The county is busy updating and upgrading recreation activities going into Spring, according to Administrator Rusty Burns.

Dolly Cooper Park recently opened a new playground, is planning pickleball courts, and getting ready for the annual Rhythm on the River event, which is expected to attract 15,000 visitors.

Pelzer is growing, with 125 new houses planned for the town, the largest home construction project in more than a century.

April 15-19 brings the International Network of Michelin Cities, a group that encourages collaboration between cities with Michelin connections around the world to lead the transition to sustainable development. More here.

The town is also working to help visitors find the expanded parking areas adjacent to downtown, with better signage and more education on the location of available parking.

Honea Path is getting closer on plans for the old Chiquola Mill site. The site could prove transformative for the town, which is already experiencing growth moving into Spring.

Flowers are in full color on the town square in Iva, where Spring is also a witness to blooming economic growth downtown and in areas surrounding the town.

Mayor Rockey Burgess outlined the town’s progress in this Spring 2024 update for the Anderson Observer.

Mayor Will Ragland said aging system was expensive to run, and costly to citizens of Pelzer before selling to the Greenville Water System this year. Ragland also said the move had saved Pelzer residents 30 percent on water, as well as removing the burden on the town ro repair and maintain the near-century old water lines.

The City of Belton witnessed steady growth across the board in 2023, according to Mayor Eleanor Dorn.

A $9 million infrastructure grant, new housing starts, expanding recreation programs and events marked the year for the city.

A grant to renovate the empty building on the town square for a new museum, and work on moving the Anderson County Library to the square was also started this year. 

The City of Anderson continued the trend of rapid growth in 2023. Housing both downtown and throughout the city limits, new businesses, successful events, and expanded recreation opportunities reflected the growth.

“We are very proud of the work that Powdersville High School has done to increase the participation rate of students taking AP courses and the dedication of the teachers and students to be successful in these most rigorous courses,” said Anderson School District One Superintendent Robbie Binnicker.

The six months have brought significant movement in new housing in the city and surrounding area, new businesses downtown, successful events and recreation programs and $9.5 million in sewer infrastructure funding. Dorn, who is running unopposed for mayor again in November talked about progress in Belton in this interview with the Anderson Observer.

Cleanup and the development of the old Pendleton Oil Mill is under way, with the property scheduled to be cleanup by summer of 2024. The Cheney Mill planned community is finishing environmental studies and construction should begin soon. The revitalization of the west side of downtown along West Queen street, with extended sidewalks and new lighting is under way. New parking for downtown will also soon be in place.

Iva is working to manage the growth that adds to progress already in place in the town. A new library downtown is in the works along with a new gym, new businesses are opening on the town square and parks are recreation programs are continuing to expand.

New housing construction, and the demand for new housing continues a steady upward trend, as the town adds improvements to Mineral Springs Park and other area recreational areas while preparing for fall and holiday activities.

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The Town of Honea Path has added new businesses, new housing and expanded recreational activities in recent months, and is now looking to the future.

A series of grants are expected to bring major improvements to the town in the not-to-distant future. Mayor Christopher Burton discusses the progress in Honea Path in this interview with the Anderson Observer,.

A new water system, improved lighting, road work, park improvements and new business licenses highlight Pelzer Mayor Will Ragland’s recent town update with the Anderson Observer.

All stops lead to the Belton Area Museum beginning Sept. 10 from 3-5 p.m. for the latest exhibit: “On the Road: The History of Transportation.” Admission is free, and the public is invited.