News Summary
Lexington, SC, is set to transform its old water plant site into a vibrant park, enriching the community and enhancing connectivity. This 3.5-acre project, estimated to cost around $5.5 million, aims to preserve the historic site while connecting with nearby parks. Town officials are leveraging impact fees from developers to fund this initiative, which began discussions in 2020. As Lexington’s downtown continues to grow, this park will be a vital addition, promoting community engagement and outdoor enjoyment.
Lexington Officials Look to Turn Old Water Plant into a Vibrant New Park
In the heart of Lexington, SC, exciting plans are brewing for a 3.5-acre patch of land at 503 S. Lake Drive. This site, currently home to an old water plant and a few crumbling buildings, is being eyed by town officials for a spectacular transformation into a new park. It’s part of a vision to enrich the community and boost the town’s charm.
History Meets Opportunity
The property carries a rich history, having served Lexington since the mid-1920s as a water plant until it was decommissioned in 2002. Incredible, isn’t it? The town bought the site for just $5 back in 1925, which translates to roughly $88 today. Since then, it’s seen relatively little action aside from visits from the parks department workers.
A Growing Downtown and New Potential
Over recent years, Lexington’s downtown has blossomed with new eateries, craft breweries, and even a town-funded amphitheater. Recognizing this growth, officials are determined to take advantage of the untapped potential of this aging water plant site. They’re considering a renovation that could cost around $5.5 million. These funds could come from impact fees collected from developers who aim to fund necessary infrastructure without putting additional financial burdens on the town’s current residents.
Connecting Communities through Nature
Imagine strolling through a brand-new park that not only preserves the historic building but also harmoniously connects to existing parks like Virginia Hylton Park and Gibson Pond Park. That’s the dream behind this renovation! Park department staff might even relocate to a new headquarters on-site, creating a vibrant community hub.
Funding the Future
So, how will this all be funded? The town has set aside approximately $2.1 million specifically for parks and recreation from the impact fee funds, plus another $3.8 million earmarked for upgrades to municipal facilities. Looking ahead, these funds are planned to be spent over a five-year period from 2027 to 2029.
A Vision Since 2020
Discussions about this park reimagining began back in 2020, right when the impact fee was enacted. The goal? To use these funds strategically to enhance infrastructure without raising taxes on residents.
Enhancing Connectivity
In a town where the daily average traffic on South Lake Drive hit 23,800 vehicles in 2023, creating more green spaces is critical. The planned renovation comes on the heels of the successful $9.8 million expansion of Virginia Hylton Park, which now proudly stands twice its original size.
Beyond Just a Park
This isn’t only about turning an old water plant into a park; it’s about enhancing the community’s quality of life. It’s about creating spaces where families and friends can come together, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. Additional plans for the impact fee funds also include improving parking areas at select parks and other necessary upgrades to town facilities.
Looking Forward
The proposed transformation of the old water plant into a new park is an exciting step for Lexington. It illustrates the town’s commitment to preserving its history while also embracing growth and development. As conversations continue and plans materialize, residents and visitors alike can look forward to enjoying more green spaces in this charming town.
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Additional Resources
- The Bay Net: Redevelopment of Millison Plaza
- LEX18: Record Investment in Lexington Parks
- Kentucky.com: Lexington News Article
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lexington, South Carolina
- WLTX: Virginia Hylton Park Opening
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
