A Safer Way to Walk in Central Is Within Reach
What if you could walk safely from your apartment or neighborhood in Central to the library, Town Hall, or your next CAT bus stop … without worrying about traffic, narrow shoulders, or missing sidewalks?
What if families could walk together after dinner or a group of friends could go for a jog without needing to drive somewhere first?
That’s the promise behind a small but important trail project near the Rec Center in Central.
And it’s nearly shovel-ready.
A proposed rendering of the new trail connection along Cross Creek Road.
Where Things Stand Today
In 2024, the Town of Central completed the first phase of Green Crescent Trail in Central – a beautiful, paved half-mile path winding through the trees and the disc golf course.
(1) Ribbon cutting of phase 1 (2) View from phase 1 in the woods
It starts at a small trailhead parking area on Cross Creek Road and ends at Spring Forest Rd.
But for residents living nearby, the trail stops short of where they actually need to go.
Current conditions with no sidewalks along Cross Creek Rd
To reach the library, Town Hall, the CAT bus stop, or other destinations around town, walkers are forced onto Cross Creek Road—a street with no sidewalk and fast-moving vehicles.
It’s not just unpleasant. It’s unsafe.
And for people who don’t live within walking distance but want to use the trail, there’s no safe way to extend their route. The Rec Center or library might offer parking, but right now there’s no way to go far on foot from there.
A Small Project With a Big Impact
The next segment of trail—called Phase 2—would close this critical gap.
The new 0.27-mile section would extend from the current trailhead and wrap around the Rec Center, connecting to nearby sidewalks and unlocking access to the rest of town.
This short section of trail (shown in red) would connect over 1,000 nearby residents to civic and community destinations in Central.
The plan calls for a 10-foot-wide, paved side path, separated from traffic and designed for people of all ages and abilities. It would complete a safe, continuous connection between:
- Spring Forest Subdivision, The Whitley, University Village, The Kenyon, and other nearby residential communities
- The Central-Clemson Rec Center
- The Central Branch of the Library
- Central Town Hall
- CAT bus stops
- And eventually, the broader Green Crescent Trail system reaching Downtown Central, Southern Wesleyan, and beyond
Who This Will Serve
More than 1,000 people live in apartments within walking distance of this short trail connection. That’s over 20% of Central’s total population, most of whom currently have no safe pedestrian route to public services, greenspaces, or even each other.
But this trail isn’t just for nearby residents.
It also creates a safe walking route for:
- Parents and grandparents who want a peaceful stroll after parking at the library
- Students walking to a bus stop or cutting through town
- Runners and walkers who want to exercise without driving somewhere first
- Anyone who values the freedom to move safely and confidently on foot
What’s Needed to Make It Happen
The Town of Central is ready to build the trail. A preliminary budget of $275,000 to $350,000 has been developed. But construction won’t begin until the funding comes together.
Support will need to come from a mix of sources:
- Town funds and capital improvement planning
- Grants from the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
- Private donors and local champions like you
Let’s Connect Central – Safely
Every trail is more than just concrete. It’s a connection between people and places.
This one connects Central’s residents to their own town—its library, civic spaces, sidewalks, and larger trail system. It helps create a safer, more walkable community for everyone, not just those who live nearby.
If you want to help:
- Share this article with a neighbor or friend
- Tell local official you want to fund this trail
- Sign up for updates from Friends of the Green Crescent
- Support future fundraising efforts when the time comes
Let’s make walking easier, safer, and more enjoyable in Central!
In the meantime, you can help us by sharing this with your friends, family, and colleagues.
Together, let’s keep making walking and biking in our community a little easier, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone!
Thanks for reading!
