March 12, 2025

Riverfront Park to Close for Canal Recovery Project

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News Summary

The Columbia Parks and Recreation Department has announced major closures at Riverfront Park due to the upcoming canal recovery project aimed at repairing flood damage from 2015. Access will be restricted from March 17 to May 5, particularly at Riverfront Park North and South. The project will involve the replacement of aging headgates, crucial for the city’s water supply, and is expected to cost around $120 million. Although closures may inconvenience visitors, alternative access points like the Saluda Riverwalk will be promoted during the construction phase.

Riverfront Park Set for Major Closures Amid Canal Recovery Efforts

The Columbia Parks and Recreation Department has announced significant closures at Riverfront Park as pre-construction activities kick off for the much-anticipated canal recovery project. This initiative aims at repairing extensive damage inflicted during the catastrophic flooding that hit the area back in 2015. From March 17 to May 5, visitors will face restricted access, especially at Riverfront Park North (4122 River Drive) and Riverfront Park South (312 Laurel Street).

Phased Closure Plan for Park Areas

In a phased approach, the northern parking lot at Riverfront Park will be off-limits while crews implement ramp reconstruction at the canal headgates. The park’s southern entry point will remain the only accessible route, urging visitors to plan accordingly. With limited water flow currently facilitated by the old headgates, city officials stress the urgency of replacing these aging structures, which have suffered severe damage due to previous flooding.

Major Investment in Water Supply Infrastructure

This project is not just about restoring the park; it is a crucial investment in Columbia’s future water supply. Columbia Water is set to construct a state-of-the-art water intake in the Broad River, anticipated to deliver up to 80 million gallons of water per day. The total estimated cost for this comprehensive canal reconstruction project is around $120 million, with the majority of funds expected to come from federal sources.

The Cost of Resilience

The first phase of this monumental project is primarily focused on fortifying system redundancy and resilience. The replacement of the headgates alone is projected to cost approximately $12 million. City officials are preparing for the long haul, expecting full completion of the canal reconstruction by December 2027. With park access likely being further impeded by ongoing disruptions, community members are being urged to stay informed and patient.

Alternative Access Points and New Attractions

While the closures may inconvenience many outdoor enthusiasts, there is a silver lining. For those still looking to enjoy nature, the Saluda Riverwalk, located at 650 Candi Lane, is being promoted as an alternative destination. This scenic path offers an escape despite the upheaval at Riverfront Park.

Heavy Construction on the Horizon

Vegetation removal has begun in earnest as part of the preliminary work for the future projects aimed at restoring the canal’s hydroelectric capabilities and boosting its stability and water access. Visitors should be prepared for heavy construction activity, especially in the embankment regions, which may lead to further restrictions and periodic public access limits.

Ongoing Communication with the Community

Columbia Water is currently soliciting bids from contractors for the various construction tasks ahead, but timelines remain uncertain. As the project unfolds, city officials are committed to maintaining open lines of communication with the community, keeping them updated on further closures and access limitations. As the ongoing canal recovery efforts continue to evolve, residents and visitors alike are encouraged to cooperate with these necessary changes for the sake of a more resilient Columbia.