Long talked about plans to connect Lake Murray to downtown Columbia via the 10.5-mile Lower Saluda Greenway trail system are coming into focus thanks to $8 million allocated in this year’s state budget.
Let’s take a quick look at what the Lower Saluda Greenway means for Soda Citizens, and the potential challenges the project may face moving forward.
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⛓️ Connectivity
Once complete, the Lower Saluda Greenway will connect with the Saluda River Greenway — located behind Riverbanks Zoo — creating a continuous network of trails from Lake Murray to downtown Columbia. The long-term vision of the project shows an opportunity not only for walking but commuting to the Capital City via bicycle. With several access points planned along the river, bike-friendly paths and shared walkways will connect several Irmo area schools and neighborhoods.
🚩 Challenges
Carolina Crossroads construction, the ~10-year $1.4 billion project to improve 14 miles of I-20, I-26, and I-126, comes into play since the trail will run underneath Interstates 20 and 26. Director of the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission, Mark Smyers, told the Post and Courier that this construction would be coordinated with SCDOT.
🕰️ Timeline -
1989 — Irmo citizens created the Lower River Corridor Plan to provide a vision for the conservation and enhancement of the river.
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2000 — A community workshop initiated by the Lower Saluda Scenic River Advisory Council developed a plan to create a trail system along with river management plans + safety concerns.
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2021 — Central Midlands + Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission release the Lower Saluda Greenway Feasibility Study, an in-depth study of the project and its potential.
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2022 — Last week, the Boyd Foundation shared news of the Broad River Pedestrian Bridge, expected to be completed in 2023, ultimately connecting Saluda River trails to the downtown area.
The Lower Saluda Greenway project ties into a grander vision of developing towards Columbia’s riverfronts, further showcasing the rivers that have long been the lifeblood of the Soda City.
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Use the buttons below to share this story with your BFFs, your neighbors, who'd like to cycle to Lake Murray or commute to Cola via bicycle. |
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Today - First Thursday on Main | Thurs., Aug. 4 | 6-10 p.m. | Main Street District | Free | Check out a mix of local restaurants, events + entertainment open late with complimentary shuttle services.
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Columbia Fireflies: Budweiser Thirsty Thursday™ | Thurs., Aug. 4 | Segra Park | 7:05 p.m. | $5+ | Enjoy half-priced draft beer and fountain sodas, $2 Bud Light pints, and Mod 60’s performing at the Budweiser Bowtie Bar. 🍻 *
Friday - Brew at the Zoo | Fri., Aug. 5 | 7-9:30 p.m. | Riverbanks Zoo and Garden | $60+ | Sample craft beer, ciders, and local brews, with live entertainment and animal encounters. 🍻
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Nashville Nights | Fri., Aug. 5 | 6 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, 2350 Foreman St. | Free | Johnny & Heidi Bulford will be performing on the outdoor stage in the beer garden.
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Devine Street Sidewalk Sale | Fri., Aug. 5-Sun., Aug. 7 | All day | Devine St. | Free | Check out the amazing deals + specials offered by the merchants along Devine.
Saturday -
The Enneagram: An Introductory Workshop | Sat., Aug. 6 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Family Promise of the Midlands | $100 | Learn about the importance of Enneagrams + how your personality type makes you who you are.
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Adaptive Waterski Warriors Fun Day | Sat., Aug. 6 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Geiger Field Trail | Free | The day includes lunch, snacks, beverages, swimming, games on shore, music + water skiing.
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Adam Hawley Live! The Soul Jazz Experience | Sat., Aug. 6 | 8 p.m. | Chayz Lounge, 607 Meeting St. | $39 | Adam Hawley will perform his own original jazz selections + well-known hits from Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, and more.
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Well-Crafted Retreat Summer Workshop | Sat., Aug. 6 | 1-5 p.m. | 5236 Sunset Blvd. | $75 | Make beautiful earrings and learn more about your faith.
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We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends. |
For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.* |
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Weather - 94º | Partly cloudy | 24% chance of rain
Number -
$1 million. The amount approved by the Columbia City Council to fund replacement water meters throughout the area. The upgraded meters will read digitally so issues can be handled faster. The equipment will be installed in local subdivisions + replace older meters around the city over the next year. 🚰 (WLTX)
Sports -
Benedict College will host all five of the South Carolina High School League football championship games at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium. This is the second year in row, with talks of next year's games moving back to Williams-Brice Stadium. The 2022 season kicks off with games on Aug. 18-19. 🏈 (The State)
Open -
Walking on Water Performing Arts Center (The PAC) will be hosting a grand opening and ribbon cutting of its new facility (8907 Two Notch Rd.). The free, community-wide event will be held today at 12 p.m. The ceremony will have live music, light refreshments + food from King’s Kitchen Food Truck. 🎭
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The Vista welcomed the newly renovated location for Metropolis Salon with a ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier this week. Now at 1215 Wayne St. (in what was formerly The Backpacker) Metropolis offers a variety of hair services, like balayage, color, extensions, and bridal packages for weddings.
Outdoors Active -
A new local organization is making strides toward uniting the community through the power of walking. Columbia Girls Who Walk invites women from around Columbia to attend weekly meetups. Make new friends + enjoy the sunshine at the next walk on Wed., Aug. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Riverfront Park (312 Laurel St.). 🚶🏽♀️
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Fort Jackson will implement a Future Soldier Preparatory Course this month. The new program will serve as an innovative way to help future soldiers overcome academic and physical challenges + exceed rigorous standards. About 2,000 applicants will be selected to participate in the 90-day program. (Cola Daily)
Biz
Plan Ahead -
The Lexington Medical Center Foundation’s “Wine on the River” will be held on Sat., Aug. 20. The annual event begins at 6 p.m. + will feature live music, wine, craft beer + culinary tastings on West Columbia’s Riverwalk. Tickets are $100 with proceeds benefiting Linda’s Love Fund. 🍷
Announced -
Lexington Orthopaedics has joined forces with Southeastern Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine to launch a new practice called Lexington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. See which conditions they treat and where the five new Midland practices are located.*
Featured Job - Looking for a fun employment opportunity? The SC State Fair is hiring multiple positions from Guest Services to Fine Arts Staff and a Marketing Intern. See details + apply. 🎡 *
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Just last year, UofSC graduate Katherine Blanford performed at The Underground in Russell House, headlining a free show for students. Last night she made her debut on "The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon." Now based in Atlanta, the comedian + podcast host is currently on tour supporting her latest album, "Salt Daddy."
Katherine is the second UofSC graduate to perform on The Tonight Show in the last two weeks, following Cola native Chaz Bear and his band Toro y Moi who performed on the show last Tuesday.
You can catch Katherine on tour at The Comedy Zone in Charlotte on Aug. 31.
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Editor's pick: This year we've seen a lot of action when it comes to projects surrounding Columbia's three rivers. Between the river cleanup, construction on Greene Street near completion, and the funds beginning to come through, it's easier to envision the future of Columbia and how our waterways tie into that vision.
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