Nature's Gym
West Columbia Riverwalk
HiggiBnysb B2@enya Hhoigog.cionms

Photo by Elizabeth Bailey Johnson A small section of the West Columbia Riverwalk.

Set between Gervais Street and Knox Abbott Drive, the West Columbia Riverwalk is a hidden treasure of the natural world minutes from downtown Columbia.

Located next door to the New Orleans Restaurant on Alexander Road just on the West Columbia side of the Gervais Street Bridge, the Riverwalk has been a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and health- conscience Midlands residents since its opening in February 2002.

Visitors will be met with extreme contrasts as they explore the right side of the half- mile path that runs towards Cayce.

On the left, they will find trees of all shapes and sizes and the Congaree River rushing under the Gervais Street Bridge.

On the right, they will see the New Orleans Restaurant and several recently built homes with prices starting in the low 100s, according to a sign. While construction continues on some of the homes, the work does not detract from the Riverwalk's function as an escape from city life.

Photo by Elizabeth Bailey Johnson The Gervais Street bridge from the Riverwalk.

Visitors traveling the path will see numerous displays of flora and fauna, including bright purple flowers. A squirrel and numerous varieties of birds will likely join them. Interpretative signage along the trail informs visitors about the history of the Congaree River. The signage also notes some of the plants and animals found along the walk.

The Riverwalk has more for visitors than just natural beauty. Bikers, joggers, and walkers frequent the wide concrete path and those in wheelchairs have no trouble navigating the flat terrain. Visitors with canine companions use the trail to walk their dogs. Benches are scattered throughout the path for anyone needing a rest.

For many Midlands' residents, safety is a major consideration in choosing where to exercise. Tall bright lights line the path, and several call boxes link visitors to the police department.

The Amphitheatre in front of the Riverwalk's parking lot often hosts productions of local theatre companies, concerts, and other events. The canoe landing in front of the Amphitheatre is ideal for a Congaree river trip.

Photo by Elizabeth Bailey Johnson The length and construction of the trail prevents bikers from running into walkers.

Visit www.riveralliance. org for more information. The site provides a brief account of how the Riverwalk was established and more importantly, offers drawings of the general plans for the walk and a map of the Three Rivers Greenway. According to http://www.riveralliance.o rg/3rg.htm, the Three Rivers Greenway is a plan by the River Alliance, itself a private/public partnership to link the rivers of the Broad, Saluda, and Congaree through a series of parks.

A new visitor to the park, Private First Class Troy Bishop may have captured the importance of the Riverwalk.

"I never thought I'd enjoy doing absolutely nothing in such a pretty place," Bishop said.