Lynches River County Park (South Carolina) is on course to receive a substantial overhaul, with a series of enhancements planned that are expected to attract new visitors and provide an enriched experience. More than $1.3 million has been committed to the project, partially funded by the CARES Act.
The focal points of the expansion are a series of equestrian trails and a new equestrian show arena. The upgrades, set to be finalized by winter, will offer park-goers new and varied recreational activities. The equestrian show arena will be erected in place of an existing baseball field that has seen low utilization.
The Director of Florence County Parks and Recreation, Nathan Dawsey, expressed his optimism about the new additions, underscoring the significance of parks and recreational spaces for communities. “We’re certainly trying to build upon an already successful department in addressing those needs,” Dawsey stated.
In addition to the equestrian facilities, a fresh campground is on the way featuring horse corrals at each site. This campground, along with an existing one, will provide water and electricity connections catering to RVers.
Construction activities are scheduled to commence in June or July. By undertaking the work in phases, park administrators aim to avoid a complete closure of the park’s amenities, ensuring minimal disruption to its estimated 160,000 annual visitors. The campground is set to be the first addition to be constructed.
While the expansions will increase the park’s appeal, they will also necessitate an expansion of the park’s staff. Currently, Lynches River County Park employs between 15 to 18 staff members, including seasonal workers.
Trail length has emerged as a pivotal point in the planning discussions. Horse riders often prefer extensive trails, sometimes up to 20 miles or more.
The recent acquisition of the Independence Farms, a 500-acre tract of land, offers a possible solution to this. This land, donated to the county by multiple conservation groups, is set to become an integral part of the park, potentially allowing for the extension of trails up to 20 or 30 miles.
Moreover, Dawsey and his team are in active discussions with riders about enhancing the trails further, considering changes in terrain to create a more engaging riding experience.
Florence County Councilman Roger Poston endorsed the development plans, noting the potential growth of the equine industry in the region.
According to a study by the University of South Carolina in 2019, the equine industry generates approximately $1.9 billion in revenue in South Carolina, a figure that underlines the significant potential for Florence to tap into.
“Horse riders are the kind of quality people you want to be around,” Poston said. “They take care of animals, they love to go out and camp and ride. And that’s what we had to offer at this park.”
These enhancements are set to boost the local economy and visitor numbers while offering novel experiences for park-goers. The Lynches River County Park expansion represents a significant step forward for Florence County, underlining the local commitment to enriching community resources.
The park features canoeing, camping, nature trails, Splash Pad, picnicking, geocaching, and a visit to the Environmental Discovery Center. Its 6,400+ square foot community building can accommodate groups of up to 400 people.
For more information, visit http://lynchesriverpark.com/.
