Categories: CommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

Columbia’s Riverfront Park to Close for Canal Recovery Project

Construction at Riverfront Park for canal recovery project

News Summary

Columbia residents should prepare for closures at Riverfront Park from March 3-7 and March 10-14 for a canal recovery project. Portions of the park will be off-limits while contractors work on improving the water supply system, including tree removal. Although access will be limited, restrooms will remain open on weekdays. The park will also close during the weekend of March 8-9. Residents are encouraged to visit the nearby Saluda Riverwalk as an alternative during the closures.

Columbia’s Riverfront Park to Close for Two Weeks in March for Canal Recovery Project Construction

Attention, Columbia residents and park lovers! Get ready for some park plans to change this March. Portions of Riverfront Park will be going under construction, and that means some closures you need to know about!

What’s Happening?

Starting from Monday, March 3, to Friday, March 7, and then again from March 10 to March 14, both Riverfront Park North (located at 4122 River Dr.) and Riverfront Park South (at 312 Laurel St.) will be off-limits to the public. Yes, you read it right, two whole weeks of closed access!

Why the Closure?

This construction work is all part of the exciting canal recovery project. It’s a good cause that aims to improve our water supply systems. During this construction, heavy equipment will be moving around, and sadly, contractors will be removing some trees from the canal embankment as part of the project plan.

What’s Next for Riverfront Park?

Once this phase of construction wraps up, Columbia Water will shift gears to start building a brand-new intake in the Broad River. This new setup is designed to have a whopping supply and pumping capacity of up to 80 million gallons per day! Now that’s some serious water management.

Weekend Closure Alert

And don’t forget, the park will also be closed for the weekend of March 8 and 9, so make other plans for those days. If you were hoping to enjoy some time outdoors, you’ll have to find a new location to soak up the sun!

Getting Around the Park Closures

But wait, there’s good news! The park will still be open during regular hours on weekdays, just with limited access. You can still utilize the restrooms at Riverfront South during regular park hours, which are kept available for park-goers. However, do keep in mind that the park will close its gates after 5:30 p.m. each evening when construction crews head out.

A Park Alternative

If you’re looking for somewhere to hang out while Riverfront Park is closed, the Parks and Recreation Department suggests visiting the Saluda Riverwalk (that’s at 650 Candi Lane) as a fantastic alternative. It’s a lovely spot where you can still enjoy the great outdoors and maybe even catch a glimpse of some wildlife while you’re there.

Final Thoughts

So, fellow Columbians, mark your calendars and plan accordingly. While it may be a bummer to see our beloved Riverfront Park undergo some necessary work, it’s all for a greater cause! Let’s keep our city beautiful and support the efforts that go into making our water systems resilient. Enjoy your park visits before the closures, and see you on the other side of construction!