By Stan Welch
A cooperative effort between elected officials, state and county staff and private citizens resulted in the recent opening of expanded bathroom facilities at the heavily used Hurricane Springs Park recreational facility.
Anderson County Councilman Ken Waters, who represents District Six, said that the expansion had been in the works for some time, but the cooperation of the various parties made it possible. “We finally decided we needed to get this done in time to be used in the upcoming season. This has been a public / private partnership from day one,” said Councilman Ken Waters.
“Wren Youth Association, School District One, Anderson County, the Legislative Delegation, and SCPRT (SC Parks, Recreation & Tourism) all came together to make this possible. “This expansion will better accommodate recreation programming in the Wren community and allow us to continually offer enhanced opportunities for healthy, outdoor recreation to the residents of District 6,” Waters said.
Waters recalled his days as a coach of various teams who practiced and played at the park. “I can remember a number of times when I personally wished the facilities were larger and could accommodate more people more quickly. I’m really very pleased to see this project finished and want to express my appreciation to everyone who helped get it done. It just shows what we are capable of when we look for ways to work together.”
“Many local professionals and businesses also donated their time and resources to assist in the 2-phase construction project and minimize costs,” said Anderson County Parks Manager Matt Schell. “We are especially grateful to David Hardy, AIA, with O’Neal Inc. for providing Architectural Plans and construction administration, Tripp Merritt with Willow Tree Landscaping for countless site improvements, and Councilman Ken Waters for his commitment to recreation in District Six.”
The new 8-fixture restroom facility and septic system was contracted to Seamon, Whiteside & Associates and constructed by J. Davis Construction.
Future improvements are being discussed to tie the central location of the bathroom facility with existing recreation programs at HSP and further improve the complex as a whole.
