Greenville’s Cleveland Park is currently experiencing significant renovations aimed at revitalizing its playground area adjacent to the Greenville Zoo. This $3 million project, which broke ground on June 3, is set to introduce new playground equipment, picnic shelters, and landscaping improvements. Enhancements will also be made to the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Project Details and Timeline
Greenville City Councilmember Wil Brasington highlighted the project’s goal to enhance a beloved destination for children and families. The playground area and a section of the Swamp Rabbit Trail will remain closed during the renovations, which are expected to be completed by early October. Families are encouraged to explore other amenities within Cleveland Park during this period.
The redesign, assisted by Minnesota-based Landscape Structures, will feature two new playgrounds catering to different age groups: one for children aged two to five and another for those aged five to twelve. Notable features include a 27-foot tower with slides, a ninja-style obstacle course, and ten swings with built-in shade. Additionally, new play elements inspired by the Greenville Zoo, such as a ‘Seek and Find’ adventure and animal-themed educational panels, will be introduced.
Additional Enhancements
Two new picnic shelters will be constructed on either side of the playgrounds, and walkways will be realigned and improved. The city also plans to realign and widen the Swamp Rabbit Trail section near the playgrounds, adding bike parking and water fountains at picnic shelter entrances.
The city of Greenville secured a $500,000 grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund to aid the project, with additional funding from hospitality tax, neighborhood infrastructure bonds, and trail funding. Councilmember Dorothy Dowe noted the necessity to commence renovations due to federal grant guidelines.
Recent improvements to Cleveland Park include the opening of its first inclusive playground in September 2025 and a $1.66 million renovation of recreational courts, adding new tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts. Brasington emphasized the city’s commitment to maintaining excellence across all parks.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
