A quest for trails in Simpsonville

'It is a proven economic booster'

Simpsonville, S.C. — The City of Simpsonville received on Tuesday a $10,000 check from Greenville County Councilman Dan Tripp for a trail project in Simpsonville.

Councilman Dan Tripp presented the check from his discretionary fund for his district to Mayor Janice Curtis at the City Council Business Meeting. 

"I just wanted to drop by ... and give you a check for $10,000 to aid you in your quest for trails in Simpsonville," Councilman Tripp said.

Simpsonville City Council approved on Tuesday infrastructure work for South Main Street that allows for an approximately one mile shared-use path from the intersection of South Main and Trade streets to Fairview Road. The project includes stormwater work and resurfacing of South Main Street.

Simpsonville City Administrator Dianna Gracely said the new section of trail will be the first section of the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Simpsonville. 

"It's part of what Greenville County Recreation is considering the spine of the Swamp Rabbit Trail, so when the Swamp Rabbit Trail does come through Mauldin to Simpsonville, it will follow this same path," Ms. Gracely said.

Mayor Curtis noted that economic development has "exploded" in the City of Travelers Rest and West Greenville due to the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

"It is a proven economic booster, and we need this in our community," Mayor Curtis said. "This will be the first step of many in getting all three cities in the Golden Strip connected."

The cities of Fountain Inn, Mauldin and Simpsonville are working together to make sure all three communities benefit from the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Simpsonville Councilwoman Jenn Hulehan said the new section of trail is part of a long-term plan.

"We're not just dumping a mile of trail and leaving it there," Councilwoman Hulehan said.

Ms. Gracely said another section of trail linking the South Main Street trail to Heritage Park will be the next step.

"That one is more in the infancy planning stages," Ms. Gracely said.