Splashy new amenities will add to fun at Lakeside, Northside parks - Dan Rodgerson

Splashy new amenities will add to fun at Lakeside, Northside parks

By Angelia Davis

STAFF_WRITER

adavis@greenvillenews.com

Large water slides and brightly colored umbrellas will debut this summer at Lakeside and Northside parks' outdoor pools run by the Greenville County Recreation District.

"We simply believe that the residents of Greenville want and expect nicer parks," district Executive Director Dan Rodgerson said. The district is the largest provider of public leisure opportunities in the Greater Greenville area.

Many of the district's 43 diverse parks are in dire need of repair, Rodgerson said.

"We're trying to do everything we can to run more efficiently so we can make these improvements in our parks. We're doing it without an increase in tax dollars."

Each of the district's four swimming pool parks are being refreshed.

J.J. Arrowood, vice chairman of the Greenville County Recreation Commission, said the group hopes that the improvements will prompt more people to use the parks and make their trips more fun.

The additions at Northside and Lakeside are part of the recreation district's annual capital budget, according to Robin Poole, the recreation district's marketing manager.

Northside Park, at 101 W. Darby Road in Travelers Rest, and Lakeside Park, at 802 Piedmont Highway, Piedmont, will get three six-feet water slides and several large colorful umbrellas to provide shade.

The Northside pool also has a new water filtration system, and the pool's deck will get a facelift.

The Lakeside Park's concession and restroom areas also will be renovated. That is expected to help the district attract more major tournaments and businesses to the park.

Westside Aquatic Center at 2700 W. Blue Ridge Drive is getting new fencing and signs to complete the installation of its new playground.

Westside's swimming pool will get a new filter to help keep the water clean and clear in a more efficient manner, Poole said.

The recreation district expects to transform Southside Park in Simponville into a $2.3 million water park.

The upgrade of Southside Park into the Discovery Island Family Aquatic Center is courtesy of $6 million in capital improvements funded from a number of different sources, including a general obligation bond, corporate donations and self-generated revenues, according to Poole.

Of the district's swimming pool parks, the one at Southside was in the roughest shape and needed the most repair. That is a reason why recreation district leaders decided to replace that pool with a water park.

"A lot of people have swimming pools, but there is not a water park close by -- so it's something new that hopefully can attract a lot of people," Arrowood said.

Upgrades aren't the only new features planned for the district's parks and facilities. The district expects to hold more special events at its satellite locations as well. An example is a Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt set for April 2 at Gateway Park in Travelers Rest.

"In the past, we've really focused a lot of our efforts on the core of Greenville, kind of in the city center. I think we need to continue to remind ourselves that we service the entire county," Rodgerson said.

"So we're going to make a concentrated effort to bring recreation out to the far corners of the community as opposed to expecting them to come in."

Graphic: Staff

Summer fun

Two Greenville County parks will feature water slides this summer.

1. Northside Park, Darby Road

2. Lakeside Park, State 20

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