With limited land available for parks in the mostly developed 5 square miles of Forest Acres, the city transformed a half-acre of condemned and flood-prone property along Gills Creek into a vibrant memorial park, fulfilling a vision the city pursued for decades. Catalyzed by the destruction experienced in the October 2015 floods, the project involved numerous steps. The city negotiated with multiple property owners, gaining development consent and land donations. It also obtained a public roadway easement, added 45 parking spaces, and expedited the replacement of a damaged bridge in partnership with the SC Department of Transportation. 

The park overlooks Gills Creek and the spillway of Forest Lake. Having repurposed underutilized land into a public greenspace while also cleaning up environmental hazards, the park features a small event space, a memorial garden for fallen Forest Acres police officers, a boardwalk and fishing dock extending over the water to maximize space, a splash pad and a walking path. The city also upgraded stormwater infrastructure as well as street curbs. Funding for Gills Creek Memorial Park came from hospitality tax funds and $3 million in American Rescue Act funds. The state allocated $1 million toward the bridge replacement, while Richland County contributed $600,000 towards more sustainable traffic flow on Forest Drive. An onsite planning event involved the community in the park’s development. 

Events at the park include a farmer’s market, the monthly concert series Picnic in the Park, Town Theatre children’s shows, the Richland Library Children’s Storytime and other uses by local businesses. 

Contact Shaun Greenwood at sgreenwood@forestacres.net or 803.917.7001.