PICKENS — Progress continues on the Pickens end of the Doodle Trail with the city securing a half a million dollar grant to complete work on the new trailhead park.
Project Manager Becky Horace announced that the city received word Wednesday from Washington, D.C., that the Appalachian Regional Commission had approved the city’s latest grant application.
According to Horace, several grants and outside funding sources have already been awarded to aid in the revitalization efforts happening at the trailhead.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Brownfield Clean-up Grant was awarded to remove lead and asbestos materials and funding from The South Carolina Recreational Trails Program was granted to extend the trail from the parking lot.
In addition, the S.C. Department of Transportation has approved wayfinding sign permits to direct users of the Doodle Trail to downtown and a new historical marker is on its way.
Finally, the S.C. Department of Commerce awarded Pickens funding through the Community Development Block Grant Program for the demolition the rail depot building, the cement pads and part of the wall along East Cedar Rock Street.
“Besides the ARC grant just announced, these three grants have given this project a total of $396,790 in award funding,” Horace said.
Along with the state and federal funding in addition to the City’s local match commitment this project is now a $1,150,000 project, she said.
The project will feature the Pickens Rail Depot replica, an open air Farmers Market structure, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant restrooms, ADA accessible ramp down to Railroad Street, ADA compliant playground equipment, outdoor exercise equipment and an informational kiosk.
“By enhancing the trail head area, residents and visitors will gain options which promote a healthy lifestyle, will encourage civic engagement and elements to remember our past,” said Horace. “In addition, the Pickens Doodle Park will provide outdoor recreation to residents and visitors; attracting tourism and stimulating the regional economy; attracting and retaining employers and new businesses as well as their employees.”