Greenville, September 23, 2025
News Summary
The Greenville City Council approved the annexation of Greenlink property to enhance infrastructure, alongside a substantial investment in an inclusive playground at Cleveland Park. This new facility and playground will provide improved amenities for the community, focusing on inclusivity and accessibility for all children. Additionally, the council discussed funding strategies for the playground, which has a total cost of $3.9 million, while the annexation of Greenlink’s property aims to streamline services for employees.
Greenville City Council Approves Annexation of Greenlink Property and Investment in New Inclusive Playground
The Greenville City Council has taken significant steps towards enhancing local infrastructure and community amenities by voting on the first reading of the annexation of Greenlink property into the city. This annexation includes the rezoning of Greenlink’s property from residential to civic use, which aims to provide benefits for Greenlink employees, such as faster police and fire response times. However, the construction of a new facility will take several years to complete.
In a unanimous decision, the council also approved the first reading of an ordinance to accept nearly $80,000 for the construction of a new inclusive playground at Cleveland Park. Brooks’ Playground is expected to open by the end of September and is designed to be accessible to all children aged six months and older. The new playground will be constructed with 85 percent shaded areas and will feature new bathrooms and increased parking facilities.
During the council meeting on September 22, officials also recapped the approval of $77,000 in additional donations for Brooks’ Playground, bringing the total cost of the project to $3.9 million. Approximately $1.3 million has already been raised through donations and grants before this meeting. The remaining funding, estimated at $2.5 million, will come from city resources, including capital improvement, hospitality tax, and accommodation tax funds.
Key Features of Brooks’ Playground
Brooks’ Playground will cater to children aged six months to 13 years and include accessible playground equipment. Planned improvements for Cleveland Park include increased parking, two new shelters, a restroom facility, a rain garden feature, and artwork installations. The completion of Brooks’ Playground reflects a community-focused effort to provide inclusive recreational space for families in the area.
Details of Greenlink’s New Facility
The city council’s annexation decisions also include four applications related to Greenlink’s new maintenance and operations facility at 205 Arcadia Drive. This facility covers 36.66 acres and will be rezoned from Single-Family Residential District to Civic District. Greenlink’s new maintenance facility consolidates administration, dispatch, and maintenance services into a 60,000 square foot facility, which cost over $50 million to complete. It will replace Greenlink’s previous maintenance facility in downtown Greenville, which is now on the market.
The new facility includes seven maintenance bays, two service bays, ten natural gas fueling stations, and 16 electric bus chargers. It also provides amenities such as a fitness center, break areas, and a quiet room for staff. The establishment of this advanced maintenance facility is aimed at expanding Greenlink’s transit services to meet the growing demand in Greenville County.
The expansion aligns with the transit development plan created in 2018, which includes plans for 17 new bus routes and improved service schedules. Federal, state, and local funding has supported this new facility, including a significant grant from the Federal Transit Administration.
The mayor described the new facility as a significant achievement for Greenville County in the past decade. The demand for transit services has notably increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting plans to operate more buses to accommodate the growing ridership in Greenville County.
Conclusion
The Greenville City Council’s recent decisions highlight a commitment to enhancing local infrastructure and creating inclusive recreational facilities for the community. The annexation of Greenlink’s property and the investment in Brooks’ Playground are set to have lasting positive impacts on the residents of Greenville.
FAQ Section
What was approved by the Greenville City Council regarding Greenlink’s property?
The Greenville City Council voted on the first reading of the annexation of Greenlink’s property into the city, including rezoning it from residential to civic.
What are the benefits of the annexation for Greenlink employees?
The annexation facilitates benefits for Greenlink employees, including faster police and fire response times.
What is the cost and expected opening date of Brooks’ Playground?
The total cost of Brooks’ Playground is $3.9 million, and it is set to open by the end of September.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Brooks’ Playground | Accessible for children aged 6 months to 13 years, featuring 85% shaded areas. |
| Construction Costs | Total cost of $3.9 million, with $1.3 million raised through donations. |
| Greenlink Maintenance Facility | 60,000 square feet with seven maintenance bays, two service bays, and more. |
| Transit Development Plan | Plans for 17 new bus routes and improving service schedules for Greenville County. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Clemson University Addresses Backlash Over Faculty Comments
Retail Resurgence in Downtown Wilmington
Greenville Approves Largest Annexation in City History
Christ Church Episcopal School Ends Ties with Announcer Over Derogatory Comments
Greenville Advances Plans for City Hall Renovation
Greenville Initiates Major Renovation of City Hall
Homebuyers Flock to Simpsonville and Greenville, SC
New Boutique Hotel ‘M. Heller’ Proposed for Greenville
Greenville Reopens Mayberry Park, A Historical Site for Community and Unity
Greenville Discusses the Need for a City Flag
Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Greenville City Council Votes on Greenlink Property Annexation
- Wikipedia: Greenville, South Carolina
- Greenville Journal: Funding Approved for Brooks’ Playground
- Google Search: Greenville City Council
- Greenville Journal: Greenlink Opens New Maintenance Facility
- Google Scholar: Greenville Infrastructure Development
- Fox Carolina: Largest Number of Annexations Approved
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Greenville
- Greenville Journal: Annexation of Cherrydale into Greenville
- Google News: Cleveland Park Greenville
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
