Anderson Linley Park is ready to engage the community with a new centerpiece attraction

Linley Park neighborhood in Anderson devastated by Hurricane Helene has been painstakingly restored with additional features to dazzle visitors.

The park is in a residential community developed in the early 20th century by John W. Linley, a local educator and businessman who spearheaded the development of North Anderson. 

Historical records show it was originally designed as a planned suburban development, transforming rural land into a residential area with a park-like setting. 

Today, the charming, historic neighborhood is known for its peaceful atmosphere, walkability and family-friendly environment. 

The park itself is a central feature, recently undergoing $13.7 million renovation project to enhance its amenities and appeal.

Funding for the project was provided primarily through the city's hospitality and stormwater budgets. 

A team of consultants from Goodwyn Mills Cawood handled the design and construction phases, while EDIFICE, the construction company, led the renovation, which began on April 15, 2024. 

The project includes an updated playground with rubberized surfaces, a pavilion, updated restrooms, expanded parking , and restored Whitner Creek with a walking path. 

Additionally, a roundabout is planned to be completed by September, City of Anderson stated in a social media post. The intersection is expected to improve traffic flow, enhancing accessibility for residents and visitors.

“This project was proposed as part of the City’s 2017 Recreation Master Plan,” said Andrew Strickland, assistant city manager. “We celebrate this park upgrade now thanks to City Council's visionary leadership and their commitment to making Anderson the most desirable city in the region.”

The Recreation Master Plan was developed using demographics, population projections, and public input to ensure it meets the community's evolving needs. It serves as a strategic guide for investments in the city's recreation system.

The city of Anderson has announced a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Linley Park located at 1815 Park Drive at 10 a.m. June 27 to celebrate the opening of the new green space and the amenities it offers.

Those attending will hear from city leaders and project partners, learn more about the transformation, and enjoy time exploring the park with light refreshments provided.

"Linley Park is an asset to the city of Anderson with historic significance. Generations of families have picnicked, played, and practiced there since early in the last century," Mayor Terence Roberts said.

"Now, the city has once again invested in this beloved tract of land with modern amenities and upgrades to the natural landscape," he added. "We look forward to seeing it full of visitors enjoying the 21st-century version of Linley Park."

Families will be thrilled to discover new playground equipment designed for children of all ages. Kids can play, climb, swing and slide while parents relax. 

Additionally, visitors will appreciate the park benches and improved lighting. A shaded pavilion has been added as a gathering space for community events and family picnics. 

Crossover bridges with scenic views now link different sections of the park.

Modern restroom facilities have been added, too.

Furthermore, the restoration of 1,400 feet of Whitner Creek that flows through the park has been completed. Designers focused on natural processes to improve its ability to handle heavy rains, which historically turned the park into a lake. 

Among the restoration efforts for Whitner Creek are:

• Restoring the creek to its natural state: Removing the concrete channel and returning the stream to its natural form allows it to manage stormwater more effectively within the watershed.

• Creating flood storage: The creek restoration project includes the development of flood storage within the park.

• Reduce flood potential: By returning the creek to a more natural state, with enhanced environmental features and natural vegetation, restoration is expected to reduce flooding potential downstream. 

The intersection of Glenwood Avenue, North Avenue, Club Drive, Watson Avenue, and Blair Street will have a peanut-shaped roundabout. SCDOT is scheduled to repave over the next few months and "will release a schedule when the repaving work gets closer," the city stated in a social media post.

The Linley Park project plan shows it was designed to help address traffic challenges, ensuring smoother traffic flow and increased safety for pedestrians.