News Summary
The Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission announced the groundbreaking of the Saluda Shoals Riverwalk, a significant $22 million project aimed at enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors. This initiative includes an 8-mile greenway and a 2-mile trail extension from Saluda Shoals Park to the Lake Murray Dam. With plans for a pedestrian bridge and connections to broader recreational networks, this project is set to enrich community access to nature and outdoor activities.
Irmo, SC – The Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) celebrated a significant milestone on April 29, 2025, by breaking ground on the Lower Saluda Greenway project, now officially named the Saluda Shoals Riverwalk. This $22 million initiative is designed to create an 8-mile greenway that will provide residents and visitors with enhanced opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The first phase of this ambitious project involves a 2-mile extension of an existing trail within Saluda Shoals Park, reaching upstream to the Lake Murray Dam. The cost for this phase is estimated at $5.5 million, and construction is expected to take around 15 months to complete. This extension is part of a broader vision that aims to connect Lake Murray to the Saluda River greenway trail located behind the Riverbanks Zoo.
As part of the design, the new trail will have varying widths, measuring 12 feet in areas with high pedestrian traffic, while tapering down to 10 feet in regions of lower density. However, accessing the trail from the Lake Murray Dam will require crossing the busy intersection of Broad River Road and Lake Murray Boulevard, which may pose challenges for pedestrians. To address this, officials have proposed the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the intersection, although funding for this addition has not yet been secured.
Mark Smyers, the director of the ICRC, highlighted the importance of this groundbreaking as a crucial step toward improving outdoor access for the community. The Saluda Shoals Riverwalk is set not only to expand existing trails but also to enhance the overall connectivity of recreational spaces in the area.
Future phases of the Lower Saluda Greenway project will aim to extend the trail further downstream from Saluda Shoals Park to connect to the location where Interstate 20 crosses the river. The timeline for the completion of phase three is contingent upon the finishing of the Carolina Crossroads project managed by the South Carolina Department of Transportation, which is expected to conclude by 2029.
This development is part of a larger vision for a comprehensive 27-mile network of riverwalks and greenways throughout the Columbia area, aimed at promoting outdoor activities such as walking, biking, and running from Lake Murray all the way to Downtown Columbia. The successful execution of this project hinges on the combined financial efforts from various sources, including a notable $3.2 million federal grant, bolstered by local and state funding.
The salience of this project resonates beyond mere infrastructure; it reflects a concerted effort among local leaders and officials to explore and unlock the region’s natural beauty while enhancing opportunities for residents to engage in outdoor recreation. Upon its completion, the Saluda Shoals Riverwalk is expected to greatly enrich the quality of life for individuals in the community and serve as an inviting venue for visitors seeking to enjoy the scenic landscapes of the area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Celebrate the Vibrant Weekend Events in Columbia, S.C.
Lower Saluda River Greenway Project Nears Construction
Additional Resources
- The State: Irmo Greenway Project Update
- Wikipedia: Greenway
- Post and Courier: Columbia Rivers Greenways Update
- Google Search: Columbia Greenways
- Construction Equipment Guide: New Pedestrian Bridge in Columbia
- Google Scholar: Greenway Projects
- ABC13: Improvements to Columbia Tap Trail
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Riverwalk
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