News Summary
Columbia has chosen six design firms to plan a new park along the Congaree River, following years of inaction on the land between the Blossom and Gervais Street bridges. The initiative, estimated to cost between $40 million and $60 million, aims to enhance the riverfront and improve accessibility. With construction expected to begin in June 2025, the park is part of a broader effort to revitalize the area, which includes recent land donations and cleanup projects. Additionally, hours for the Gathering Place have been extended to provide more recreational opportunities.
Columbia has announced the selection of six design firms tasked with planning a new world-class park along the Congaree River. This initiative marks a significant development after years of the land between the Blossom and Gervais Street bridges remaining untouched. The decision to move forward with this park project is made possible by recent land donations, a comprehensive river cleanup, and an ongoing street project aimed at enhancing accessibility to the area.
The city formally commenced the planning process earlier this year by requesting qualifications from design firms, leading to a robust response from nearly 20 firms across the nation. After careful consideration, six firms with notable portfolios and extensive experience on high-budget projects were chosen to create detailed plans for the park’s development, which will include construction specifics and estimated costs.
The preliminary budget for the park is estimated to range from $40 million to $60 million, according to statements from city officials. The project is tentatively scheduled to break ground in June 2025. The selection of design firms includes prominent architecture and urban design companies from locations such as San Francisco, New York, and Ohio, highlighting the ambition of Columbia’s vision for the Congaree Riverfront Park.
In addition to the exciting news of the park development, Columbia has also extended the hours for Gathering Place, ensuring the park will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. starting today. This extension allows more residents and visitors to enjoy the recreational opportunities the park provides.
Located approximately a half-hour drive away from Columbia, the Congaree National Park is recognized as one of the most biologically diverse national parks in the United States. This natural treasure features the largest expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern U.S. The park offers a range of activities such as paddling, hiking, and wildlife research, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.
During spring, visitors to Congaree National Park can witness the captivating spectacle of synchronous fireflies. This natural phenomenon will take place from May 14 to May 21, 2025. Access to the firefly viewing event is regulated through a lottery system, with passes available that allow entry for passenger vehicles. In order to protect the firefly habitats, a portion of the park will close daily at 4:30 p.m. during the viewing event, and backcountry camping permits will not be issued throughout that period.
The park features over 25 miles of trails, the most accessible of which is the 2.4-mile Boardwalk Loop Trail. Paddling is a particularly popular activity, with a designated 15-mile trail along Cedar Creek that accommodates paddlers of various skill levels. For visitors looking to extend their stay, the park provides two designated campgrounds and permits for backcountry camping, available at no cost.
For those visiting the Congaree National Park, Columbia offers numerous accommodations, restaurants, and attractions to make the experience enjoyable and memorable. With the anticipated development of the riverfront park and the nearby natural wonders, Columbia is poised to enhance both its recreational offerings and its reputation as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Additional Resources
- The State
- World Atlas
- WISTV
- Cola Daily
- ABC Columbia
- Wikipedia: Congaree National Park
- Google Search: Congaree National Park
- Google Scholar: Congaree National Park
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Congaree National Park
- Google News: Congaree National Park
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
