Cayce’s Riverwalk Faces Cleanup Challenges After Recent Flooding
In the vibrant city of Cayce, just across the river from downtown Columbia, city officials are tackling a significant cleanup operation at the beloved Riverwalk following a bout of intense flooding. The recent jumping levels of the Congaree River, resulting from Hurricane Helene, have left behind some ugly reminders on the paths where families and nature lovers roam.
The Sudden Flooding Impact
In the aftermath of the fierce storms, many residents who would normally stroll along this scenic trail are understandably disappointed to find that a familiar sandbar, once a popular stop for kayakers and college students sunbathing, has vanished. Instead, the river overflowed its banks, smashing onto the walkway and depositing a large amount of sand and mud — in some areas, up to three feet deep. While riding their golf cart along the trail, Public Information Officer Ashley Hunter and Parks Department Manager James Denny reminisced about the good times spent at that sandbar, noting how it provided joy for many during the hot summer days.
“It’s hard to believe it’s gone now,” Hunter remarked, as they navigated through the newly altered landscape. Denny explained that the Congaree’s water level soared to a staggering 31 feet, forcing the river to unleash its bounty of mud and debris onto the park. “We’re dealing with what you see now — we have to remove all the excess sand and muck here in the park,” he added.
An Extensive Cleanup Effort
This cleanup isn’t just about picking up stray branches or moving sand. After a storm of this magnitude, the parks staff must address a host of damages. Currently, tree limbs litter the paths, blocking access for walkers and cyclists. In particular, the southern portions of Riverwalk and the adjoining Timmerman Trail loop suffered grievously, with fallen trees obstructing bridges and other sections of the trail.
City officials have been busy assessing the damage and coordinating with contractors who routinely assist with such issues. Fortunately, the plan is to reopen parts of the riverwalk by this Saturday. There’s increased hope for the sections nearer the Blossom Street Bridge to be accessible next week, ensuring locals can once again enjoy the beautiful waterfront views.
Roadblocks Amid Cleanup
The process, however, isn’t without its challenges. Many light poles were uprooted, exposing dangerous electrical wiring that necessitates immediate attention from Dominion Energy. Denny noted that portions of the riverbank have eroded and fallen away as well. There’s concern that the trail’s long boardwalk — an 1,800-foot stretch along a steep bank — might be slanted enough to pose a risk for cyclists, speeding along at 15 miles per hour. “That could send them careening right into the rail!” Denny warned, emphasizing the importance of addressing these safety concerns.
Yet, despite the overwhelming task lying ahead, Denny took the time to add a bit of humor to the situation, referring to the boardwalk as “1,800 feet of hell.” The maintenance for this section of the trail has always required monitoring for erosion, but with the recent storms, the urgency is magnified. “Thank goodness we were able to shore up the pylons before this flood hit,” he sighed, relieved at the earlier repairs that helped prevent further damage.
A Messy Reality
One of the biggest obstacles remains a thick layer of river mud that now coats parts of the trail. Unlike sand, mud is difficult to manage and can weigh heavily on cleanup crews. Denny warned that stepping off the trail into this mud can result in lost shoes — a grim reminder of nature’s power. Even as they work, every rain shower during the cleanup delays progress, adding another layer of complication to this already tough task.
Unexpected Finds
Amid all the chaos, Denny humorously recalled an unusual discovery from a previous flood. “One year, we pulled up around 10 to 15 catfish, each around two and a half feet long! They got stuck when the water went up and came down quickly,” he chuckled as they passed a low area near the trail.
The cleanup effort at Cayce’s Riverwalk is an ongoing story of resilience and determination, showcasing the dedication of parks staff as they restore a cherished community space. As officials work diligently to return everything back to normal, locals can look forward to the reopening of their beloved trail, where countless memories have been made.
