For Immediate Release: August 8, 2009
CONTACT: Casey Fields
803.933.1256 (w) or 803.800.7225 (c) or cfields@masc.sc
Municipal Association of South Carolina honors Conway with Achievement Award
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The City of Conway received a Municipal Achievement Award for its riverfront redevelopment project during the Municipal Association of South Carolina’s 69th Annual Meeting on August 8. The City won in the 10,001 – 20,000 population category. Thirty-eight cities and towns submitted their projects and initiatives.
The City of Conway boasts a quaint and historic downtown that epitomizes the city’s commitment to preservation and beautification. Planners eyed the abandoned Waccamaw Riverfront, once the center of commerce for the city. They envisioned it alive and bustling again - a scenic hub that could provide outdoor space for a variety of activities.
By 1989, the Waccamaw Riverfront District Plan emerged, outlining a three-stage process. City officials brought local residents into the process during numerous public workshops and committee meetings. During these meetings, consultants, planners, environmentalists, architects and city staff discussed the project and asked residents to share their concerns and opinions. Community members served on a steering committee that provided the city with additional input. Local business leaders also took part in the process, and met often with city officials.
Phase one brought a Riverwalk, new sidewalks and streetlights to the district. During phase two, the city extended the Riverwalk and added a riverfront park with a stage area and marina store. Phase three, completed in 2009, provided landscaping and additional facilities. State grants, bonds and funds paid for these developments. While the planning and implementing the project took years, local response to the Riverwalk was immediate.
The residents are not the only beneficiaries. The park spurred new business initiatives and promoted tourism in the area, which in turn generates more revenue for the city. Using that revenue, the city dedicates employees for the riverfront’s upkeep.
“Local leaders in the City of Conway identified a need and, together with community members and business owners took action. The Riverwalk project strengthens the city’s commitment to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors,” said Miriam Hair, executive director for the Municipal Association.
These winning entries represent innovative projects undertaken by Municipal Association-member cities and towns. More information and a video about the project will be posted.
The Municipal Association of South Carolina initiated the Achievement Awards in 1987 to recognize and encourage innovations and excellence in local government.
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The Municipal Association of South Carolina is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit Association of incorporated cities and towns dedicated to raising the standards of municipal government through a broad range of services.