Some Rock Hill neighbors want changes made to City’s proposed 100+ acre park project

ROCK HILL, S.C. — Rock Hill’s Planning Commission voted this past Tuesday to recommend City Council approve zoning City property as a park. This decision could allow for the construction of the proposed Southside Regional Park to begin, although project experts say construction won’t begin until at least 2026.

During the Planning Commission meeting neighbors who live near where the park will be built were invited to give their feedback on the design. Rock Hill Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Director, Mark Sexton, said the City wants to hear from neighbors. Sexton encourages critiques as it will help the City build a park that everyone wants. “Feedback has bubbled up, and that’s exactly what we wanted out of this,” Sexton said.

Sexton shared updated renderings of the more than 100 acre park with WCCB. The new rendering shows the park will have two football fields, several baseball fields, and amphitheater, playgrounds, trails, and more. Access to the park will be found on Heckle Boulevard near American Legion Post 34 as well as through Morgan Street.

A federal grant will be used to fund part of the park’s build. Sexton said the park will be built in various phases due to its massive size that aims to fill upwards of 140 acres once completed. He believes the park will bring new opportunities to the City’s Southside. Sexton also believes the park will have the potential to host sport events that could bring millions of dollars to the area.

“It’ll help us in Rock Hill not only meet our recreational needs, but it’ll help us add another element to our tourism concept,” Sexton said.

Sexton said the City plans to hold more public input meetings in the coming months as as the park design continues to be refined.