Photos/words by Sean Rayford

Barbara Fellenstein, a park ranger at Saluda Riverwalk and the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation no longer has to answer questions about why the new parking lots at the Mill Race Rapids on Candi Lane are still locked with gates — and why the facilities remain closed.

“I’m so happy to be able to park here! And use a restroom!” shouts an exiting park visitor at Fellenstein, standing at the lot entrance after updating a chalkboard sign referring visitors to a nearby secondary lot. In all there are more than 100 spaces.

A longtime attraction for those seeking access to the Saluda, parking in the area has been an adventure, especially on hot summer weekends.

“It's one of the cooler areas in the city,” says Fellenstein, “It's perfect for summertime. The water is about 58 degrees because it comes off the bottom of Lake Murray - so it stays pretty cool out here.”

Shortly after 6 a.m. on Saturday, Charles Weathers parked his black SUV in the empty lot overlooking the river trail. He was the first. “The park rangers clapped when I came in,” he says after his walk with his dog.

“I saw yesterday that the parking lot was going to be open today, and we wanted to be out here early and get a good walk in. I got to meditate on one of the rocks.”

Phil Moffitt, with his pickup and whitewater kayak in the bed, was next. “Today, I came to finally park in the parking lot and go for a run,” he says, “It’s been a long time coming.”

For background on the project, which originated in the late 90’s: Early Saluda Riverwalk tour: Who knew the process would take two decades?

Sean Rayford is a photojournalist based in Columbia, South Carolina. See more at seanrayford.com