One of Rock Hill’s biggest sports sites gets state money to improve the fan experience
Guests at a worldwide sports attraction in Rock Hill will be able to get to and from the venue a little easier, thanks to a new state grant.
The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism has announced four new grants to improve attractions statewide. One grant is for half of what will be a $348,000 sidewalk connector project at the Rock Hill BMX Supercross Track.
Concrete sidewalks will be built from parking areas to the main facility. The Olympic-level training facility, the only of its kind on the east coast, routinely hosts state, regional and national events.
The 1307 Riverwalk Parkway site will host the 2024 UCI BMX World Championships in May of next year. It’s just ahead of the Paris Olympics for world-class riders. The venue previously hosted the world championships in 2017.
John Taylor, director of the city parks, recreation and tourism department, said the city is thankful for its state counterpart helping recreation efforts and improving the facility for guests.
Other projects funded statewide include upgrades at the Langley Pond Park rowing course dock in Aiken County, Sharon Jones Amphitheater expansion in North Augusta and McLeod Plantation Historic Site stabilization in Chester County.
Duane Parrish, SCPRT director, said in the grant announcement South Carolina has a deep history of natural areas and unique experiences. And, Parrish said, that tourism had a $29 billion economic impact statewide, last year.
“This program was created to help every corner of the state enjoy the positive impact successful tourism products have on our local economies and quality of life,” Parrish said of the recent grants.
The 2017 world championships in Rock Hill drew 3,700 riders from 48 countries, according to the city. More than 50,000 people attended the races with an economic impact of more than $19 million. It was the first time the world championships had been held in the U.S. in more than 15 years.
For area residents, the BMX track also hosts practice and smaller events including Friday night races.
