Irmo Holds Public Hearing on New Town Park

Irmo Town Council held a public hearing on a resolution "directing the town attorney to negotiate a purchase contract" for 14.34 acres of land that some hope would be used for a new town park. 

Council member Barry A. Walker Sr., who presented the resolution at the council's Jan. 17 meeting, said the land is in keeping with the development of green spaces.

“Irmo has almost doubled its size, its land mass,” Walker said. “We haven’t planned for any green space.”

“One of the things we have to keep in mind as the town grows, as much as we’ve been growing, is green space. We have an opportunity to get 14 acres in the heart of Irmo for around $200,000. It’s a win-win situation for us.”

The land in question, which at one point was going for $230,000, is in the Eastview Drive area and near the Old Friarsgate subdivision.

Officials say the land purchase would not cause any new taxes and the town would use its savings to foot the bill.

With the creation of the town park, officials say the following is proposed:

• Added police patrols in and around the park
• Walking trails throughout
• Playground area
• Gardens
• Large pavilion for community activities and entertainment

Proponents say the park would increase property values, improve infrastructure and adhere to strict tree protection laws.

Walker said he would like to see an amphitheater in park for concerts and for the park to be home to family and community events.

Even the Okra Strut Festival can use the location, but Walker insists that’s not the reason for the land.

“They can use this property,” Walker said. “I’m not saying that’s what it’s specifically for. It’s specifically for building a new park. The Okra Strut certainly can take advantage of it as well as community organizations.”

Mayor Hardy King hasn’t made a decision whether he would support the park or not.

“A lot of depends on what we’re using it for and how much is it going to cost,” King said. “And if it’s worth it to the citizens.”

King said he is proposing the council have a work session at the end of February to discuss the land as well as other lots that may be available.

Four members of the community voiced their opinions during the public hearing.

Irmo resident George Glassmeyer said he opposes the creation of a new town park.

In fact, Glassmeyer said, he was opposed to the town’s first park on Lexington Avenue and he doesn't want town money to be spent building a second one.

He also said he thinks the land would be used for the permanent home of the Okra Strut Festival – an idea he doesn’t want to see happen.

“While no one has said this, I have very strong suspicions that the big part of the motive to purchase this lot is to have a permanent home for the Okra Strut,” Glassmeyer said.

Glassmeyer also questioned the addition of police saying it would cost taxpayers either in money or a lack of police force in other areas.

“You don’t get nothing for nothing,” he said. “Somebody’s got to pay for that or you’ve got to borrow from Peter to pay Paul, which means you’re going to have less police patrol in other areas in the town.”

An increase in traffic is a big concern for Sarah Bowman who lives near the proposed park area.

Bowman said she was happy with the town's current park and had concerns about the impact the park would have on homes in the area.

Walker said having a park in one’s backyard isn’t a bad thing and that it would only add more value to a property.

“We’re not going to do anything that’s going to take away from the existing homeowners’ property value or property.”

Do you think Irmo should have another park? Take our poll and tell us in the comments why you chose your answer.