Irmo–Chapin director presents two‑phase Lower Saluda Greenway plan aiming for river connectivity

Mark Myers, executive director of the Irmo‑Chapin Recreation Commission, told the School District Five Board of Trustees on Feb. 10 that the Lower Saluda Greenway is a multi‑phase, regional trail project now moving from study into design and permitting.

Myers said phase 1 design is complete, the district is wrapping up Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) permitting, and a contractor is under contract to begin work once regulatory clearance is received. He said the construction contract period for phase 1 is currently 15 months.

Why it matters: the greenway would link the lake at the dam to Saluda Shoals Park and, ultimately, to a wider river corridor. The project is promoted as a quality‑of‑life and economic amenity that could provide nonmotorized access to the river, recreational opportunities for residents and students, and regional connectivity when later phases and partner projects are finished.

Myers said the district‑level portion of the trail will be about 8 miles; when connected community‑wide it is expected to be roughly 27 miles. He described two immediate project segments (phases 1 and 2) that together connect the dam area to the Gardendale boat ramp; a funded phase 3 is…