Contact: Mary Roe
For Immediate Release
Phone: 803-771-0870
September 1, 2020
Email: mroe@palmettoconservation.org
Palmetto Trail and Fairfield County to Renovate Alston Trailhead of the Palmetto Trail
Columbia, SC (September 1, 2020) —Fairfield County and the Palmetto Trail have combined forces to renovate the current layout of the Alston Trailhead of the Palmetto Trail in Peak, SC.
The Palmetto Trail was awarded a grant from REI to build two new primitive campsites. A total of six new campsites are planned for the grounds. New kiosks, an infrared trail counter and an outdoor bike station will be installed thanks to a grant from Fairfield Forward. Fairfield County has dedicated funding to design the improvements and has secured local granite to construct a new kayak launch that is ADA compliant.
The trailhead improvements will take place over a two-year period and is slated to also include a 475-person open amphitheater with ADA compliant viewing, fireplace covered picnic area, and expanded parking area. All will be built in the style of the original Conservation Corps shelters. In the next six months the bike station, infrared trail counter, and two primitive campsites will be installed. The designs for the major improvements will be finalized and permits will likely be secured within that same period.
“We are excited to partner with Fairfield County to enhance the Alston Trailhead, which is the gateway to one of the Palmetto Trail’s most popular Passages, the Peak to Prosperity Passage. The trailhead will provide hikers, bikers and kayakers a multi-recreational experience. The support from REI and the Fairfield Forward grant will allow for overnight or weekend camping experiences” said Palmetto Trail Executive Director Mary Roe.
County Administrator Jason Taylor added, “Having the Alston Trailhead is a tremendous asset for Fairfield County and the Palmetto Conservation Foundation is a wonderful community partner. We are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with them to make this great asset to the community even better for generations to come.”
About the Palmetto Trail
In the early 1990’s, Palmetto Conservation Foundation (PCF) and a small group of visionaries imagined a trail that would stretch across South Carolina from mountains to sea. With that vision in mind, they wend to work creating what we now know today as the Palmetto Trail. In 1994 PCF broke ground on the Lake Moultrie Passage in Berkeley County. The Trail now consists of 29 passages and over 360 miles of completed trail.
The mission of the Palmetto Trail is to foster an appreciation for South Carolina’s natural and cultural resources, providing opportunities for active recreation on the Palmetto Trail and other trail systems that can be enjoyed by all in South Carolina, regardless of gender, race, creed, age, or ability.
About Fairfield Forward
Fairfield Forward, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, is committed to ensuring that all Fairfield County residents have access to resources and opportunities that support their health and well-being. By bringing together community members, leaders, and other like-minded organizations Fairfield Forward identifies the needs of the county and creates solutions for positive change. Currently focusing on nine evidence based initiatives to create healthier natural environments, school environments, increase health education, and provide fresh produce county wide, the coalition is making a broad impact on county residents. Fairfield Forward continues to expand partnerships throughout the county and state and apply for grant funding to sustain efforts into the future. Due to the support of current funding through the Duke Endowment and partnership with Healthy People, Healthy Carolinas, Fairfield Forward will continue to create a culture of health in places where we live, learn, work, pray, and play.
###
