Three Rivers Greenway and the River Alliance

A visitor's guide to the Friendly Midway, Columbia, SC, an area Where Friendliness Flows

Three Rivers Greenway
and the River Alliance

Columbia is blessed with not one, but three rivers -- the Saluda and Broad Rivers meet to form the Congaree right in downtown Columbia. The River Alliance was formed to bring the beauty and tranquility of these fabulous rivers to the people of the region.

The "Three Rivers Greenway", a 12-mile park along the three rivers in the Columbia area, was first proposed in 1996, and the $18 million cost was shared by member governments. The members of the River Alliance include the cities of Cayce, Columbia, and West Columbia, along with Richland County and school districts.

An existing site in the city of Columbia, Granby Park, became the pilot project for the Three Rivers Greenway. This half-mile segment of the system was opened in 1998, and is complete with concrete pathways, lighting system, trash receptacles, water fountains, picnic benches, overlook, restrooms and parking.

The development of this and other sections of the Three Rivers Greenway has led to construction of housing adjacent to the park. The Rapids apartments are completed and fully occupied; other developments have been announced or are in construction, all within a block or two of the Greenway.

Both the Cayce and West Columbia Riverwalks were started in early 2002 and both are now open and operational. In March 2004, construction began on the Canal Embankment portion of the Three Rivers Greenway.

For more information, including pictures of the Three Rivers Greenway, please go to RiverAlliance.org or write to The River Alliance, 506 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201, or phone (803) 765-2200, fax (803) 765-9600, or email mail@riveralliance.org.