Columbia to have ‘soft opening’ for Saluda Riverwalk this weekend
The city of Columbia is set to open amenities at the Saluda Riverwalk, the newest section of the Three Rivers Greenway.
According to Assistant City Manager Henry Simons, the city is doing a “soft opening” of the riverwalk on Saturday.
“On Saturday, June 12, at 6 a.m., we will open two parking lots (at the riverwalk) for guests to utilize, as this will mitigate parking and safety concerns on Candi Lane,” Simons said in a Friday afternoon statement. “There will be a total of 120 parking spaces available for use. The ‘soft opening’ will include public access to restrooms. Park rangers will be on duty to assist guest as needed.”
The Saluda Riverwalk can be accessed at 650 Candi Lane, just west of Riverbanks Zoo. The gates of the Saluda Riverwalk will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Simons said the city will host a formal ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony for the new stretch of greenway later this summer.
The Saluda Riverwalk has been years in the making. It was funded by the Richland County Transportation Penny Program. While the parking lots, gates and restrooms had not previously been formally open, residents have still been accessing the riverwalk in recent months.
