COLUMBIA, S.C. — A large portion of the Cayce Riverwalk is currently closed for repairs.
The walkway that spans 12 miles and is frequently used by locals connects to other recreation amenities such as the Timmerman Trail, the 12,000-Year History Park, the Congaree Creek, and the Heritage Preserve.
"I usually come out here a couple times a week so my dog can get exercise and relax a little bit," said frequent Riverwalk visitor Race Potocin.
But lately, those walks along the river have been cut short.
"I usually come down here a couple times a week so my dog can get exercise and I can relax a little bit. Recently it's been closed down a little bit past the house which is inconvenient for me because I have no other way to get his energy out," Race continued.
A section of the boardwalk that stretches approximately 1,800 feet has structural damage and needs repairs. The damage was caused by excessive flooding in the area, which, over time, damaged the wood that makes up the boardwalk.
The boardwalk portion needing repairs begins at the Cayce Cove Apartments and proceeds downriver to H. Landing, stretching approximately 1.5 miles.
"I was really looking forward to it today, and I am surprised to see it down," a visitor said on Friday.
The Riverwalk has four phases, or sections, and according to the city of Cayce, the closed section contains Phase Two. And while that area is closed for repairs, other parts contain flooded areas from river water reaching elevated levels.
"I could only go so far today because it was flooded… and not just inches… it was flooded," said Sandy Smith, who walks the Riverwalk daily.
Other parts of the Riverwalk are currently open to the public, and city officials said they are working as efficiently and quickly as possible to complete the repairs.
"In the meantime I've just been giving [his dog] toys and trying to mentally stimulate him to get him tired," Potocin said.
The city of Cayce says the timeline for the work is uncertain. Their top priority is making sure repairs are done correctly so visitors can safely enjoy their walk.