$250,000 Grant Awarded for City of West Columbia’s Park for Children of all Abilities
West Columbia, SC (March 8, 2018) — Mayor Pro-Tem Tem Miles and Council were presented with a $250,000 special grant by Senator Nikki Setzler and Representative Micah Caskey from the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism to assist in funding the all-inclusive enabling playground and parking area near the West Columbia Riverwalk and Amphitheater at the Regular Council Meeting on March 6, 2018.
Mayor Pro-Tem Tem Miles said, “We would like to thank Senator Setzler and Representative Caskey for their support and belief in what we are trying to achieve in this enabling park and parking area. We look forward to offering children of all abilities an opportunity to play together in West Columbia.”
The park brings families together allowing children with and without disabilities a play space to be used together. Children of all abilities can interact with each other and be free to play, exercise, and have fun. Play is a critical part of physical, emotional, mental, and social development for every child. There will be features to increase accessibility for those who use wheelchairs or walkers, and features for those who have limited vision or vision impairment. The park will be universally designed, and host a sensory-rich environment that enables children to develop physically, socially, and emotionally. Public art and the creativity of the local community will be incorporated throughout the project. Restrooms will be designed to accommodate patrons of all ages with all abilities.
The enabling park and Riverwalk parking project will be a wonderful addition to the Riverwalk park and amphitheater for visitors from near and far. The parking expansion will provide a safe place to park while enjoying recreational activities at the Riverwalk Park, Amphitheater, and Enabling Park. The expected opening date is in the Fall of 2018.
Pictured above: Senator Nikki Setzler, Mayor Pro-Tem Tem Miles, and Representative Micah Caskey
About the City
The City of West Columbia is situated along eight miles of the beautiful lower Saluda and Congaree Rivers. Known for being friendly, welcoming and affordable, the city also has top-level schools and a myriad of dining and shopping options, as well as exemplary health care options that are within a three-mile radius. The area is ideal for commerce, thanks to its business-friendly attitude, low taxes and utility rates. The City is concentrating on economic development and is eager to attract business start-ups and/or relocations. Additionally, major interstates, highways, the airport, and Columbia are just minutes away. When it comes to recreation, West Columbia offers kayaking, canoeing, tubing, parks, waterfront concerts, 8.5 miles of walking and biking trails, and much more, including access to the renowned Riverbanks Zoo, Botanical Gardens, and Waterfall Junction. More information is available at www.westcolumbiasc.gov.
