Today, we’re introducing a new series, Greenville: Past to the Future. We thought it would be fun to pick a familiar spot in town and dig up some not-so-familiar facts!
Falls Park on the Reedy
Greenville has not always been the “cultural and entertainment center for the upstate.” I was born in Greenville and have witnessed an unbelievable metamorphosis in my short lifetime. Greenville has become a popular destination, attracting travelers from all over the country. It’s fun to coast down Main and check out license plates on the cars. A friend pointed out that people don’t actually drive here from California and Oregon. Most cars with faraway tags are probably rented. Maybe so – but that means people travel to Greenville from distances too far to drive!
One of Greenville’s most popular attractions is Falls Park. The centerpiece of the park, and the highlight of downtown, is the water fall. The Reedy River, a tributary of the Saluda, has always run twenty-two miles from Lake Conestee to Travelers Rest. For years, the falls were out of sight under the Camperdown Bridge. When Greenville was the Textile Center of the World, factories sat along the Reedy River. A part of thriving mill communities, the factories polluted the river with chemicals and dyes. With the decline of the mill era, that part of town was soon neglected and forgotten.
The Carolina Foothills Garden Club comes to the rescue in 1967. They claimed land once used by the textile mills. Massive clean up efforts began. In the late 1990s, Mayor Knox White joined the Garden Club in their efforts to revitalize the area along the Reedy River. He was finally able to convince the City to invest thirteen million dollars toward the project. With help from the City of Greenville, Furman University and other organizations, the effort to clean and beautify the area progressed.
The Camperdown Bridge was demolished in 2002, and the falls could be seen again. The Liberty Bridge, a 345 foot pedestrian suspension bridge, was built in 2004. Supported by cables on one side, it curves around the cascading falls. From the bridge and surrounding gardens, visitors can watch as 7,400 gallons of water pour over rocks at 100 ft./second. The bridge was named after Liberty Corporation, founder W. Frank Hipp & family. Similar structures can be found in Europe, but there’s nothing like it in the United States. Architect Miguel Rosales calls it “one of the best pedestrian bridges worldwide.” Over 1300 people can safely fit on the bridge at one time!
Perfect picnic spots abound throughout the park. Swings are set along the banks of the river and walking paths wind through gardens and wooded areas. On sunny days, children can be seen rolling down the lush, green hill and staggering up to do it again. The nearby Bowater Amphitheater features a grassy stage for performers of all ages. The large stage at the bottom of the hill, adjacent to the river, is the setting for numerous events throughout the year. The 28th Annual Upstate Shakespeare Festival comes to Falls Park from May 23 until June 16.
Follow the path under Main Street to walk through the Wyche Pavilion. A popular wedding venue, it was once the Markley Carriage Factory Paint Shop. Remains of the mill villages can be seen through the park. The Peace Center summer concerts are held at the Pavilion, an outdoor stage just below the Peace Center along the river. Many events sponsored by the City of Greenville are held on this stage.
There’s free fun for the whole family in Falls Park. If you’re not opposed to spending a little money, everything from ice cream or cookies to fabulous full course meals can be found near the park.
Parking on the street is free and there are several city garages adjacent to Falls Park with (very) low rates. After visits to nearby cities, my appreciation of Greenville parking has grown tremendously.
Any day the weather cooperates – go downtown and enjoy!