COLUMBIA—At the Roots ’n Blues ’n Barbecue Festival on Sept. 7 to 8, Columbia residents enjoying the renovation of Flat Branch Park Phase Two might be fenced in.
Mike Griggs, park service manager for the city parks and recreation department, said it appears the suspension bridge connecting the banks of the creek won’t quite be complete.
“Essentially the bridge is in place, just not the cables,” Griggs said.
If the opening of the park comes before the suspension cables do, then the department will fence off the bridge’s foundation, he said.
Part of the problem with scheduling was the fact that the bridge was donated, Griggs said.
“Because the bridge was donated, the design, fundraising and buying of the bridge was separate entirely from the park,” Griggs said.
But the bridge, donated by a group associated with Allstate Consultants, is worth the effort, Griggs said.
“It’s very attractive, more than just a functional bridge connecting the two sides of the creek,” he said.
Griggs said the department is looking forward to completing the park.
“It’s going to be a beautiful little urban center for Columbia,” Griggs said.