Sterling Tiger Path
A trail system
In early 2009, we noticed that Sterling was home to a few sewer easements that, at least in the winter months, were walkable although overgrown. After meeting and walking with residents from the neighborhood, it was clear Sterling has a large threshold of youth, adults, and seniors who spend a lot of time walking and biking place to place within and outside of the neighborhood, but are competing with vehicle traffic, poor infrastructure, a lack of sidewalks, no bike lanes, or safe crosswalks. The Sterling Master Plan addresses some of these infrastructure issues. However, a more short term solution is being worked on right now!
In the last year and a half, the residents, volunteers, and other groups have spent time clearing the brush, kudzu, and trash from these sites to make way for a Sterling Trail System which will be called the Sterling Tiger Path!
This project has been passed on to Leadership Greenville Class 36 who have been working hard with the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority and Greenville County Recreation District to work out land acquisition issues, clean up, and the eventual construction of the trail. Bon Secours St. Francis has also received grant funding on behalf of the community to help with initial costs of building the trail, an outdoor amphitheatre at the site, landscaping, bus stops, and possibly a small Sterling History pocket park!
Click HERE to view the current design and plans for the first phase of the trail!
Future Trail plans:
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Have 2 mile trail system from Dunbar road, with a loop around Sterling field off Valentine street, connecting to Easely Bridge and our St. Francis Community Garden, down to Anderson road.
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Street improvements to Dunbar to include roundabout at Valentine/Andrews Street so Greenlink can construct bus stop along Dunbar.
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Street improvements to include road diet for Dunbar, crosswalks connecting to trail, and bike lanes along Dunbar, Anderson, and Calhoun streets to improve connectivity to Sterling trail and Swamp Rabbit.
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Advocate for Trail System concept to expand into West Greenville urban communities to help promote safe, walkable improvements to combat poor health and increase community building, economic development and revitalization, and aesthetic appeal.
Support Needed:
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Financial support/contributions to complete and enhance all phases of trail system in Sterling (primarily loop around field and construction of trail connecting to Anderson Road, Easely Bridge, and into Judson Mill community)
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Benches, landscaping support, artwork to enhance aesthetic appeal of trail
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Volunteer support needed for future clean up days for trail area.
For more information, contact Maxim Williams at 864-477-0844 or maxim_williams@bshsi.org or Helen Sanders with Leadership Greenville Class 36 at 864-474-5071 or email at helensanders@gmail.com
