Lawton Park and Pavilion
National Register Listing
Street Address:
Prestwood Dr. at jct. with Lanier Dr., Hartsville, SC (Darlington County)
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817716036
Description and Narrative:
Lawton Park and Lawton Park Pavilion are significant as examples of New Deal era public recreational facilities, funded by the federal government and built by the Works Progress Administration. Lawton Park, built 1939-1941, was planned as early as 1938. The park is a wooded, 3.5 acre, public recreation area including a swimming area, playground, picnic area, and tennis courts. The park includes three buildings: a pavilion, shed and keeper’s house. The keeper’s house has been extensively altered and does not contribute to the historic character of the park. The pavilion is an excellent example of a public recreational structure showing Colonial Revival influence. It is a frame, rectangular plan, two-story building with a hip roof and cupola. Bathhouse facilities including locker rooms and showers are located on the ground floor. The second floor consists of one large open room designed for dances and community activities. All four elevations feature bands of grouped windows at the second floor. Louvered vents are located immediately below the windows and also at the first floor. The façade is characterized by a central entry portico with paired slender Tuscan columns and flanking brick stairs. Listed in the National Register May 3, 1991.
Period of Significance:
1941;1939 – 1941
Level of Significance:
State
Area of Significance:
Exploration/Settlement;Entertainment/Recreation;Architecture
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
May 3 1991
