Cayce Riverwalk Undergoing Extensive Cleanup After Hurricane Helene’s Flooding Impact

Cayce’s Riverwalk Faces Cleanup After Flooding Challenges

In the quaint city of Cayce, South Carolina, excitement is brewing as officials embark on a significant cleanup project along the beloved Cayce Riverwalk. This popular spot, which offers picturesque views and recreational opportunities for the community, is now experiencing the effects of recent heavy flooding from Hurricane Helene. As debris and sand cover the once well-trodden paths, city workers are rolling up their sleeves to get things back on track.

A Sandbar’s Sad Demise

Just last week, while cruising the trails in a golf cart, Ashley Hunter, the city’s Public Information Officer, reminisced about a time when kayakers relaxed on a sizeable sandbar. This sandy oasis served as a popular resting place, where locals would soak up the sun during warm summer days. However, that sandbar has disappeared, swept away by the Congaree River’s waters, which crested to an astonishing 31 feet. The raging waters not only removed the sandbar but displaced significant quantities of sand onto the trail itself. In some spots, sand dunes reached 2-3 feet high, leaving benches nearly buried in sediment.

Cleanup in Full Swing

With the river’s unexpected rise in water levels, park officials have been hard at work tackling the aftermath of this extraordinary flooding. James Denny, the Parks Department Manager, reported that the situation has escalated into one of the largest cleanup operations since the infamous “1,000 year flood” in 2015. After assessing the damage—removing fallen trees that blocked pathways and using backhoes to clear the muck—the team is now facing a herculean task of cleaning up the parks and trails.

“The water stayed high for about a week,” explained Denny, reflecting on the challenges his team has faced. “During that time, it deposited anywhere from 6 inches to a foot of soft silt and debris onto the parkway.” The condition of various sections of the Riverwalk further underscores the scale of the job ahead of them.

Fallen Trees and Sandy Struggles

Many sections of Phases 3 and 4 of the Riverwalk, including the Timmerman Trail loop, were scarred by uprooted trees. With heavy machinery and diligent hands, city staff have been working in collaboration with a contractor to clear as much debris as possible. Plans are in place to reopen parts of the trail by Saturday morning, giving eager visitors a chance to experience the revitalized area. However, the journey to fully restore every nook and cranny is still ongoing.

Power and Safety Concerns

In addition to debris, multiple light poles were ripped from the ground, necessitating the attention of utility workers to resolve exposed wiring. Others have noticed big sections of riverbank collapsing, raising concerns about the structural integrity of pathways, especially the popular 1,800-foot boardwalk that hugs a steep incline. “If cyclists come barreling down the trail, they may veer into the rails or worse, end up in the river,” jested Denny, emphasizing the importance of addressing safety measures.

The Muddy Monster

The hardest part of the cleanup, however, lies in dealing with a thick layer of mud that coats the trail. Soft and gooey river mud isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it clings to shoes, tires, and equipment, making progress painstakingly slow. Cleanup crews are caught in a race against weather conditions that threaten to stall their efforts. “If we step off the trail, you’re going to lose some shoes, and you aren’t getting them back,” Denny chuckled, offering a humorous take on the muddy dilemma.

The Quirky Side of Floods

Interestingly, floods don’t just bring chaos; they sometimes deliver quirky surprises. Denny nostalgically recalled a past incident when a large group of catfish, around two and a half feet long, appeared on the banks after a rapid water drop. It’s these surprising moments that remind the community of the river’s unpredictable nature.

As hard work continues along the Cayce Riverwalk, there’s a shared sense of optimism that soon, visitors will be able to enjoy everything this unique destination has to offer once again. Here’s hoping that with each shoveled load of sand and mud, the Riverwalk finds its way back to sunny days ahead!