The City of Cayce announced, Thursday, a new Congaree River public access point off Riverland Drive behind H. Kelley Jones Park. The H. Kelley Jones River Access provides a new take out/put in point for kayakers and tubers.

Making this a true community-based project, Cayce leaders worked with West Columbia Businessowner, Michael Mayo; the River Alliance; and Martin Marietta to finalize the development of the new access point. Parks staff used gravel from Martin Marietta and repurposed other materials from the City to pave the area behind the H. Kelley Jones Park down to the Congaree River.

From the West Columbia Amphitheater, the “float time” is between 1.5 and 2 hours to the new river access point allowing for a shorter trip for families with younger children.

Standing with city staff and Councilman Byron Thomas, Cayce Mayor Elise Partin stated that the new access point was a “true family-friendly addition to the Riverland Park community that benefits everyone across the region that wants to enjoy spending time on the Congaree River.”

Michael Mayo stated, “Only a few cities have this… with the City of Cayce’s new landing, we can now have a fantastic opportunity to have more families visit the river. This is a very safe entry and exit right here in the City of Cayce.”

When asked how the new space was funded, Cayce Interim City Manager, Jim Crosland, stated, “This is an outstanding use of Hospitality Tax funding. The funding is going right back into the community and is providing greater access and a new recreational opportunity for our citizens and visitors.”

Visitors can park at H. Kelley Jones Park, where there is a shaded overlook, a fenced in playground and a large, covered area with picnic tables. The park is located at 2616 Riverland Drive in Cayce.

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