West Columbia Residents Eagerly Await Reopening of Beloved Riverwalk After Hurricane Damage

West Columbia Residents Eagerly Await Riverwalk Reopening

West Columbia, S.C. has found itself in a bit of a pickle lately! The beloved Riverwalk, a favorite spot for runners, dog walkers, and families, has been partially closed for months. This has left many residents feeling quite frustrated. Why the prolonged closure, you ask? Well, it all stems from the damages caused by Hurricane Helene back in September.

Hurricane Helene’s Impact

Imagine planning for a beautiful walk along the scenic Riverwalk, only to be met with barricades and signs screaming “Riverwalk Closed. No Trespassing!” That’s exactly the reality for many West Columbia locals like Trephonia Swanson. Swanson, who used to stroll the trail with her son’s dog Jack-Jack, expressed her disappointment, saying, “It’s a little disappointing.” The closure has dashed the hopes of those seeking a “really long, brisk, relaxing walk.”

Andrea Navarro, another regular on the trail, also chimed in with her frustrations. “It’s just really annoying because I walk this dog every single day,” she voiced. “I usually come here in hopes it would be open, but it’s not.” The sentiment of annoyance and discontent is certainly shared by many!

The City’s Response

So, what’s going on behind the scenes? Mayor Tem Miles has come forward to explain the situation. “The Riverwalk was closed for 18 months following the 2015 flood when those events occur with extensive damage,” he said. He elaborated that the current closure is due to issues like sections of the sidewalk being undermined, bank stability problems caused by erosion, and various physical structure issues. “Those things just take a while,” Miles explained.

Residents are curious—what’s being done to fix things? According to Miles, the city is evaluating the damage while concurrently meeting with FEMA and emergency management teams to nail down a solid repair plan. “We are still in the process of meeting with FEMA and emergency management to try and figure out the repair plans,” he stated.

Looking Ahead With Hope

For now, folks like Trephonia are opting for shorter walks while holding on to a glimmer of hope. “I’m hoping, you know, that it will reopen hopefully by spring,” she expressed positively. While no official reopening date has been set yet, it’s nice to know optimism is still alive in West Columbia!

Mark your calendars! Mayor Miles announced that repair plans will be discussed on December 17 during a conference with FEMA and the City of Columbia. This could be a pivotal moment for the much-loved Riverwalk.

A Community Effort

It’s clear that the Riverwalk holds a special place in the hearts of West Columbia residents. The community has taken to social media to express their feelings, share their walking alternatives, and, of course, their hopes for the future. Everyone is anxiously tuning in to see how the city addresses these concerns and when they can finally return to their favorite trail.

As the Riverwalk faces a tough road to recovery, the community’s spirit shines through. Fingers crossed that spring will bring the opening of the Riverwalk and a new chapter of walking, running, and enjoying the great outdoors in West Columbia! Until then, let’s keep those tail-wagging walks alive and the optimism flowing!