New Swamp Rabbit Trail Connector Opens in Greenville
A new Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail connector has officially opened to the public in Greenville’s Hollingsworth communities. The project, known as “The Legacy Connector,” includes a bridge and boardwalk system over Laurel Creek and spans approximately one-third of a mile. The goal of the connector is to link the Hollingsworth communities and Legacy Park to the Green Line of the Swamp Rabbit Trail, providing residents with improved access to recreational amenities.
Public-Private Partnership
The construction of the Legacy Connector, a public-private partnership project, began in June. The Verdae Development Corp. funded the design and construction of the trail connector. Following its completion, the Greenville City Council approved taking ownership and maintenance of the connector. The total cost of the project amounted to approximately $3.5 million.
City Council Priorities
According to city of Greenville spokesperson Beth Brotherton, the Legacy Connector aligns with several city council priorities, including neighborhoods, public safety, mobility, and recreation. The provision of safe pathways for residents to access recreational facilities for exercise and leisure is essential for enhancing the quality of life in the community. By facilitating connections from neighborhoods to parks and the trail system, the Legacy Connector promotes community health and well-being.
Other Trail Projects
In addition to the Legacy Connector, the city of Greenville has undertaken three other projects to extend the Swamp Rabbit Trail: the Cleveland Connector (“The Paper Clip”), Laurens Road Bridge, and Haywood Bridge. These projects were designed to enhance connectivity between neighborhoods and the Swamp Rabbit Trail Green Line.
In June, the 28.2-mile Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail Green Line extension officially opened to the public, along with the Laurens and Haywood Bridges. While the Legacy Connector is not part of the “Laurens Road Trail Spurs,” it will complement one of the upcoming Spurs and expand access to the trail system.
Future Connections
The city is currently in the design phase of three additional connections to the Green Line, including Nicholtown, Gower, and Verdae. The extension of the Swamp Rabbit Trail along the Laurens Road corridor will provide increased accessibility for residents and commuters to various destinations, serving as an economic driver for the city.
Upcoming Developments
As part of the ongoing improvements to the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a pedestrian bridge over Verdae Boulevard is in the process of being designed and engineered by Consor Engineering under a city contract. The design phase is expected to continue through most of 2024, after which construction funding and final ownership will be coordinated with Greenville County.
Since December 2022, Greenville has implemented a full push button activated trail crossing that features full stop signals for both vehicular and trail users, enhancing safety for everyone utilizing the trail system.
Conclusion
The completion of the Legacy Connector adds another crucial link to Greenville’s growing trail network, further enhancing connectivity and accessibility for residents and visitors alike. With ongoing efforts to expand and improve the Swamp Rabbit Trail, the city continues to prioritize the well-being and recreational opportunities for its community members.
