City Park, dog park to close Feb. 20 ahead of construction

Cemetery to remain open to the public, authorized vehicles only

(Release: Feb. 8, 2023)

Simpsonville, S.C. — With construction on improvements to City Park set to begin in March, City Park, including The Dog Spot and playgrounds, and Park Drive will be closed to the public effective Feb. 20 until project completion.

The Simpsonville Municipal Cemetery will remain open to the public but inaccessible to motorists; only authorized vehicles will have access to the inside of the cemetery. Parking in and around downtown will be available to cemetery visitors.

On the date of closure, water and power to City Park will be cut off. The public will not have access to the restrooms, basketball and tennis courts, walking trails, the dog park, playgrounds, disc golf course, shelters, community building, The Shed or City Park parking lot for the duration of construction. The recycle bins across from City Park will be relocated to the Simpsonville Public Works Department at 110 Woodside Park Drive.

To ensure the safety of motorists, pedestrians and construction workers, Park Drive will be closed off to the public without entry from East Curtis or Academy streets.

"The temporary closure of City Park is the first step in enhancing the space and improving its amenities," Simpsonville Community Relations Specialist Justin Campbell said. "The City appreciates the support of residents and visitors for all Simpsonville parks and asks the public for understanding and patience while construction takes place. The new and improved City Park will definitely be worth the wait."

Improvements to City Park include the creation of a “great lawn” for gathering, stage pavilion, fountain feature, patios and tables, new playground, two youth football fields, two tennis courts, disc golf course, dog park, historic library and a real Christmas tree for the Annual Simpsonville Tree Lighting Ceremony. An entrance from East Curtis Street will lead to a drive between the Great Lawn and rest of the park to a parking lot adjacent to the municipal cemetery. The drive, which can be closed to motorists for an event, will loop behind the new magistrate court, police department, city hall and Simpsonville Arts Center.

See the site plan design and presentation on City Park improvements at the following link: Simpsonville City Park Improvements.

Members of the public are encouraged to visit Alder, College and Heritage parks, where one can find athletic fields and courts, playgrounds, corporate and picnic shelters, paved trails, picnic benches and even a miniature steam train.

"While City Park is invaluable to the Simpsonville community, the City is proud of what our other parks offer," Campbell said. "The temporary closure of City Park is a great opportunity for residents and visitors to discover and enjoy Alder, College and Heritage parks."

The expected completion date of the City Park improvements plus the new municipal complex is fall of 2024.

Visit the following link to learn what each park offers: Simpsonville Parks & Facilities.

Park Drive will be closed to the public due to construction starting Feb. 20, 2023.