Nature's Gym Saluda Shoal's Park
By Benjamin Higgins Higginsb2@yahoo.com

Photo by Elizabeth Bailey Johnson Children get great exercise by climbing the modified rock wall.

Located in the heart of downtown Irmo, Saluda Shoals Park is a community park on a grand scale.

The park, overseen by the Irmo- Chapin Recreation Commission, combines family fun and outdoor excitement with a commitment to educating Midlands' residents on outdoor and environmental issues.

Visitors entering the park cross a wide wooden bridge and pay the admission fee at the window at the administrative office. Parking is available across from the visitors' center and farther inside. Once inside the park, there are a multitude of activities.

One of the most popular portions of the park is the playground area located midway into the park along the shores of the Lower Saluda River.

Families and school groups often visit this area of Saluda Shoals, which includes a slide and a jungle gym.

In the summer months, Saluda Splash, the area next to the playground, opens to the public. Children of all ages can enjoy this water- filled play- area, which is a refreshing way to beat the summer heat. Parking is readily available at the playground and around Saluda Splash.

Photo by Elizabeth Bailey Johnson There are wonderful glimpses of the Saluda River throughout the park.

The Environmental Education Center, located just to the right of the park's administrative building, is an expansive building designed to teach about the environmental issues facing the area.

The most impressive part of the center is its Exhibit Hall, which displays the abundant plant and animal life in Saluda Shoals. The center also includes a 100- seat auditorium, two classrooms/ meeting rooms and a 3,776 - square- foot deck.

Saluda Shoals offers many trails, including the Greenway Trail, which runs along portions of the riverbank. This paved trail is ideal because it offers a comfortable walk or bike ride for all experience levels.

Canoeing and kayaking along the Saluda are also available.

Aspiring and experienced fishermen will also want to purchase a Fishermen's Pass. The 12- month pass allows the holder 24- hour access to the park using a coded entry system. The pass is $65 for Lexington residents of District Five and $83 for all others.

Photo by Elizabeth Bailey Johnson Saluda Shoals offers a great setting for family picnics and reunions.

Saluda Shoals also offers the Real Team Challenge Course, which is great for church groups, business professionals, and anyone looking to build unity in their organization. For more information on the Challenge Course, contact Cathy Carter- Scott at (803) 213- 2015.

Saluda Shoals is open from 7 am to sunset all year round. Residents of the Lexington County portion of School District Five pay $4 for daily admission and all others pay $5.

Coming from Columbia, visitors take I- 26 west toward Spartanburg. Exit Piney Grove Road and turn left. Proceed approximately 1.5 miles to St. Andrews Road. Turn right, then left at the first traffic light. Saluda Shoals Park will be 1.5 miles on your left.

For more information on Saluda Shoals Park, call (803) 731-5208.