Cayce, SC(WLTX) -- Walkers, joggers, and outdoor aficionados can rejoice, new additions are coming to the City of Cayce riverwalk.
Cyclists, walkers, joggers and even their pets who use the riverwalk in the Cayce, West Columbia area say it's one of the Midlands best kept secrets.
"I like to bring the dogs down here. You run into friends down here. It's a great place to be," said Columbia resident Kathryn Ross.
Starting this spring that secret is spreading. The City of Cayce has recently completed jogging trails for Phase III of the riverwalk. Coming soon? A new parking lot, security lights and emergency call boxes.
"You know there are not a lot of place you can go to enjoy nature and get out for a stroll," Cayce Mayor Elise Partin says council has approved $150,000 to make the additions.
"These are the types of project that make a difference for residents," said Partin.
The end goal is to take the trail from the Riverland park, to the Thomas Newman boat landing, then all the way to interstate 77 for phase four.
"The rest will what people have come to expect along the riverwalk. They have those opportunities for lighting and those safety options should they need it," said Partin.
Along with keeping residents safe, Cayce City Councilman Skip Jenkins says it's a great way to exercise and stay active.
"The good thing about it is you have several different entrances. You don't have to come down here to get on it. You can pretty much go up the whole line on it," said Jenkins.
While Phase III will not officially open until spring of 2013, those using other portions of the riverwalk believe it will make a difference for residents and their quality of life.
"I think it's a great idea. You can build along the river. You can have home fronts on the river. You can walk along the river and enjoy it with your friends, your pest. It's a great place to be," said Ross.
Phase III starts on Old State Road next to the Raw Water Pump Station and ends at the Thomas Newman Boat Landing. The City of Cayce will pursue grant funding for the construction of the next phase which we also anticipate will begin in 2013.