Visiting SC’s Anne Springs Close Greenway? Here are changes non-members need to know
The Anne Springs Close Greenway is back open daily to visitors. But it will cost more.
An announcement Monday from the 2,100-acre nature preserve in Fort Mill states guests can now use the property seven days a week. There had been a restriction on weekends to allow members only, prompted by a surge in visits when COVID-19 hit.
Daily fees for guests now are double what they were for adults.
An adult day pass is now $12. A day pass for ages 5-12 is $6. Horseback riding fees for trailering will be $20 per day. Guests can pay fees online in advance or at welcome stations at the five Greenway entrances.
The increased day pass costs don’t impact Greenway members.
“The change in visitor policy represents the Greenway’s attempt to return to our new normal,” said Leroy Springs & Co. CEO John Gordon. “The pandemic brought about unprecedented growth in visitors to the Greenway, and the change in daily visitor fees is our continued effort to protect our natural resources and convert regular users of the Greenway to members.”
The company will continue to invest back into the Greenway to make sure the property is maintained to allow more connections between community and nature, he said. There is a Bridge Program that provides financial assistance for people who qualify.
Prior to Monday, adult day passes for visitors were $6. It was $4 for children. It took 10 visits a year for the daily pass costs to cover what someone would pay in an annual membership. Now it’s five trips.
Memberships range from $5 a month or $60 a year for individuals to $10 a month or $120 a year for families.
Communications director Elizabeth Bowers said the recent changes are designed to help the Greenway better fit the market.
“We hope it will continue to encourage our affordable monthly membership options, while not having to restrict access to members only on weekends,” she said.
The Greenway includes 36 miles of trails, horseback riding, a dog park and five lakes for fishing or other water activities.
This story was originally published December 6, 2021 at 1:03 PM.
