city of greenville sc
Department of Parks & Recreation
The Parks & Recreation Department offers a comprehensive system of
parks, greenways,
public facilities and recreational choices that help enhance the quality of life
of its residents and visitors. Whether it’s enjoying a leisurely bike ride on
the city's expansive trail system, taking a
picnic lunch to one of the City's popular
parks or spending the day with the family at the
Greenville Zoo, the Parks & Recreation Department provides a wide variety of
year-round recreational choices to help you enjoy the beauty of Greenville's
outdoors.
Its Recreation division schedules and coordinates year-round
athletic and youth programs, operates five
community centers that offer general leisure activities and special summer
programs.
One of the city's greatest attractions is its system of parks. The Parks &
Recreation Department maintains 39 parks occupying more than 500 acres of land
within the city.
Falls Park, one of the
city's most popular parks, serves as a centerpiece attraction for Greenville.
With its impressive Liberty Bridge, a suspension bridge spanning the Reedy
River, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Reedy River Falls and the
magnificent public gardens below.
The largest parks in the system is Cleveland Park,
a 122-acre site located along the Reedy River that features tennis courts,
softball fields, playground areas, a fitness trail and picnic shelters. A main
attraction at Cleveland Park is the
Greenville Zoo, an
exotic animal kingdom rated one of the best tourist attractions in South
Carolina. This 14-acre facility features wildlife from around the world
including giraffes, monkeys, giant tortoises and elephants. Visitors can also
enjoy one of the Zoo’s most popular exhibits, the Reptile Building, which is
home to a variety of lizards, frogs, turtles and snakes.
New Potential City Park
Draft Plan Available for Review
The City of Greenville held several public planning meetings on a potential park
that could be built near A.J. Whittenberg
Elementary School, the Kroc Center and in the area currently occupied by the
Public Works facility.
The City is considering relocating Public Works operations to another site
because the current facility is located within a flood zone. Periodic flooding
of the Public Works facility disrupts the City’s ability to respond to flood
emergencies and post-storm cleanup by rendering the facility unusable during
flood events. The City also incurs additional expense to cleanup and repair
damage to City facilities after each flood event.
Faciliated by Seamon Whiteside + Associates, the meetings provided the
community with the opportunity to generate discussion and collaborate on ideas
for the potential park.
Our Mission
The City of Greenville Parks and Recreation Department is committed to providing
diverse, exceptional and sustainable services to the community through
innovative and collaborative practices.
Find A Recreational Program Online
The Parks and Recreation Department has a convenient online portal to help you
find and register for city recreational programs. From sports to sewing, from
camps to child care - the city has options to fit your schedule and price range.
Visit the recreation program portal today at
play.greenvillesc.gov!
Tree Foundation
The City’s Tree Foundation program offers the general public the opportunity to
pay for the planting of new trees in our community. Possible locations may
include within a park, public open space, along a greenway, or adjacent to a
street. If you are a resident, business owner, or property owner interested in
trees being planted along your street, the planting must occur within an
existing space on public property.
More Information on
the Tree Foundation
Tree Pruning Guidelines
The purpose of the City of Greenville’s landscaping requirements is to provide
an aesthetically pleasing environment for property owners, residents and the
general public. In 2011, City Council revised the City’s Land Management
Ordinance, including Section 19-6.2 Landscaping, buffering, and screening, which
applies to all properties except those that are zoned single family residential.
Download Tree Pruning Guidelines
Program Instructors Needed
The City of Greenville Parks and Recreation Department is currently seeking
instructors to offer fun and exciting recreational and educational classes to
our community. Our department offers a wide variety of recreational programs to
citizens of all ages. These programs take place in city parks, community centers
and other locations.
Apply Online