Better parks, trails

Nearly $10 million in capital improvements proposed for 2012

MARCH 22, 2011 2:03 p.m. (0)

Property could be acquired for another park on the Reedy River, plans could be drawn to extend the Swamp Rabbit Trail to Interstate 85 and Greenville’s commercial corridors could be revitalized under a plan unveiled this week.

City Manager John Castile presented the city’s capital improvement program for 2012 through 2016 at a city council work session.

Nearly $10 million would be spent during 2012 on parks and recreation, sewer, economic development, public safety, roads and storm water projects.  Continue reading...

 

The path more taken

As the Swamp Rabbit Trail grows, so does its usage, leaving some concerned traffic crossing signs aren't quite sufficient.

JULY 27, 2011 12:55 p.m. (0)

The little girl whizzed by on her bike at the intersection of the Swamp Rabbit Trail and West Blue Ridge Drive – a fluff of blonde hair capped with a pink and white helmet – and straight out into traffic on the busy four-lane highway.

Riders and walkers screamed warnings that were lost in the sound of screeching tires and billowing blue smoke of burning rubber.

Half a dozen cars stopped mere feet from the girl, who froze in the middle of the eastbound lanes.  Continue reading...

 

Parkins Mill residents say "No"

Mayor says Swamp Rabbit route in front yards ‘not an option’ as far as he’s concerned

JULY 27, 2011 1:48 p.m. (2)

Parkins Mill Road resident Elizabeth Botzis says she and her neighbors support the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

What they don’t support is the bike and walking trail running in front of their houses.

They said they will fight any proposal to run the Swamp Rabbit down their street to link it to the county recreation department’s trail at Lake Conestee.  Continue reading...

 

Travelers Rest keeps on growing

Swamp Rabbit Trail, Main Street revitalization leads to new developments

AUGUST 18, 2011 11:03 a.m. (1)

When the economy tanked in 2008, Kem Theisen decided to close her multi-merchant mall in Travelers Rest because it was costing her money to keep the doors open.

The building sat empty for a year as she tried to sell it.

Then work began to convert an old railroad bed than ran behind the Shops at 27 Main into a walking and biking trail and a downtown revitalization project that reduced the four-lane Highway 276 that serves as the town’s Main Street to three lanes and created a mini-park got underway.  Continue reading...

 

Swamp Rabbit grows

Citizens committee formed to discuss future segments

DECEMBER 1, 2011 5:56 p.m. (7)

While work has started on the third phase of the Swamp Rabbit Trail within the city limits of Greenville, a citizens committee has been formed to work with consultants studying possible ways to link that part of the trail with the county recreation department’s trail from Lake Conestee to Parkins Mill Road and Interstate 85.

The newest phase of the Swamp Rabbit Trail will go from a 170-foot pedestrian bridge over the Reedy River along Cleveland Street to South Pleasantburg Drive, said Brian Graham, the city’s greenway and sustainability manager.

The project will cost about $1.5 million.  Continue reading...

 

Sustainable treats on the Swamp Rabbit Trail

Swamp Rabbit Café is popular stop for hikers and cyclists

APRIL 5, 2012 2:40 p.m. (0)

Of the dozens of businesses that have sprouted along the Greenville Hospital System Swamp Rabbit Trail, perhaps none has been more transformative than the Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery.

Plunked down in the heart of Cedar Lane Road between the Parker District Fire Station and a long line of seedy storefronts that used to dominate business in this part of town, the café is an island of sustainable culture and culinary delight that caters to the thousands of bikers, walkers, strollers and runners who find the trail simply irresistible on a weekly basis.  Continue reading...

 

A footpath to prosperity

Trail systems boost health and economic development

APRIL 12, 2012 1:07 p.m. (0)

The foot and bike path has become a road to prosperity for businesses and property owners adjacent to the Greenville Hospital System Swamp Rabbit Trail.

“Every time someone puts up a house that faces the Swamp Rabbit Trail, that’s economic impact,” said Ty Houck, director of the greenways for the Greenville County Recreation Department.  Continue reading...