Cayce Unveils Plans for $2.1 Million Visitors Center at Historic 12,000 Year History Park

Cayce Welcomes Exciting New Visitors Center at 12,000 Year History Park

In the vibrant and historically rich city of Cayce, big news is making waves as local officials reveal a hefty $2.1 million donation destined for the construction of a much-anticipated visitors center at the famous 12,000 Year History Park. This park is a hidden gem, sprawled over 350 acres and connecting seamlessly to the charming Cayce Riverwalk and the peaceful Timmerman Trail.

Long-Awaited Development

The journey toward this state-of-the-art visitors center has been a lengthy one, dating back to 1996 when visionary Ozzie Naglar first conceptualized the project. Fast forward to 2021, and the dream got a significant boost when the city snagged two considerable $1 million grants from the state. This funding paved the way for essential site preparations along the scenic Fort Congaree Trail, right across from the popular Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center.

Now, with the recent generous donation from the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Foundation, the momentum is building. City officials are buzzing with excitement, and Mayor Elise Partin expressed her eagerness during a press conference held at the construction site. “I’ll be even happier when we get to the groundbreaking,” she said enthusiastically. The goal is to kick off construction in 2025, with an estimated completion time of 10 to 12 months after breaking ground.

The Historical Significance

The visitors center isn’t just any structure; it’s an integral part of the park, which boasts a rich legacy of habitation that goes back a whopping 12,000 years. The park itself is a treasure trove of history, home to ancient inhabitants ranging from mammoths and Native American tribes to Civil War soldiers! But that’s not all; the site also includes remnants of an 1865 Civil War battle.

What’s more, the park regularly hosts guided tours, nature days, and thrilling Civil War encampments, giving visitors a taste of the area’s colorful past. The upcoming visitors center aims to enhance these experiences by offering rotating exhibits showcasing the rich history and archaeology of the area. “You can learn about what happened here, including the Revolutionary War battles fought in this vicinity,” the Mayor explained, underscoring the educational aspect of this exciting development.

A Boost for Local Tourism

The conceptual and financial backing of the River Alliance, an organization dedicated to improving access to the local rivers, has also been a crucial part of this vision since day one. CEO Mike Dawson emphasized how the visitors center will link the region’s riverwalks, creating 27 uninterrupted miles of walking paths for everyone to enjoy.

The center is not just about history; it’s about making the outdoors more accessible. Dawson envisions a future where a sign at the interstate points visitors toward the center, inviting them to park and explore. “The connection time here is zero. You could park here, hit the greenway with your bike, dog, kids, roller blades, whatever, and you’re on a river,” he said.

Mayor Partin also expressed her belief that this addition will significantly boost local tourism and make the park more appealing and accessible to a variety of visitors, including school groups looking for enriching experiences.

A Bright Future Ahead

With such exciting developments on the horizon, it’s clear that Cayce is stepping up to enhance its community offerings. The visitors center at the 12,000 Year History Park promises to blend history, nature, and recreation in a way that attracts locals and visitors alike.

As the story unfolds, we can only imagine the incredible experiences and knowledge that will soon be available at this beautiful location. Stay tuned as Cayce continues to grow, making history come alive for everyone!