31-01-2025
New projects aim to improve walkability in Fountain Inn
FOUNTAIN INN, S.C. (WSPA) — The City of Fountain Inn recently completed two projects aimed at making the city more walkable.
After years of planning and construction, the city recently debuted the newly renovated Woodside Connector.
'The connector project connects two of our parks — one of our largest parks with one of our neighborhood parks,' Mayor GP McLeer said. 'It goes over a creek. It's really reflective and quiet. It's a great place to take your bike, dog or your family on a walk.'
The trail connects Fairview Park to the Emmanuel Sullivan Sports Complex. McLeer said the new trail is wider and safer than the trail previously in its place.
'The original trail really was not used much,' McLeer said. 'It was really deteriorating. It was narrow. You could barely fit a stroller through it. Now, it's about eight feet wide. It includes a really safe pedestrian bridge over the creek and is much easier to navigate.'
The city also invested in the Woodside Streetscape project, which added sidewalks, streetlights and landscaping along Woodside Avenue. The new additions create an illuminated path for those walking between downtown Fountain Inn and Emmanuel Sullivan Sports Complex.
'It's also helping to connect our vibrant downtown with some vibrant parks at a time when our downtown is also seeing a lot of growth,' McLeer said.
Both projects were funded by Transportation Alternative Program grants.
'We were able to secure almost $1 million in grants,' McLeer said. 'The city put up about 20 percent of the total cost as well. We saved our taxpayers nearly $1 million by seeking these grants.'
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