The City of Belton celebrated the completion of a major redevelopment at Belton Landing on the Saluda River with a Monday ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Installation of an ADA-accessible kayak launch at Belton Landing and improved access and parking are the result of an ongoing partnership between the City of Belton, Anderson County, the Duke Energy Foundation and the Anderson County Legislative Delegation.
The project received a $100,000 grant from Duke Energy Foundation’s Water Resources Fund and a $35,000 grant from the SC PRT Parks and Recreation Development (PARD) program.
Belton Landing, which is owned and operated by the City of Belton, represents the third major improvement project along the Anderson County portion of the Saluda River Blue Trail in recent years. Conceived by a consortium of public entities, private sector interests, advocates for the physically challenged, environmental groups and other stakeholders, the Blue Trail enhances water recreational access for six South Carolina counties along the Saluda River.
Belton Landing serves as the southern anchor of a 20-mile segment of the Blue Trail in Anderson County that begins at Dolly Cooper Park in Powdersville and includes an access point in Pelzer. The Belton access is located about three miles south of Duke Energy’s new 750-megawatt combined-cycle natural gas plant at the W.S. Lee Station.
Over one million people live within 50 miles of the Belton access. The site’s convenient location makes it an attractive destination for kayakers, anglers, wildlife watchers and those seeking more passive recreational interests.
“The City of Belton is proud to host this facility and we look forward to meeting visitors from all across the nation,” said Belton Mayor Eleanor Dorn. “I am grateful to the Belton City Council and former Mayor Wendell Page for their efforts to move this project forward—we wouldn’t be here today without their support.”
During Monday’s ribbon-cutting event, Dorn, Anderson County Government Affairs and Special Projects Director Steve Newton and S.C. Rep. Jay West unveiled new signage naming the Saluda Access Park for S.C. Sen. Mike Gambrell, who told a story about growing up along the river and learning to ski on it.
“It is hard to overstate the importance of the Belton Landing project to our community,” said West, who represents House District 7. “The facility will not only serve to improve river access and provide economic stimulus to the Belton area, but will also raise awareness to the fundamental importance of preserving our pristine natural resources.”
Added Gambrell, “On behalf of the Anderson County Legislative Delegation, I congratulate the City of Belton on its efforts to provide sustainable, nature-based tourism and recreation opportunities.”
Dorn said that Phase 2 of Belton’s Saluda Access Park will include additional parking and a boat ramp.
