By Al Dozier
Rawls Creek Park will become an “inclusive playground and interactive art project” with a financial boost of $140,000 approved by the Irmo Town Council at the Jan. 28 meeting.
The park site will have site renovations. The upgrades include new landscaping and new playground equipment designed to make the entire area safe and inclusive for young people.
Speaking in support of the project, Stacy Atkinson, a community advocate for the Irmo area, said the park would become a “state of the art customized playground” with the renovations. She said it will “create a sanctuary” for children.
The recreational facility includes a community garden, two dog parks, a skate park, a walking trail, and a basketball court, all enclosed within a gated area
The park is located at 1113 Friarsgate Blvd. Park hours are 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. daily.
In other action the council gave first reading to an ordinance to annex .52 acres located at 6375 St. Andrews Road, and to rezone the site from Neighborhood Commercial to General Commercial. Burgin Roofing is located at the site.
The council also adopted a resolution outlining the town’s updated safety policy. The policy was recommended by the town’s safety committee, which has been researching regulations to make the town safer.
In other action the council approved a contract with LCK, a real estate development company, to perform Project Management Services for the new Town Hall Project. This clears the way for Phase Two of the $5 million project.
The council also approved a contract with Arnett-Muldrow for a Wayfinding and Signage Design Plan in the amount of $17,250. The contract would begin the process of designing a comprehensive town-wide signage plan, which would include directional signs. In addition to town signs, it would include banners, wraps and neighborhood signs.
The council approved an extension of the contract with inspection company CC&I to perform permitting inspection services for the town.
The council also approved the 2025 Okra Strut Budget in the amount of $144,000.
Entertainment contracts approved for the Sept. 26-27 event included $6,500 for the Root Doctors and $19,000 for Cowboy Mouth. The council also approved a contract with Custom Audio & Lighting in the amount of $16,000 to provide production services.
According to an update on the festival, the event will not include a night-time event for Saturday, but end in the late afternoon. The change was designed to reduce costs for the event.
In other action, The Postal Hub was recognized as Irmo’s Small Business of the Month.
The council also approved a proclamation honoring Dutch Fork High School as the 2024 South Carolina State 5A Football Champions.
A proclamation was also approved recognizing Melissa Hall Little for her work as sponsor of “Gift for Grands”.
The following new in-town businesses recognized: Midlands Boat & RV Storage, 10019 Broad River Road; Oceanic Counseling Group, 7520 Irmo Drive; Embrace Home Care Agency, 7803 St. Andrews Road.
Harbison West Elementary School was recognized in the “School Showcase” of the month. Dr. Thomas Turner, principal, delivered a report on the school’s Gifted and Talent Development Magnet programs.
During the Community Connections agenda, Councilwoman Barb Waldman announced the following upcoming events: Winter Wellness Series; Irmo’s Black History Exhibit; Community Meeting at Friarsgate Park; Health Fair 2025; Summer Enrichment Camp Expo; S.C. Career Kids Spring Camp.
The council approved the appointment of Cynthia Giles to Irmo’s Events Committee.
Photos from Town of Irmo Facebook
