On the morning of Feb. 1, the City of West Columbia was covered in more than 3 inches of snow. And for about 2 weeks after the snow had melted, there have been some cold days. But this week temperatures have reached the mid-70s, and that has brought crowds out to West Columbia’s parks.  

Susanna from Irmo was at Carraway Park at the Riverwalk, Wednesday, with her two girls, enjoying the spring-like weather.

“We love to go to parks or the library,” she said. “And we love this park. It has all of the things we need for all ages. Carraway Park is our favorite park.”

Susanna said she brings the girls outside even if it’s not warm. “We come out regardless of the weather. “If it’s cold, we bundle up.”

She said one of her daughters goes to a Montessori school in Columbia so when they have time to kill, they are always searching for outdoor activities. Susanna said Carraway Park at the Riverwalk is in a contained area that is small enough that she can see her kids at all times. She also said: “Carraway Park has the cleanest restrooms.”

The cold can make it less motivating to get outside for exercise, but when it’s warmer that motivation returns.
Emily and Hope are training for the Cooper River 10K Bridge Run in Charleston. It’s March 28.

The two USC students were at the Riverwalk running.
“Riverwalk is relatively flat and so pretty and close to campus easy to get to,” Hope said. Emily said the weather warming up and it being so nice has encouraged them to come out to run.

Riverwalk is good for a family picnic, and to come out of hibernation.  

Bri and Aidan who live in West Columbia are sister and brother. They were having a picnic on the grass at Riverwalk, in front of Stone River, Wednesday.

“The weather is nice so we decided to get out of the house for the first time since winter began,” Bri said. Last time I was at Riverwalk was last fall.”
“The last time I was here was two years ago,” Adrian said.

Bri said the warm weather brought her out and she’ll come to Riverwalk more. She sometimes uses the Moffatt Street entrance to Riverwalk. Adrian said he was really enjoying Riverwalk and he plans to come more often.

Michelle not only enjoys Riverwalk for herself, she said “Whiskey” her dog loves to get out and walk.

There were several people walking dogs on Riverwalk, Wednesday.

“Sometimes we meet other dogs that Whiskey gets along with,” Michelle said. “I like to chat with the other dog-lovers while the dogs play.” We come out here a lot. It’s a nice place to be, especially when it’s warm.”

This week is a reminder that the warm weather will be here to stay. So be sure to take advantage of West Columbia’s parks.

West Columbia Public Parks

• B Avenue Ball Park – 815 B Avenue (Baseball, Football, Restrooms)
• Carraway Park at the Riverwalk – A Place for All Children to Play Together – 212 Hudson Street (Restrooms, Covered Picnic Tables (First Come, First Serve), All-Inclusive Playground
• Douglas Reeves Community Park – 761 Augusta Street (Tennis, Playground, Restrooms, Bicycle Repair Station, FREE Public Wi-Fi)
• Rosamunda Percell-Butler Community Park – 1100 Raleigh Street (Basketball, Playground, Picnic Shelter, FREE Public Wi-Fi)
• Fowler Community Park – 1800 C Avenue (Playground, Picnic Shelter)
• TriCity Leisure Center
• Howard Sports Complex – Baseball and Softball fields
• Interactive Art Park – 425 Meeting Street (Interactive Art Sculptures, FREE Public Wi-Fi, Parking)
• Moffatt Street Entrance to the Riverwalk – 100 Riverside Drive, West Columbia (Bicycle Repair Station, FREE Public Wi-Fi)
• West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater – 109 Alexander Road, West Columbia (Bicycle Repair Station, Restrooms, FREE Public Wi-Fi)
• Bark West Dog Park – 1940 Augusta Road (Membership required)