The City of Florence has begun expansion work on the City’s Rail Trail System, Veterans’ Memorial Park and the SWIM Project– all within the last month.

The City of Florence Public Works and Utilities Department is working to expand the City’s parks system. Drew Griffin, Director of the City of Florence Public Works and Utilities Department reports, that, within the last month, workers have begun improvements to the City’s Rail Trail, the Veterans’ Memorial Park and the SWIM Project nature park area. “We’ve been planning these projects for a good while,” says Griffin.

The Stormwater Improvements Management project (SWIM), perhaps the most ambitious of the three projects, is a reclamation effort that encompasses significant wetlands adjacent to Pye Branch in the East Florence area. “We’re basically reconstructing a wetland area that was misused during the 30’s and 40’s,” says Drew Griffin. “When we’re done, the wetlands re-creation, stream restoration and re-establishment of native vegetation in the project area will improve the quality of stormwater entering Jeffries Creek from this urban watershed. We’ll not only improve the quality of stormwater runoff, but create a nature park as well, compete with trails and interactive kiosks to educate people on the importance of good land and water management practices.

The City of Florence Trail system, an urban bike and pedestrian path, currently consists of approximately 2 miles of hard natural trails, an asphalt trail and a series of board walks. Construction has recently begun on 4 connectors that will tie into the current “Rail Trail”, creating an additional 5 miles for the trail system. The expansion will include asphalt and natural trails as well as several long boardwalks, one of which is currently under construction over Beaverdam Creek along Woody Jones Boulevard. When finished, the trails will connect with both city and county parks. Construction is also slated to begin for Veteran’s Memorial Park, located near the Florence Civic Center. “Within the next two weeks, residents will be able to see machinery doing site work at the park,” reports Griffin.

Approximate costs for programs: Veterans’ Memorial Park - $2 million, Rail Trail - $750,000 and SWIM project - $400,000. Funding sources for these projects include grants from the South Carolina Department of Transportation, City of Florence Hospitality Funds, matching funds from the City of Florence general fund, and in-kind labor and equipment.

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