Planning for the Rocky Branch Greenway is finally underway, (thanks to Cola being selected as one of six cities nationwide to receive help with sustainable design conceptualization, under the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Greening America’s Communities program).
Once completed, the Rocky Branch Greenway will run from the Congaree River to Five Points, and be used for walking, biking + other recreational activities.
McLeod Landscape Architects + planning and design firm MKSK are helping with the strategic aspects of the greenway, while the city has been meeting with the public to get their input on other potential elements of the greenway.
The overall goal of the greenway is to transform neglected waterways + create something that connects the mill district to Cola communities. For initial development, the main focus is 8.4 acres of land at 1048 Dreyfus Road. Some of the proposed design elements for the first phase include a stream crossing, wetland overlook, a gathering place + restoration of some of the eroded banks around Rocky Branch.
The EPA’s award will only help with design elements + not fund the project. The total cost of the greenway hasn’t been set, but officials think Richland Transportation Penny Funds will likely fund part of the project.
