Crowds flock to West Columbia parks and the Congaree River as spring ensues

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By Terry Ward

West Columbia parks are being inundated with visitors as the weather gets warm. From runners and children to parents and fishermen, the parks are alive with activity.

“We are seeing more traffic at the city parks as the weather gets warmer,” said Jamie Hook, City of West Columbia Public Works Director. He was at Riverwalk Park, Wednesday, conducting maintenance checks for the many visitors. 

Yvette Bailey lived in Connecticut until 2020. Then she retired and moved back South, close to her daughter.

“This is my favorite spot,” Bailey said as she sat on a bench in West Columbia’s Riverwalk Park. She said she has been getting out more in the last two weeks because it’s been warmer.

“I love the sound of the river,” Bailey said, “and it’s very, very peaceful here.” She said she loves seeing kids on Riverwalk and she can exercise when she needs to walk. She also sits and crochets for hours some days. 

Bryce Schmoyer lives in Irmo. He said he’s been coming to Riverwalk Park for the last five years to fish in the Congaree River. “The riverbank access is the best,” Schmoyer said. He also said the fishing has been great this spring. 

Michael Dee lives in Charlotte and works in Lexington. He also comes to fish in the Congaree. “It’s a great place to fish, Dee said. “You can walk all the way across the river.” 

On the other side of Alexander Road, Hallie Nash, and her mother, Jane Nash, were visiting Carraway Park at the Riverwalk, 212 Hudson Street, with Hallie’s two children.  

“We come once or twice a week,” Hallie said. “We love it because it’s enclosed and the bathrooms are near-by. There is also a picnic area and new equipment.” She said her kids have made friends that they see on a regular basis at the park. Jane and Hallie Nash

Brittany Holloman was also at Carraway Park. She said she and her three kids come three or four times a week.

“The bathrooms at this park are convenient and so are the water fountains,” Brittany said.  “And there is always a good crowd, especially when it’s warm.”

Ray Chamberlain lives in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He has been in Columbia visiting a friend who lives on Lake Murray. 

“This is beautiful,” he said, referring to Riverwalk Park. “And the weather is perfect. I’ll definitely come back.”

West Columbia Parks:

  • B Avenue Ball Park – 815 B Avenue (Baseball, Football, Batting Cages, Press Box, Restrooms)
  • Carraway Park at the Riverwalk – A Place for All Children to Play Together – 212 Hudson Street (Restrooms, Covered Picnic Tables (First Come, First Serve), All-Inclusive Playground)
  • Douglas Reeves Community Park – 761 Augusta Street (Tennis, Playground, Restrooms, Bicycle Repair Station, FREE Public Wi-Fi)
  • Rosamunda Percell-Butler Community Park – 1100 Raleigh Street (Basketball, Playground, Picnic Shelter, FREE Public Wi-Fi)
  • Fowler Community Park – 1800 C Avenue (Playground, Picnic Shelter)
  • Howard Sports Complex – Behind Northside Middle School
  • Interactive Art Park – 425 Meeting Street (Interactive Art Sculptures, FREE Public Wi-Fi, Parking, Electric Car Charging Stations)
  • Moffatt Street Entrance to the Riverwalk – 100 Riverside Drive, West Columbia (Bicycle Repair Station, FREE Public Wi-Fi)
  • West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater – 109 Alexander Road, (Bicycle Repair Station, Restrooms)