Grant Awarded to Help Restore Richland Creek

The Greenline Spartanburg neighborhood is set for a transformative restoration of Richland Creek, thanks to a Community Development Block Grant awarded by the South Carolina Office of Resilience.

Greenville City Council gave initial approval for the $375,800 grant and a $104,000 match. City Engineer Paul Dow says Richland Creek is “untapped resource” with immense potential. The creek, which runs through the neighborhood, and bisects it at Chestnut Street, has long been plagued by flooding.

“It doesn't take a hurricane. It doesn't take the biggest of your storms to have your water exceed the banks here in Richland Creek,” Dow said.

The Greenline Spartanburg neighborhood plan prioritizes connectivity, access to nature, affordable housing, and overall quality of life. Restoration of Richland Creek and creation of a greenway are central to these goals.

“There is an immense possibility here for a huge uplift for this waterway,” Dow said. “Right now, the kudzu is hiding everything. But what I know is possible is an absolutely beautiful reach of Richland Creek. Think Cleveland Park, think Unity Park. What? What has been done in other city properties?”

Dow emphasized two main objectives: water quality and floodplain mitigation. “We know this is going to flood, so we’re going to make this as resilient a project as we can,” he said. Stabilizing stream banks will improve water clarity and habitat for fish and other wildlife, while also making the neighborhood more resilient to inevitable floods and creating a public space for gathering and recreation.