Lower Saluda Greenway Construction Begins for Columbia Residents

News Summary

Columbia is set to begin construction on a new section of the Lower Saluda Greenway, connecting Lake Murray Dam to Saluda Shoals Park. This project aims to enhance outdoor recreation with a scenic 12-foot wide trail for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. With $24 million in funding, future phases will expand access and connectivity to additional parks and recreational areas. Community engagement will be crucial as construction progresses, promising exciting trails for local residents and nature lovers, making outdoor activities more accessible.

Exciting Trails Ahead for Columbia Residents!

Columbia is buzzing with excitement as construction for a brand new section of the Lower Saluda Greenway is set to begin! This fantastic project will connect Lake Murray Dam to Saluda Shoals Park, providing a scenic route for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Once the necessary permits are secured, crews will break ground, and residents can look forward to hitting the trails next year.

What to Expect from the Greenway?

The first phase of this project is just the beginning! The greenway will stretch from Lake Murray Dam, snaking its way through a lush wooded area, featuring a parking lot and a trailhead building that is sure to be a welcome sight for visitors, complete with restrooms for those long nature walks. The trail will have ample space, boasting widths of up to 12 feet in certain sections, making it accessible for walkers, joggers, and cyclists alike.

As you venture along this beautiful path, you will find a thoughtful design weaving through the natural environment. The trail will gracefully navigate between a Lexington County waste site and Dominion Energy’s energy transmission lines. Notably, there will also be charming boardwalks built over delicate wetlands, giving adventurers a unique experience that showcases the area’s natural beauty.

Future Phases and Connectivity

But wait, there’s more! The second phase of the project will extend from Saluda Shoals’ lower boat ramp through the Shaw Industries property all the way to the Gardendale boat ramp. This extension is expected to enhance the trail’s usability for boaters and hikers alike.

The project doesn’t stop at Saluda Shoals Park; a third phase aims to connect this new gem to the existing Saluda Riverwalk, which is close to the beloved Riverbanks Zoo. However, remember that this exciting connection is contingent on the completion of the Carolina Crossroads project, presently expected to wrap up by 2029.

If that wasn’t enticing enough, there are also ongoing plans for a pedestrian bridge to be built across the Congaree River. The bridge will link the Lower Saluda Greenway to the Columbia Canal trail as part of a long-term vision set forth by the River Alliance for improved river access. This interconnected trail system will provide even greater opportunities for outdoor recreation in the future.

Funding and Community Input

With a whopping $24 million secured from various local, state, and federal sources—including a $3.2 million federal grant—there’s plenty of momentum behind this project. We are indeed in for a treat with such significant investment geared towards enhancing our recreational spaces.

As the project advances, public participation will play a critical role, especially in the feasibility study being conducted by the Central Midlands Council of Governments. This study is looking into a potential 10.5-mile paved trail connecting Lake Murray to Riverbanks Zoo, which could enhance greenway access for approximately 56,000 residents living within two miles of this exciting development. Community feedback has indicated a strong interest in new trails, highlighting their recreational and aesthetic advantages, and it’s clear that residents are eager to share their thoughts.

Conclusion

The Lower Saluda Greenway project is shaping up to be a transformative addition to Columbia’s landscape, offering enhanced connectivity and recreation for both residents and visitors. As construction gears into action and permits begin to roll in, there’s a sense of anticipation in the air. Keep your hiking shoes ready; adventures on the Lower Saluda Greenway may be just around the corner!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Transformation of Abandoned Golf Course into Community Trails

Additional Resources

• Lexington Chronicle: Saluda Shoals Park Greenway Nearing Completion
• Wikipedia: Greenway
• Post and Courier: Riverfront Greenway News
• Google Search: Lower Saluda Greenway
• WLTX: Proposed Trail News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Park
• Lexington Chronicle: Lake Murray Greenway Connection
• Google News: Columbia Greenway Development