June 17, 2015 was one of the darkest days in South Carolina history when a group of nine worshipping at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston were shot and killed. Our state and the nation mourned the tragic loss of these precious lives and watched as the families of the victims stood up one by one in the courtroom proclaiming a message of forgiveness, along with calls for justice, to the shooter, an unexpected, unforgettable display of grace. How fitting, then, it was when a park with a memorial to the Emanuel Nine victims in South Carolina was named Amazing Grace Park.

Amazing Grace Park held its grand opening on July 31, 2021. It's located on West Dozier Street in the town of Marion, found in the northeastern corner of South Carolina.

The Emanuel Nine Memorial to the victims is a beautiful water fountain with a plaque and nine jets to honor each of their lives, cut short so suddenly at Mother Emanuel Church.

Located adjacent to the fountain is a patinaed copper sculpture of five wings, named The Ascension, symbolizing the Emanuel Nine's souls ascending to Heaven. Artist Jim Weitzel created the sculpture, inspired from wing-shaped clouds.

By the sculpture is a memorial for the Reverend Senator Clementa Pinckney, who was one of the Emanuel Nine. He was ordained at 18 years old and was the youngest member of the South Carolina State Legislature at age 23. He spent a lot of time in Marion County with his family during the summer months.

Amazing Grace Park is a wonderful spot for taking a nice walk along the trails that meander around the park and are lined with native flowers and foliage.

One of Senator Pinckney's great loves was music, which led to the placement of interactive instruments along the trail at this incredible park.

Another fun, unique feature of Amazing Grace Park in Marion is a climbable fox sculpture, named Faith the Fox, a tribute to the namesake of Marion County, Francis Marion, called "The Swamp Fox" by his supporters.

Read more about Francis Marion in the book, The Swamp Fox: How Francis Marion Saved the American Revolution.

The park is dog-friendly and even has a double-gated dog park area for our furry friends to play.

When I visited the park, it was on the way home from a trip. It was very warm, and it was so nice having a safe place for my dog to run around and get some water to drink! This park is truly a gem. It's such a peaceful place to enjoy, and pictures don't really do it justice. You need to visit in person to fully appreciate how nice it is.

Amazing Grace Park also has a pavilion with air-conditioned bathrooms and a concession stand. It's such a wonderful way to ensure the legacy of a great South Carolinian lives on. Some say you can even feel the love that led to the building of this park!

Have you had a chance to visit this park yet and see the Emanuel 9 Memorial in South Carolina?