Cayce’s Riverwalk Undergoes Major Cleanup After Heavy Flooding
In the charming city of Cayce, just a stone’s throw from downtown Columbia, the atmosphere is buzzing with the sounds of restoration and cleanup. Just recently, the picturesque Cayce Riverwalk found itself buried under a thick blanket of sand and mud, remnants of the swelling Congaree River after Hurricane Helene made its presence felt, bringing torrential rain and overflowing waters.
A Once-Familiar Sandbar Now Gone
Many locals fondly remember the sandy stretches that once welcomed kayakers and sunbathers, a popular hangout during those sunny summer days. As Public Information Officer Ashley Hunter drove a golf cart along the trail, she reminisced about the vibrant scene at that once-thriving sandbar. “It was such a lively spot for college students and outdoor enthusiasts!” she recalled.
Sadly, the beloved spot is now a mere memory. The Congaree River, which reached a staggering 31 feet during the recent flooding, swept over the sandbar, relocating it entirely and leaving behind high banks of sediment along the trail instead. “You wouldn’t believe how deep the sand has piled up in some places,” Hunter noted as she pointed to locations where it climbed up to 3 feet high!
Cleaning Up After the Storm
Parks Department Manager James Denny is at the forefront of the cleanup efforts, which are being described as the busiest the riverwalk has seen since the infamous “1,000-year flood” back in 2015. “When it rains, it pours! But when it floods, it’s a whole different story,” Denny explained with a wry smile.
The recent flood left behind not only sand but also fallen trees that littered the pathways, making it essential for the parks department to spring into action. “We had to assess the damage, remove downed trees, and get rid of the muck and mud that filled the walkways. It’s a lot of work, but we’re making progress,” Denny assured.
Challenges Ahead
While crews are working diligently, challenges abound. The cleanup involves dealing with excavated sections of the riverbank and multiple light poles ripped from their foundations, leading to a call for help from Dominion Energy to address dangerous exposed wires.
One major worry is the 1,800-foot stretch of boardwalk that runs along a steep bank. Although experts deem it stable, its current angle poses a safety risk for cyclists racing through the park. “They come blasting down here at 15 miles an hour. I mean, if they hit that angled section, it wouldn’t end well,” Denny shared, illustrating the precarious situation.
Lessons from the Past
Reflecting on previous floods, Denny remarked that the city had made timely modifications to the boardwalk after the devastating 2015 flood, which left a substantial mark on this area. “We were wise to secure those foundations earlier this year. If we hadn’t done that, who knows what would have happened with the recent floods?”
The Gritty Reality of Cleanup
The most backbreaking aspect of the cleanup effort is the thick layer of river mud that has caked the trail. Unlike the easily removable sand, this mud is stubborn and is known to swallow up tires and boots. “Trust me, if you step off the trail in that mud, your shoes are gone for good!” Denny quipped.
Surprising Discoveries
As the cleanup progresses, Denny shared a fun memory from past floods, “One year, we even found catfish—big ones! About two and a half feet long washed onto the trail. They must’ve been quite the escapees!” Such quirky incidents bring a light-hearted touch to the seriousness of restoration.
As the city works towards reopening this cherished recreational area, residents remain hopeful that the beauty and vibrancy of the Cayce Riverwalk will soon return, ready to be enjoyed once more by both locals and visitors alike.
