City Council Oks $11.5M Bond for Linley, Cater's Lake Projects
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Anderson City Council approved, on first reading, an $11.5 million bond issue for two recreation projects.
A total of $5.65 million of the funds will be used to finish Phase 2 of the Linley Park and $5.8 million for the upgrades to Cater’s Lake Park.
The Cater’s Lake project will include walking trails, landscaping, environmentally friendly islands in the pond for the ducks/geese, a covered bridge architectural structure to improve visuals, additional areas for picnic tables and expanded grassy play areas.
Under the current plan, the city is also working with the South Carolina Department of Transportation to potentially turn Hiawatha Drive into a cul-de-sac, to increase safety in the area as well.
The Linley Park Project, which has been underway since Spring, will include an extensive redesign of the park with trails, a new pavilion, playground equipment, traffic and parking changes, and a priority of restoring the Whitner Creek which runs through the park to a natural state.
On the park’s south end will be replaced with an extended wetlands area with wooden bridges and a small island complete with educational information about plants, animals and stormwater practices. The area, which is prone to flooding, would be able to handle heavy rains and serve as stormwater storage under the new design.
Throughout, natural wood will be used on buildings and playground equipment in keeping with the natural setting of the neighborhood.
The north end of the new design would feature what is internally being called a “Peanut-about,” a roundabout shaped like the nut which hopes to slow down and better manage traffic in the area.
To ensure optimal safety for pedestrian and vehicle traffic, a peanut-shaped round-a-about will help solve the challenging intersection of Glenwood Avenue, North Avenue, Club Drive, Watson Avenue, and Blair Street. Signalized pedestrian crosswalks will also be added to support safe access into Linley Park from various points throughout the neighborhood.
The Linley Park Project, with a total cost of more than $13 million, is also being funded by a variety of other sources, including: $357,000 from leftover special obligation funds, $3.89 million in American Rescue Plan funds, $750,000 from sewer funds, and $3.25 million from hospitality tax funds ($1.75 million from fiscal year 2024 and $1.75 million from fiscal year 2025).