COLUMBIA, S.C. — A proposed greenway in Richland County is receiving support from local residents and county leadership.
Richland County Public Works Director Michael Maloney says the benefits of a proposed greenway in the North Richland community are extensive.
He says, "It now provides them a recreational space to exercise, to walk home, or to school, and it just extends that quality of life."
On Thursday the project was proposed to members of the public who were given an opportunity to hear about the plan and provide feedback.
"It's a ten-foot wide asphalt trail, other than the boardwalk which we're going to bid out in two different alternatives- one a wooden boardwalk and also a precast concrete boardwalk," Maloney explained. The greenway would extend from the Polo and Alpine Road intersection to Lake Windsor Boulevard by the I-77 interchange.
Maloney adds, "Safety measures include railings for any boardwalk we put in and then fencing for both the properties to the north as well as from the interstate."
Kimberly Norris-Jones lives near the proposed project and says it's one she's been hoping on for awhile.
She says, "That's why I voted for the penny tax, for this sort of thing, and I was like 'where is it?' so it's been a long time coming."
The project will also join another path along Polo Road, extending the area that people can travel along. Maloney says the path "provides connectivity to Polo Road shared-use path which brings you to where we are today, up at Polo Park."
County Council Chair Overture Walker says the new development is right in line with other uses for the county's Penny Tax.
He says, "This is another example of Richland County's Penny at work. Doing all we can to improve the quality of life for our residents."
Norris- Jones says not only will the green provide a place to exercise, but it will hopefully create a safe place as well.
"We need more green spaces, more walking spaces, more safe spaces, I want my kids out walking and they don't feel safe walking right now because there's nowhere for them to walk."
Construction is estimated to begin in 2025 and last three months.