Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Sesqui State Park’s New Lake Trail

You may recall that a few days ago I wrote a short piece on the new hiking/walking trail around the lake at Sesquicentennial State Park. If you missed it, click here.

Well, last Saturday the Park Service had the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new trail. Everyone was there! From State Park Director, Phil Gaines, on down.

I’d arrived at the Park around 8:00 AM Saturday morning, intending only to sit in the truck, enjoying that beautiful view of the picnic area and lake, while working away on the second draft of my South Carolina RV travel mystery. The Park already was busier than usual. Probably because it was a Saturday morning. Quite a few visitors. Some with their dogs walking along the trail.

The staff too was busy with final manicure of the facilities in anticipation of the ribbon cutting event. That’s Maintenance Supervisor Rusty’s truck you see parked beside the restrooms. After years of experience and dedication, Rusty can spot a gum wrapper on the ground at 500 yards.

Folks began congregating back toward the Lake’s outlet waiting for the ceremony.

A ribbon had been stretched across the entrance to the bridge, right beside a HUGE sign advertising the State tax S.C. State Parks check-off. This, by the way, is something everyone who pays South Carolina State taxes can do to help the Parks painlessly. You’ll learn how the money is used in a few minutes.

Three ladies from Palmetto Health had set up an information table on the other side of the bridge. Their walking program is first rate. Read about it here.

Before long, quite a crowd had gathered. That’s Richland County Conservation Commission Chair, Carol Kososki, you see above. The Commission helped with the funding of the new trail. In addition to other projects in the Park. Such as the mid-18th century cabin over by the Dog Park.

Park Manager Daniel Gambrell called us all together and got things underway with opening comments. Click the button to hear what he had to say. Sorry about the noise in the background. That’s the waterfall just to the right of the bridge. Somehow, I couldn’t edit it out.

 

 

 

Next up was South Carolina’s State Park Director, Phil Gaines. You can imagine how busy he is, with 47 separate facilities spread across the State. He visits them all! But he seemed to take a special interest in this new trail. Have a listen to his comments.

 

 

 

Director Gaines then introduced long-serving Richland County Councilman, Jim Manning. He too has taken a special interest in Sesqui, and in the creation of this trail.

Wouldn’t you know it! Just as Councilman Manning began to speak the battery in my camera gave up the ghost. Here he is before the ceremony talking with Director Gaines. Fortunately, the voice recorder was more cooperative. Click the button below to hear Mr. Manning’s comments.

 

 

 

Before I could get the camera battery replaced, Richland County Conservation Commission Chair, Carol Kososki, had begun to speak. Her comments are available below, again, with a click of the “Click to Listen” button.

 

 

Ms. Lori Lapin then spoke on behalf of Friends of Sesqui. In addition to her work with Sesqui Friends, Ms. Lapin sponsors “Lori’s Adventure Days” at Sesqui, and often runs the Park’s trails. She really knows what she’s talking about. Listen to her comments below.

 

 

By the time I’d been able to replace my camera battery they were ready to cut the ribbon. Sesqui’s Lake Trail was official open. I’d walked it before, but couldn’t resist the opportunity to go around again with Park Director Gaines and Park System Videographer, Laura Mueller. You’ve probably seen some of her remarkable videos on the State Park Systems web pages. A real pro.

So there you have it. Sesqui’s new trail is open officially. After the ceremony, I caught up with Parks Director Phil Gaines, Regional Manager Paul McCormack, and Sesqui Park Manager Daniel Gambrell. No wonder they were smiling! Be sure to come out and walk this new trail!

Finally, here’s a short slide show of the event.

Sesqui State Park’s New Lake Trail on a Foggy Morning

South Carolina’s Sesquicentennial State Park here in Columbia recently made major improvements to the two-mile or so trail around the lake. Some of the trail, near the office and picnic area, is paved as you see above.

Most of the trail, however, looks more like this. For me, this is a more comfortable walking surface.

Yesterday morning it was unusually foggy here in the Midlands of South Carolina. An ideal time to tramp around in the woods.

Here are a few photos from that foggy morning walk presented in a short video. Enjoy.

Return to Chester State Park, South Carolina

I know; I know. Been here several times before. But this really is one of South Carolina’s nicest State Parks. What a change during the last couple of years! Note the tow vehicle on site # 4 above. Had to trade in my beloved elderly Town Car for a Toyota Tundra truck. Quite a change, but it was time. [click photos for larger view]

The display you see in the photo above is just one example of the work being done here. It’s the original Chester State Park sign made by the CCC crew who created the Park. Park Manager John Wells and assistant Brandon Bowers happened across it while cleaning out a storage shed. I first saw it a few months ago as a “project in progress.” Now this historic sign hangs on the wall of the Park office building. Another “Low Buck; High Bang” project that only cost some thought and elbow grease, as we used to say OverHome.

Chester State Park also has a new brochure. Or new since I was last here, anyway. One of the shiny four-panel kind with the maps and locations of nearby useful services. Everything from groceries to fish bait! Be sure to pick up a copy in the office next time you visit.

 

This sight greeted me one evening as I walked along the lakeside trail. Two folks fishing from the boat house pier.

And scenery like this isn’t unusual at Chester. Here’s another snapshot I took during a walk along the lakeside trail earlier the same day. These trails are an ElderHiker’s delight.

Lots more going on here at Chester State Park. Here’s another of John’s and Brandon’s in-house building projects. (This one will become a dumpster screen). But none of it detracts from the sense of peace and natural beauty available here just for the price of admission. So, be sure to stop in and stay a few days next time your travels take north or south on I-77. It’s just a few minutes away.

Picnic Table Innovation at Cheraw State Park

Here for a few days again at Cheraw State Park. Still one of the nicest Parks in the State system. Hoping to dip a paddle in Juniper Lake later on today.

But meantime, here’s an interesting innovation. Well, new to me, anyway. Octagonal picnic tables. Just one of the “High Bang; Low Buck” projects carried out here since my last visit. These folks don’t let state-wide budget tightening get them down.

Table Rock State Park

Table Rock is another of those South Carolina mountain state parks that amaze first-time visitors. Especially those from afar [that’s the polite way to say “… from off … “] whose image of South Carolina combines the I-95 interstate corridor with the Myrtle Beach boardwalk.

We began last Monday with the CCC-built Table Rock Lodge. Recently renovated and maintained in pristine condition. If you visit on a day it hasn’t been rented out for a wedding or corporate meeting, be sure to walk around to the back and enjoy the views from the lower and upper porches. Those rocking chairs actually are comfortable!

We then drove the Park’s winding road, stopping here and there to enjoy the views. Here’s the “table” and “stool” from a convenient overlook. Think what that will look like in ten days or so, when the leaves have turned!

I could go on and on about Table Rock State Park. And have! Several times! But it’s all true. If you haven’t visited this part of South Carolina be sure to include it in your next trip agenda. You won’t be disappointed.

Off to Cheraw State Park again next trip.