News Summary
On April 29, 2025, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Saluda Shoals Riverwalk, a new 8.5-mile paved path in Columbia, SC. This initiative aims to improve connectivity and recreational opportunities between Lexington, Irmo, and Columbia. While this project begins, the West Columbia Riverwalk faces challenges due to damage from Hurricane Helene, requiring extensive repairs. City officials are moving forward with FEMA for funding while emphasizing the importance of safety and community involvement during this recovery process.
Columbia, South Carolina
A groundbreaking ceremony for the Saluda Shoals Riverwalk was held on April 29, 2025, marking the beginning of an ambitious 8.5-mile paved path expected to enhance connectivity and recreational opportunities across the region. This new trail will link the cities of Lexington, Irmo, and Columbia, providing residents and visitors with a safe and scenic space for walking and biking.
The initiative is supported by various organizations, including Dominion Energy, Central Midlands Council of Governments, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, Lexington County, KBS Landscape Architecture, Midlands Business Leadership Group, The State of South Carolina, Springhill Construction, The Mungo Foundation, and Wiley Easton Construction, Inc. Mark Smyers, the executive director of the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission, emphasized the Riverwalk’s potential to enhance the natural beauty and recreational space for the communities it serves.
The Riverwalk project comes at a time when the existing West Columbia Riverwalk is undergoing significant challenges. Since late September 2025, this section of the Riverwalk has been closed due to extensive damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene. The hurricane caused washouts under sidewalks and resulted in significant sinkholes along the half-mile section of the trail near the West Columbia Amphitheater, leading to safety concerns and the necessity for repairs.
The city of West Columbia is working closely with FEMA to secure funding for the repairs, anticipating that it may take over a year for the Riverwalk to reopen. To facilitate this process, the city is documenting the damages as part of a comprehensive repair plan. The city council plans to select a contractor for the repairs during its upcoming meeting on May 6, 2025. Once a contractor is chosen, the timeline for completion is estimated to be approximately four months.
City officials are exercising caution as they navigate FEMA’s funding processes, aiming for the maximum reimbursement for repair costs. Historical context reveals that the Cayce section of the Riverwalk opened just one month after experiencing similar flooding, as the city financed its own repairs before seeking FEMA reimbursement. West Columbia, however, remains in the planning phase with FEMA and has conducted the necessary assessments for funding approvals.
The city is striving to follow FEMA guidelines meticulously to ensure a smooth reimbursement experience, especially considering that repairs from the previous flooding in 2015 took several years to complete. This experience highlights the potential for long wait times concerning ongoing Riverwalk repairs.
Residents and city officials continue to face the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Issues include leaning light poles, damaged signage, and the need for further inspections of wooden bridges on the Riverwalk. Mayor Tem Miles has emphasized the importance of safety and has urged residents to respect no-trespassing signs until the Riverwalk can be safely reopened to the public.
The Saluda Shoals Riverwalk project is expected to play a significant role in enhancing recreational opportunities in the region once completed while the community also faces the pressing task of addressing the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. While the path to recovery for the West Columbia Riverwalk appears lengthy, efforts are underway to restore this vital community resource.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lower Saluda Greenway Trail Project Nearing Completion
Additional Resources
- The State: Local News
- WLTX: Riverfront Park Closure
- ABC Columbia: Riverfront Park Closures
- Wikipedia: Columbia, South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia, South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
