Cayce Takes on Riverwalk Cleanup After Hurricane Helene
Welcome to the bustling city of Cayce, where life unfolds along the beautiful Cayce Riverwalk. However, the peaceful scene was recently disrupted by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which hit the Carolinas with a vengeance, causing local waterways to swell and overflow. The Riverwalk, a cherished spot for walkers, joggers, and kayakers, has some big challenges ahead as city workers roll up their sleeves for an extensive cleanup.
From Sandbars to Sandbanks: A Riverwalk Transformation
Once upon a time, right under the train trestle, there was a lovely sandbar where kayakers could chill out and college students could soak up some sun in the summer. However, after Hurricane Helene unleashed her fury, that sandbar is now a distant memory. In a heartwarming ride along the trail in a golf cart, Public Information Officer Ashley Hunter reminisced about the great times that took place on that sandy space.
The Congaree River rose to a staggering 31 feet during the storm and brought with it a lot of sand and debris, which has now settled on the trail. Parks Department Manager James Denny shared how the flooding deposited as much as 1 foot of soft silt and even mud in some areas, burying benches and making the path seem like it had gone from a well-known walk to a sandy wonderland.
A Range of Challenges
Denny explained that the staff is tackling quite a few issues presented by the storm’s aftermath. Fallen trees alone posed major hazards along the trail, blocking pathways and bridges in various locations composing phases 3 and 4 of the riverwalk. These portions of the trail bore the brunt of the storm, leading to the trails’ closure.
On Saturday, city workers expect to reopen those parts, and they’re eyeing next week to get the northern phases back up and running too. The Bloom Street Bridge and the scenic boardwalk past the old Granby Locks will also welcome visitors again soon.
Electrical Woes and Structural Improvements
Unfortunately, it’s not just the pesky debris they are coping with. A few light poles were ripped from their cozy spots in the ground and will need assistance from electrical contractors. Some sections of the riverbank have also washed away, raising concerns about the safety of the paths. The boardwalk, with its 1,800-foot stretch running alongside a steep bank, is stable but currently sits at an angle. As Denny amusingly pointed out, it’s a bit like “1,800 feet of hell” for cyclists zooming down that path.
The wooden walkway, built after the devastating 2015 floods, had been closed for repairs earlier this year but was deemed a smart investment since it was almost lost again during this recent flooding.
A Muddy Situation
The biggest headache, however, is the thick layer of mud that now blankets both ends of the Riverwalk. This mud isn’t going anywhere easy; Denny noted that it’s much more stubborn than sand, and it’ll take considerable effort to clear it away. Plus, every rain delays the cleanup, making the team’s job even trickier.
“If we step off the trail, you’re losing some shoes, and you ain’t getting them back,” Denny said, which gives you an idea of how difficult the cleanup battle already is.
Unexpected Finds
As if the cleanup wasn’t interesting enough, Denny chuckled about other quirky surprises that the river has left behind throughout the years. At one point, they found about 10 to 15 catfish, measuring two and a half feet long, trapped in a low area after the water receded too quickly. Who knew river cleanup could come with such surprises?
As Cayce strives to reclaim its Riverwalk, city workers are committed to making it safe and enjoyable again. With every shovel of mud removed, they inch closer to restoring this beloved community gem. Here’s to sunny days and a restored Riverwalk waiting just around the corner!
