Cleaning Up the Riverwalk: A Community Effort in Cayce
Located just a stone’s throw away from downtown Columbia, the charming city of Cayce is currently facing the challenging aftermath of recent flooding that has affected its beloved Riverwalk. On a recent Thursday morning, city officials took a stroll along the trails, reminiscing about the summertime joy of a sandy spot that has disappeared, buried beneath layers of mud.
A Nostalgic Sandbar No More
Once a popular resting spot for kayakers and a hangout for local college students basking in the summer sun, the sandbar that used to grace the Cayce Riverwalk has vanished. After an intense rainfall brought on by Hurricane Helene, the Congaree River surged to astonishing heights, washing away beloved landmarks.
Public Information Officer Ashley Hunter cruised along the trail in a golf cart, sharing playful anecdotes of sunny days spent at the sandbar. “It’s so strange to see it gone,” she remarked, her tone blending nostalgia with the realities of nature’s unpredictability.
Flooding Aftermath: The Cleanup Begins
As we navigated the trail, Parks Department Manager James Denny painted a vivid picture of the flood’s destruction. With the riverwater reaching an alarming 31 feet, debris and silt washed over many parts of the walkway. “We’re tackling our biggest cleanup since the 2015 ‘1,000-year flood,’” Denny noted, emphasizing the scale of the current efforts.
“When the river stayed elevated for about a week, it deposited anywhere from six inches to a foot of silt and debris all over the parkway,” he explained. The cleanup crew promptly assessed the situation, focusing on clearing fallen trees and the mud and muck that blanketed the trails.
Challenges Ahead
The restoration tasks are far from simple. Major challenges include the hefty layers of sand and mud, along with large trunks and debris deposited by the river. Particularly affected were Phases 3 and 4 of the riverwalk, which needed clearing of fallen trees that obstructed bridges and pathways.
Thanks to cooperation with their regular contractors, city officials have made strides towards reopening sections of the riverwalk. “We’re aiming to have the southern portions open by Saturday,” Denny reported optimistically. “The northern phases, including the stretch near the Blossom Street Bridge, might be ready as early as next week.”
Dealing with Electrical Hazards
However, not all hazards stem from fallen trees. They discovered multiple light poles sheared from their bases, leaving exposed wiring that requires urgent attention from electrical services. In addition, parts of the riverbank have washed away, creating uncertainty about the safety of the trail’s infrastructure.
One particular concern is a boardwalk that extends 1,800 feet along a steep bank. “While it’s stable, the angle can be a little nerve-wracking for cyclists flying through at 15 miles an hour,” Denny noted with his characteristic humor. The team competes regularly with erosion in this area, dubbing the boardwalk “1,800 feet of hell” due to the continuous maintenance it demands.
Unexpected Find: Catfish Surprise
The cleanup process is not only about mud, remnants of trees, and structural repairs; sometimes they stumble upon unexpected finds. Denny recalled a quirky incident where large catfish, measuring an impressive two and a half feet long, ended up stranded when the waters receded too quickly. “We had about ten or fifteen of those,” he chuckled as he reminisced about the surprises the river can deliver.
Community Spirit in Action
With ongoing efforts to restore the Cayce Riverwalk, community spirit shines brightly through the hurdles. As they push forward with the cleanup, the resilience of the parks staff reflects a shared commitment to keep this natural gem accessible and enjoyable for everyone. And while the cleanup continues, there’s hope that the trails will soon be bustling with life again—people breezing past on their bikes, families enjoying picnics, and kayakers stopping by for a moment of rest.
