‘Transformative’ project could bring miles of walking trails to Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach could soon be the latest in a string of U.S. cities to transform abandoned railroad lines into walking trails.

Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune and Downtown Development Office Executive Assistant Brian Schmitt presented a proposal for a 2.5-mile trail Thursday to the Horry County Transportation and Economic Development Committee. Part of a network called “Rails to Trails” which has done similar work in cities across the country, the hope is that the project will bolster health, economic development and transportation in the area.

“First of all, health. Trails really promote and enhance public health and wellness for all ages, but the best part is they’re handicap-friendly,” Bethune said. “In looking at transportation and livability, there is a growing movement of people who want to live and work near a trail corridor.”

Beginning where 9th Avenue North meets the ocean and heading northwest past Grissom Parkway, the proposed path cuts through the city’s planned arts and innovations district, which is part of Myrtle Beach’s plan to redevelop downtown.

At the trail head, city officials are looking to create a city plaza complete with a children’s museum, a public library and an art museum in the heart of downtown near the Myrtle Beach Train Depot. The buildings housing the children’s museum and library are also set to include residential units.

Bethune said the plan could be “transformative” for the city, and adding residential units would help attract people to live in work in downtown Myrtle Beach.

Schmitt compared the Myrtle Beach plans to similar projects near Greenville and Charleston, adding the 22-mile GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail has connected people to their community in a unique way. Similar to the Myrtle Beach plan, businesses line the Swamp Rabbit Trail, which Schmitt said added a level of personal investment.

“These folks, just the same, are really investing their space into accommodating the trail,” Schmitt said.

The trail is also meant to bring economic growth to the area, with $1.37 million coming back to the city for each $1 million spent.

In total, the plan is projected to cost between $1.3 and $1.9 million and the city plans to fund it through grants and sponsorships, according to Bethune. She said Horry County wouldn’t be responsible for any of the cost.

“We are really looking at something that is not a pie-in-the-sky project, we are looking at something that is very achievable,” Bethune said.

“Those total output numbers look great, we really are excited about the (ongoing impacts),” Schmitt said.

Before it’s certain the project will happen, the city and county need to come to an agreement. Bethune said she doesn’t have a specific timeline in mind, but said the city will be ready to start work “right away” once the two entities give the green light.

This story was originally published September 10, 2020 at 3:22 PM.