News Summary
Rock Hill is set to unveil a massive new project, the Southside Regional Park, covering 105 acres filled with sports facilities, a playground, and an amphitheater. With an estimated budget of $40 million, the park aims to be a hub for recreation, catering to sports lovers and families alike. Plans may also include a future expansion to double its size. The project is being shaped by community feedback and will connect with the Storyline Project, enhancing the urban landscape of Rock Hill.
Exciting Plans Unveiled for Rock Hill’s Southside Regional Park
The city of Rock Hill has something special brewing in the works, and it’s big—really big! Get ready to mark your calendars because plans are in motion for a brand new 105-acre park aptly named Southside Regional Park. Nestled conveniently between Heckle Boulevard and Main Street, this new space is destined to become the go-to spot for sports lovers, families, and friends alike.
A Hub for Recreation and Sports
What’s that we hear? The sweet sound of laughter and cheers! The park will boast a thrilling array of facilities that include sports fields, playgrounds, and even a dedicated food truck area. Not to mention an amphitheater for those summer concerts under the stars! With ponds and a boardwalk trail, nature lovers are also going to feel right at home.
And if you thought that was all, think again! The city has plans to potentially double the current size of Southside Regional Park. This means it could become nearly twice the size of popular sports sites like Cherry Park and Manchester Meadows, so there’s bound to be plenty of room to run, play, and enjoy.
The Dollar Signs
Now, you may be wondering, just how much will all this cost? Well, the estimated budget for this incredible project stands at a jaw-dropping $40 million. While the timeline for opening the park and finalizing costs hasn’t been revealed, anticipation is building among residents.
What’s Inside?
Let’s take a look at what the park plans to include! The largest development area will be situated north of the American Legion Post 34 on Heckle Boulevard. Expect to find a full-size baseball field equipped to seat up to 600 spectators, two youth baseball fields, and an amphitheater nearby. Talk about a sports lover’s paradise!
A unique cloverleaf design will feature four additional fields specifically for different sports. Each of these can be configured into small football fields, large baseball fields, or even three smaller baseball or softball fields. To keep the fans happy, seating for 250 spectators will be available for each field.
Play Areas and Amenities
But wait, there’s more! The park won’t forget the younger generations. Expect two exciting playground areas, a couple of shelters with restrooms, and even nine covered batting cages for aspiring baseball stars in the making. Public amenities also include grassy overflow parking/event space, concessions, and nearly 700 paved parking spaces. Never worry about finding a spot to park when driving in with friends or family!
Two Full-Size Football Fields
Across a lovely stream, there’s set to be a section that will include two full-size football fields with seating for 800 spectators. This area will also feature a ticket booth, turf warm-up space, and a concession stand, plus three additional basketball courts and a community building for all sorts of local gatherings.
A Community Effort
City Parks and Recreation Director Mark Sexton shares that while the final layout is still being fine-tuned, it is nearing completion, heavily influenced by community feedback. The land earmarked for Southside Regional Park includes existing locations such as Arcade Park and some vacant land owned by the city.
Looking to the Future
The next steps include a review by the City’s Planning Commission, with the ultimate say resting with the Rock Hill City Council. Plus, this park will connect to the Storyline Project, an exciting urban linear park designed to link various landmarks and public spaces throughout the city. A new footbridge across Dave Lyle Boulevard, thanks to a federal grant exceeding $10 million, is part of this initiative.
So, hold onto your hats, Rock Hill! An adventure awaits, replete with sports, recreation, and community spirit!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Plans for Southside Regional Park
- WCNC: Rock Hill’s New Park Development
- WSOC: Latest on Rock Hill Park
- Express News: Enchanted Rock Expansion
- Herald Online: Local News Updates
- Wikipedia: Rock Hill, South Carolina
- Google Search: Rock Hill parks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rock Hill
- Google News: Rock Hill Southside Regional Park
