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City updates Vista Greenway, Penny projects and Columbia Riverwalk plans; seeks grant leverage
Summary
Engineering staff briefed the committee on progress and cost estimates for Vista Greenway phases, Penny-funded greenway projects, and River Alliance riverfront connections, and identified state and federal trail grants as leverage opportunities.
Dana Higgins, director of engineering, and planning and landscape staff updated the committee on several greenway and trail projects including Vista Greenway Phase 3 (Elmwood to North Main), future Phase 4 to Page Ellington Park, and Penny‑funded Gills Creek, Crane Creek and Rocky Branch greenways.
Higgins said the Vista segment from Park to North Main is about 95% plan complete with right of way secured at a $3,000,000 cost estimate; the Elmwood‑to‑Park section is more complicated because right of way and topography remain challenges for the roughly 1.26‑mile segment. A notional Vista Phase 4 from North Main to Page Ellington Park is estimated at $4,000,000 for about 1.6 miles.
Higgins outlined three county Penny projects in design: Gills Creek Greenway (about 44,100 linear feet, $6,000,000), Crane Creek (about $3,000,000; engineers expect construction to be complete by next spring), and Rocky Branch (70% design, $3,000,000). She said the River Alliance is advancing a Boyd Island–riverfront park connection with funding from the Boyd Foundation and Penny funds; combined construction for those pieces is expected by summer 2027.
Higgins said the city is pursuing other connectivity (Saluda Riverwalk extension, Carolina Crossroads coordination) and potential future projects such as William Street phase 1 to connect Granby Park north to Gervais Street. She listed potential funding sources to leverage local matching dollars, including the Recreational Trails Program (federal), Parks and Recreation Development Fund (PARD), Land and Water Conservation Fund and CDBG.
The committee asked about right‑of‑way and permitting; staff said they are working with DOT and county partners to resolve crossings and easement issues. Higgins said the city and partners will continue to advance design and pursue grant funding to reduce the local share of costs.
