychiatry side of Doughty Street and offer a more spacious and enjoyable experience for anyone who makes use of the green space.

“I know it’s not normal to be this excited about a walkway,” said Stephanie Lisi, Charleston Medical District Greenway coordinator, “but I’m telling you, it’s going to be one of those subtle changes that makes such a huge difference in how you perceive a space.”

But the new open area isn’t even the most exciting part, Lisi added. People can purchase the bricks that will make up the walkway either at the event or online. Each brick costs $250, which includes the cost of engraving and a monetary gift to the Charleston Medical District Annual Fund, and can be engraved with a personal two-line message. It’s like buying a little piece of history, Lisi said.

The first stretch of the path will run from President to Ehrhardt Street, and eventually will extend from Ehrhardt to Courtenay Drive. The bonus is once the bricks are in place, purchasers will be able to visit the same website and find out exactly where their bricks are located on the two-block path. No one will have to stand out there staring at the ground like somebody who lost a contact lens.

One part St. Patrick’s Day celebration, one much bigger part oyster-roast fundraiser, the greenway event will feature dancers from Legacy Irish Dance, live music and lots of prize giveaways. Of course, there will also be plenty of oysters and adult beverages.

Tickets, now on sale, are $30 per person or $55 per couple and include oysters, two drink tickets, a koozie and a raffle ticket. Prices only go up by $5 at the door, but you would miss out on the Koozie and raffle ticket.

The pedestrian-friendly greenway opened to visitors in November 2017 and runs along Doughty Street between Ehrhardt and President streets in the heart of the medical district. A portion of Ehrhardt to Courtenay is also free of traffic. The area features giant trees covered in string lights, a raised deck and dozens of tables and chairs. Every weekday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., it offers at least two food trucks, and there is also a farmers market the first and third Thursday of each month.

“Sure, the greenway gets primarily used by MUSC and Roper folks, but we want it to become a source of pride for the entire community,” Lisi said. “Who doesn’t like fresh air and sunshine? Our thought is the more people who use it, the more people who care about it. Slowly but surely, we’re going to turn this little oasis into something truly special."