SCC unveils plans for on-campus Greenways Trail, holds public forum
Southeastern Community College is seeking funding to construct a 2.5-mile Greenway Trail on campus, and it will offer students, employees and Columbus County residents a new space for recreation, education and connection with nature. The college recently held a public forum to introduce the project and gather community feedback. According to Carol Ann Lydon, Associate Dean of Research at SCC, the event was a resounding success.
“Our goal was to provide the public with an opportunity to learn about the proposed SCC greenway project and give their feedback,” Lydon said. “We were thrilled to see such a strong and supportive turnout.”
Roughly 40 community members and college employees attended the forum, while dozens more reviewed the project documents and completed an online survey. Lydon said the overwhelming response was one of excitement and encouragement.
“Seeing how excited people got about the possibility of having such a greenway in Columbus County was my favorite part of the forum,” she said.
Designed to be accessible, the trail will feature wildlife signage, pollinator habitats, shaded areas, a pond, and multiple resting spots for visitors to enjoy nature and gather with friends. The trail is also intended to serve as an interactive environmental classroom for students and the public.
“Greenways provide a free, open space for recreation and are a safe avenue for regular exercise, which improves physical and mental health,” Lydon said. “They’re considered a quality-of-life amenity and help attract and retain businesses and residents. They also preserve natural areas and provide important wildlife corridors.”
Lydon is hopeful that the first phase of the trail will be completed in 2026, with full development anticipated to take several years. The trail will be open to the public and aims to enhance both the educational mission of SCC and the broader well-being of the community it serves.
