Ground was broken Tuesday for West Columbia’s enabling park.

“This park needed to be done for all the citizens of South Carolina,” said Sen. Nikki Setzler, before a ceremony to mark construction of the park for children of all abilities at 212 Hudson Street, adjacent to the West Columbia Riverwalk.
Setzler also called Riverwalk “the gem of the Midlands” while advocating the need for more green spaces and parks.

West Columbia Mayor Bobby Horton said the opportunity for all children to play together is critical and that West Columbia City Council had a vision when the plan for the park was being considered.

Councilman Tem Miles said the park will allow all three of his daughters the chance to go to the park together, including his daughter who is in a wheelchair.
And besides getting a park. Miles said installation of the park will “go a long way toward addressing parking needs,” in proximity to Riverwalk.
Construction of the park is scheduled to be completed in March.

This project is being made made possible with the help of the West Columbia Beautification Foundation. It is partially funded by a Connected Communities grant from the Central Carolina Community Foundation via the West Columbia Beautification Foundation. Also, Setzler and Rep. Micah Caskey helped procure $400,000 in S.C. Parks and Recreation funds to help build the park, said Miles. Lexington County contributed to the park funding, too.