Parks Growth To Bring Improvements to Dolly Cooper, Kid Venture, Green Pond
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Growing pains are a part of Anderson County’s success in attracting new businesses and citizens from all over the world. And the county’s 51 public parks, key to not only recreation for its citizens, but one of the key factors in economic development, are also looking ahead to expansion and development.
Many companies consider quality of life issues among their top priorities in choosing a location for a new or expanded facility.
The biggest parks are seeing the most rapid growth. Dolly Cooper Park will soon be able to host regional and potentially national disc golf tournaments, and the accessible kayak launch has already brought in outdoors enthusiasts from across the country to the annual Saluda River Rally, which is scheduled for June 1. The park’s annual “Rhythm on the River,” a day of games, music, food and other entertainment is set for May 4.
Meanwhile, Green Pond Landing and Event Center continues to bring money and recognition to the county. Since it was built nine years ago, the economic impact of the facility has topped $110 million, and it is expected to be even more lucrative in the future, thanks to plans for expansion.
Those plans, which include three new boat launches, should begin construction in 2026, and could shut down the park to fishing tournaments for up to a year during the development. Once the park is reopened, it will allow for a better experience with more parking and launches for tournaments.
The year ahead could see the completion of the final stage at Kid Venture Park, which has become a favorite of families in the county.
Anderson County Parks Manager Matt Schell talked about the challenges of growth and the parks in this interview with the Anderson Observer.
The following is a list of all county-maintained parks:
Allen Park, Asbury Park, ASEC Sports Complex, Belton River Access, Brown Road Boat Ramp, Cheddar Community Park, Chris Taylor Memorial Park (Pulled out from the ASEC umbrella), Courthouse Annex Park, Cove Inlet, Cricket Field (not official name; but pulled out from the 'ASEC' umbrella), Crowder Park, Dolly Cooper Park, Double Springs Park, East West Parkway
Ebenezer Walking Track, Equinox Park, Flat Rock Community Park, Friendship Community Park, Green Pond Landing & Event Center, Haynie Park, Hurricane Creek Access, Hurricane Springs Park, Jacks Landing, Kid Venture (Pulled out from the ASEC umbrella), McFalls Landing, Morningside Park, Mountain View Park (on Lake Russell), Mt. Bethel Community Park, Muldrow Park, Parker Bowie Sports Complex, Pendleton Community Club, Piedmont River Access, River Forks Recreation Area, Sandy Springs Park, Splash Pad (Pulled out from the ASEC umbrella), Starr Athletic Complex, Starr Walking Track, Susan Street Park, Thomas Crate Watt Mem. Park (aka Grove Park). Tilley Boat Ramp. Trails Disc Golf Course (Pulled out from the ASEC umbrella). Timmerman Jr. Boat Ramp. Weldon Island Recreation Area, Wellington Park, White City Boat Ramp.