The Cleveland Park playground by the Greenville Zoo is open again after a $3 million rebuild, with play areas for ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12 and a wider Swamp Rabbit Trail.

The playground in Cleveland Park, next to the Greenville Zoo, is open again. The city rebuilt it for $3 million, and the work also widened the Swamp Rabbit Trail where it passes the play areas.

Mayor Knox White and council members Wil Brasington, Ken Gibson and Tina Belge cut the ribbon Wednesday, Oct. 21, the city said in its announcement.

The old playground was 17 years old and had been damaged by Hurricane Helene, Brasington said.

What is new at the playground

The city said the rebuilt playground has:

  • a play area for children ages 2 to 5
  • a second play area for ages 5 to 12
  • a ninja-style obstacle course for older children it calls “tweens”
  • a “Seek and Find” trail with 13 zoo animals to spot
  • educational panels on 10 species, and animal-themed play pieces for younger children
  • new shelters, water fountains, bike parking and landscaping

On the Swamp Rabbit Trail, the city widened the path beside the playground from 12 feet to 16 feet. It also added features to slow bikes near the play areas.

How it was paid for

The federal Land and Water Conservation Fund put in $500,000, the city said. The rest came from the city’s hospitality tax, trail funding and its Neighborhood Infrastructure Bond. The city’s announcement does not break down the other shares.

What the city said

“We are coming up on the 100th anniversary of Cleveland Park. This is the second oldest park in the City after McPherson,” Mayor Knox White said.

“It is absolutely amazing how much playground equipment has evolved through the years,” said Ken Gibson, the District 3 council member. “When I was a kid all we had was swings, monkey bars and a merry-go-round.”

Brasington, who represents District 4, said the project is “part of our commitment to create more inclusive play opportunities.”

What it means for you

  • The playground is open now. It sits beside the Greenville Zoo in Cleveland Park, 150 Cleveland Park Drive.
  • Cycling the trail? Expect slower sections by the play areas, where the path is now 16 feet wide.
  • Toddlers and older children have separate spaces. The 2-to-5 area is apart from the 5-to-12 area.
  • Questions: Parks and Recreation, 864-467-4355.

For the rest of the city’s parks, see our guide to parks and trails in Greenville. For more ideas with children, see kids’ activities and things to do.