NEIGHBORHOOD HISTORY

A Brief History of Greenview Park

By Ida W. Thompson

Greenview Park is celebrating 50 years of service to the community and city. Its history is rooted in the desires and hard work of the community to see a facility that would support its recreational and social needs while strengthening neighborhood communication and networking.

Residents recognized that a growing community needed a wholesome space that could support recreational and social activities and serve as a hub for community events. These needs were voiced continually by community leaders and began the work to establish the park that we enjoy today. Below are highlights from this journey.

September 22, 1967 - The State Newspaper  

“Recreation Commission Plans Greenview Park”

· Richland County Recreation purchased land from the R. A. Johnson Estate to construct a neighborhood park

· The park initiative was under the auspices of Richland County

· Involvement of (Senator) Commissioner Kay Patterson was integral

· Collaboration between county and state for funding fueled the initiative

· Greenview was the first park property bought by the commission

October 11, 1967 – The Columbia Record

“Greenview Project Gets Federal Funds”

· Greenview Park Acquisition Project qualified for $30,750 in federal funds

· Rural Recreation Commission of Richland County had to acquire the 26 acres at a cost of $61,500

May 31, 1969 – The Columbia Record

“County Recreation Commission Plans Full Schedule of Events”

· Events were planned for youth and adults

· A wide variety of activities were planned (tennis, swimming, basketball, pool, ping-pong, baseball, arts and crafts, soccer and volleyball)

August 9, 1969 – The Columbia Record

“Recreation Center Dedicated”

· Cost of new park totaled $380,000

· Jerry Hall (NC A&T graduate), named as park director

· Robert Bradley (SC State) named swimming instructor, pool manager

1990

· The City of Columbia took over the park after the neighborhood was annexed into the city in a series of annexation drives 

May 21, 2016 – The Columbia Record

“Ribbon cutting ceremony for new aquatic center”

· The renovated facility opened May 28, 2016 after a two-year overhaul

· The new aquatic center featured a kiddie pool, water slide and picnic area

· Upgrades totaled $3 million 

The impact of Greenview Park on this community and the city is significant. It continues to serve as a hub of activities, bringing residents and citizens from across the city together for recreational activities, educational programs, civic engagement and community growth. 

December 13, 2019