Greenville Wants More Trails: Here’s What’s Coming Next
Trails remain one of Greenville’s defining features, and the city is eager to expand its trail network to provide more access to residents and visitors. With approximately 18 miles of trails currently within the city limits, including the popular Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail and smaller neighborhood-park trails, Greenville City Council recently received an update on current and future trail projects during its annual retreat on February 15. Here’s a look at some of the exciting developments on the horizon:
Sliding Rock Trail Phase 2
The construction of phase two of the Sliding Rock Trail in the Nicholtown neighborhood is currently underway. This project involves adding 1 mile of natural surface trail for hikers and off-road bikers, with an expected completion date in March.
Laurens Road Trail Spurs
The city is progressing with plans to connect the Swamp Rabbit Green Line trail to the Nicholtown, Gower, and Verdae neighborhoods with spurs crossing Laurens Road. The project is scheduled to enter the bidding process in summer 2024.
Cleveland Park Pedestrian Bridge
A new pedestrian bridge in Cleveland Park will create a connection for the Swamp Rabbit Trail at the Greenville Zoo’s parking lot to the Richland Way underpass. The estimated cost of the project is $800,000, with design drawings set for completion this spring.
Verdae Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge
Greenville is planning a pedestrian bridge over Verdae Boulevard to connect to an extension of the Swamp Rabbit Trail Green Line, currently under development by Greenville County. The bridge is estimated to cost around $3.5 million.
Swamp Rabbit Pavement Repairs and Striping
A proposed large-scale repair and repaving project for the Swamp Rabbit Trail aims to address maintenance issues and enhance safety with restriping efforts. The estimated budget needed for the project is $500,000.
Airport Loop Trail
The 4.5-mile loop trail around the Greenville Downtown Airport is being considered for inclusion in the city’s fiscal year 2024-25 budget, with an estimated cost of $8 million to complete.
Skatepark and Pump Track
The city’s priority of creating a skatepark and pump track next to the airport is progressing, with plans underway for a lease agreement and public-private partnerships to fund the project.
North Main Trail Connector
A trail connector for the North Main neighborhood is in the proposal stage, leveraging Greenville County’s Orange Line extension to create a 3.8-mile trail spur estimated to cost $5 million.
Timmons Park Connector
The consideration of a 0.5-mile trail connector from Timmons Park to the Wade Hampton Corridor is also on the city’s radar, with an estimated project cost of $500,000.
As Greenville continues to prioritize the development of its trail network, these upcoming projects promise to enhance the city’s outdoor recreational offerings and further solidify its reputation as a trail-friendly destination.