While I’m a big fan of Unity Park, I have serious reservations and concerns about the proposed 124-foot tall tower at the park. The original plan was to cover the entire cost of the tower (now estimated at $11 million) through private donations. The fundraising campaign, however, has raised only about $2.3 million to date. So now the city is considering paying for at least half of the cost and maybe even more, depending on the outcome of the upcoming City Council meeting on May 23.
Proponents of the tower argue that it is just as important, iconic, and needed as Liberty Bridge at Falls Park. I respectfully disagree. The focus of Liberty Bridge is on the river, specifically the waterfall (Greenville’s birthplace). The tower has no connection or relevance to the river. It would merely serve as a viewing platform. There’s certainly nothing wrong with walking up to the top of a tower and admiring the views of our vibrant city and beautiful mountains, but is that worth $5.5 million in public funds, especially in view of all the other pressing needs in Greenville?
The funding, if approved, would come from accommodations and hospitality tax revenues. Here’s just a partial list of other projects in the city that would be eligible for these funds: providing trolley service to additional neighborhoods; extending the Swamp Rabbit Trail; addressing Cleveland Park’s drainage and landscaping problems; and planting trees and maintaining green space in the city. And on and on.
The tower has the noble purpose of honoring our veterans and first responders. But there are plenty of other, less expensive, and equally meaningful ways to accomplish this goal. Just Google “designs for honoring veterans and first responders,” and you will see literally thousands of ideas.
Greenville City Council should call a timeout on the tower. A timeout will have zero effect on the park itself. The park is now open, and the presence or absence of a tower will not affect public use and enjoyment of it at all.
What the timeout will do is allow City Council and the public to carefully and thoughtfully consider less-expensive alternatives that can be the built entirely with private funds. Ask for input from MKSK (the park’s consultant), Clemson, Furman, local architects and most importantly the public.
Of course, the private donors who have already committed funds to the tower will have to be consulted. I predict most, if not all, of them won’t have a problem with a solution that meets the objective of honoring these heroes but avoids spending any public funds.
There is no rush on this. City Council should call a timeout, give the public an opportunity to weigh in, and resolve this issue the right way. If you agree, please contact your City Council representatives today and let them know.
-Brad Wyche is a lifelong resident of Greenville. He is the founder and former executive director of Upstate Forever and the co-founder of Friends of Reedy River. This letter to the editor reflects his own views and not necessarily those of either organization. He can be reached at bwyche@upstateforever.org.
