GHS Swamp Rabbit Tram Trail leaps forward
Submitted by: Sandy Dees on Apr 30, 2010 at 4:21 pm
Tagged with: community investment, rails-to-trails, Swamp Rabbit Tram Trail
Source: Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center (GHS)
The GHS Swamp Rabbit Tram Trail is making forward leaps with next week’s opening of a major section between Travelers Rest and Greenville. It’s the newest link in a proposed network of greenways that could one day span Greenville County and extend as part of a state-wide mountain-to-sea passage. Advocates say the local trail is already revitalizing communities, growing tourism and making citizens healthier with every walk, run and ride.
Leaders gathered Friday along the trail to announce details of next weekend’s Grand “Hoppening,” which includes a record-setting 5K race and prize-winning opportunities for trail users when the trail section officially opens May 8.
Trail visionary Carlton Owen said the 125-year-old defunct railroad is being turned into a vibrant artery that will link communities, including Travelers Rest, Furman University, a reborn Monaghan, Greenville and points beyond as the trail expands north and south.
Leaders called the community-wide project a shining example of how county and city governments can work together with businesses, property owners and trail users to create economic and health opportunities. The trail also provides the public a practical, safe people-powered transportation system which includes connections to the Greenlink bus system.
Speakers on Friday included Carlton Owen, Greenville County Council Chairman Butch Kirven; Greenville Hospital System University Medical Center (GHS) CEO & President Michael Riordan; Greenville Mayor Pro-Tem David Sudduth; City of Travelers Rest Mayor Wayne McCall; and Greenville County Recreation District’s director of greenways, Ty Houck.
"The opening of the GHS Swamp Rabbit Tram Trail shows what can be done when people pull together in a worthy cause. Greenville County is proud of its role in putting this unique public asset to good use benefiting so many citizens, connecting neighborhoods and opening new opportunities along the way," said Kirven.
GHS’ Riordan said the trail reflects the hospital system’s commitment to transforming health care and improving the health of the community. “What we love best about this trail is that it will afford all residents – no matter what their age or athletic ability – the opportunity to be active and get fit,” he added.
As many as 3,000 runners are expected to run in next Friday’s GHS Swamp Rabbit Tram Trail 5K race, potentially making the two-year-old event the state’s second largest 5K race. Race organizers had originally hoped for 2,000-2,500 runners but have revised their estimates as more participants sign on to run or walk in the family-friendly race.
The new certified course starts on Center Street in front of Gateway Park and ends beside the Travelers Rest Family Practice. The race begins at 6:30 p.m. May 7. The race fee was originally $6 but will go to $11 on May 1.
Race winners will receive as prizes railroad spikes used in the original Swamp Rabbit railway. Runners can register at www.ghs.org/swamprabbit5k. A family block party, complete with games, free food and bands, will be held after the race.
The Grand Hoppening continues Saturday, May 8, when the cities of Greenville and Travelers Rest will be officially linked via the Swamp Rabbit. People who hop onto the trail for a walk, run or ride that day may be eligible for prizes valued at nearly $1,000. Volunteers wearing rabbit ears will be on the trail between 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. giving away tickets to the prize drawing and a limited supply of rabbit ears.
The best places to run into a bunny volunteer are along the trail as it passes near Sunrift Adventures, the Travelers Rest Main Street park area, Edwards Road, Furman University’s train car access point, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Mayberry Park, Linky Stone Park and the Caine Halter YMCA.
The drawing will be at 3 p.m. at a Rabbit Rally at the Peace Center Amphitheater. 5K participants and those who’ve bought a special event t-shirt are also eligible for the prize drawing, but everyone must be present to win. Tickets will start being collected as early as 2 p.m.
Prizes range from a Greenville Drive VIP package valued at more than $800 to Greenville County Recreation District family passes, PATH membership and a Greenville weekend-get-away package to the new Courtyard Marriott on Main Street.
The Swamp Rabbit trail, named “Swamp Rabbit” after the original rail line’s hopping path along the marshy Reedy River, was purchased by Greenville County in 1999.
Partners on the GHS Swamp Rabbit Tram Trail include GHS and Greenville County. Strong supporters include the City of Greenville, City of Travelers Rest and Furman University, with other groups also supporting the trail.