June 5, 2026 — Coker University is proud to announce that Kalmia Gardens has officially joined the national Kids in Parks TRACK Trail network, joining a growing network of TRACK Trail sites across South Carolina and the nation.

The new TRACK Trail was unveiled on May 12 during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the Joslin Education Center at Kalmia Gardens. Dr. Natalie Harder, President of Coker University, and Dan Hill, Director of Kalmia Gardens, led the official unveiling.

Members of the Darlington County community selected Kalmia Gardens as the site for the county’s Kids in Parks TRACK Trail kiosk. The kiosk, located behind the Joslin Education Center near the entrance to the Fairy Trail, serves as a starting point for interactive exploration with a trail map and activity brochures designed to engage young visitors. Participants can create a free digital account to track their adventures and earn prizes by completing activities. The kiosk was funded through a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina and Diabetes Free SC.

“The mission of Kalmia Gardens of Coker University is to serve as a public garden, education center, and outdoor classroom where plants and animals can be observed in their natural environment,” said Garden Director Dan Hill. “Our mission and TRACK trail go together well as children can use the trail brochures to explore topics such as ecological relationships, decomposers, and lichens, as well as participate in movement-based activities inspired by wildlife—like mimicking hummingbird wing flaps or hopping like a frog.”

Located at 1624 West Carolina Avenue, Kalmia Gardens is open daily to the public at no cost. For more information about the Kids in Parks TRACK Trail program, visit kidsinparks.com.