NORTH CHARLESTON — Construction site banners circle the recreational space at the heart of Park Circle, currently undergoing a $20 million renovation that’ll add a special-needs playground, ball field, community center and outdoor pavilion.

Up the street, the city is spending an additional $25 million to revamp the Danny Jones gym, pool and football field.

On the northern edge of the community on the old Charleston Naval Base, North Charleston is almost finished with a $15 million pedestrian bridge that’ll expand the existing Riverfront Park.

All of the projects are slated to be completed by late 2023. But people don’t have to wait to visit Park Circle, one of the region’s most popular local destinations. While these latest projects are almost sure to draw more people to the growing community, the plans also serve as an indicator of Park Circle’s existing reputation as a vibrant corridor of restaurants, retail stores, wineries, breweries and mom-and-pop shops. 

Though it’s not the destination hub that is downtown Charleston, Park Circle has no shortage of places to eat and drink, and parks to visit. In the past few decades, the neighborhood has been transformed from a sleepy residential community into a vibrant commercial hub.

On the food side of things, there’s something to eat at all times of day. In addition to providing tacos, sandwiches and other lunch options, Junction Kitchen & Provisions offers breakfast until 2 p.m. during the week, and 3 p.m. on weekends. Orange Spot Coffee has become a community favorite, frequented by business professionals and elected officials, who meet over hot coffee, cold brew and pastries.

A break from the warm weather might be found at Park Circle Creamery, where homemade ice cream comes in a variety of flavors. Customers have a choice between cups or waffle cones.

Like elsewhere across the Lowcountry, seafood restaurants have found their place in the community. The CODfather Proper Fish & Chips is a popular British eatery that offers north Atlantic cod…