Columbia, South Carolina – The City of Columbia’s Parks and Recreation Department has announced a temporary closure of the northern portion of Riverfront Park to allow for critical construction work along one of the park’s most popular walking paths. The closure, which takes effect immediately, is focused on areas that include the lower trail—a roughly one-mile stretch of sidewalk running through the floodplain forest—and part of the levee trail.
The project is part of ongoing efforts to improve safety and accessibility for parkgoers. During the construction period, contractors will remove sections of damaged sidewalk along the lower trail and replace them with newly poured concrete. This work is necessary to address wear and erosion that has developed over time due to weather and flooding.
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According to the City of Columbia release on May 1, the closure will affect the parking lot and entrance for Riverfront Park North at 4122 River Drive. During this time, trail sections will be closed during the day, with the levee trail and parking lot reopening by 5:30 in the evening.
The lower trail, however, will remain entirely closed until May 21. This extended closure is needed to ensure the concrete has sufficient time to cure properly and that all related construction work can be completed safely.
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Weekend visitors will still be able to enjoy the park on select days. Riverfront Park North will be open during the weekends of May 3–4, May 10–11, and May 17–18. The city is encouraging those looking for uninterrupted outdoor time during the week to instead visit Riverfront Park South, located at 312 Laurel Street, or head to the nearby Saluda Riverwalk at 650 Candi Lane.
City officials appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as the improvements are made, emphasizing that the short-term inconvenience will lead to long-term gains in the safety and enjoyment of the park’s beloved trail system.
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Updates on the progress of the construction will be shared through the Parks and Recreation Department’s official channels.
