Pick-A-Park: Edisto Discover Park and Neighborhood Center

This park was pretty great. There were many wonderful aspects. All equipment was new and well maintained. We didn't come for the splash pad, but it looks pretty neat! There are palm trees in case you can't make that out in the picture.

Splash Pad

We hadn't come for the splash pad. We came with a picnic. Unfortunately, there were no picnic tables. I suppose we could have eaten on the tables in the community center, but the boss would have none of it! We ended up eating our picnic while sitting on the floor of the neighborhood center's porch. This was the ONLY shaded area in the park.

Neighborhood Center

After lunch we went exploring. Smoke Bomb was very excited about the playground. He was very brave and had many personal successes in bravery. It wouldn't be an appropriate playground for any children who are not sure footed. It probably meant for kids 6 and over.

Playground

Next, we went to explore the "Dino Dig Area." There was a neat little play thing that you could make music with (see left side of picture). Where are the dinosaurs you ask? All dug up apparently. It's just a sand pit now. 

Dino Dig Area

Next up? Swings. My little man hasn't quite gathered the guts to ride regular swings and insisted on the baby swing. The latch was broken, but honestly - it was overkill for Smoke Bomb anyway.

Baby Swing

Swings

Man is it HOT in South Carolina!! We had to take a break in the neighborhood center. This center was GREAT! There were tables, a TV, two computers, foosball table, billard table, books, puzzles, games, snack/drink machines, and CLEAN bathrooms! We hung out and played many games and watched some TV while we cooled off. There were other boys from around the neighborhood hanging out. Most of them were in middle or high school. One even joined us in a game of Candy Land. A lady from Parks & Rec showed up and told them they could set up a flag football game and they got super excited! In no time, they were set up with Gatorade and everything! I'm not exactly sure if it was city sponsored, but it should have been!

Overall this park was pretty great. We even took Smoke Bomb's bike out of the trunk. He tooled about on the walking track.

Happy Exploring!

Pick-A-Park: Granby Park

Granby Park is part of the Three Rivers Greenway. Despite my GPS' interesting navigation, the entrance to the park was lovely. The gardens were well maintained and gorgeous. I loved the community garden aspect; however, it doesn't appear to be utilized. 

Community Garden Area

The community garden allows for residents without yards to grow their own produce. For only $20 per year, a Columbia resident can have a 10x20 box and all the water and compost necessary. Seems like a great deal to me! 

Just down from the community garden is the bathrooms. This is one of my most desired aspects of parks in Columbia. Sojourning with a toddler can mean unpredictable and emergent potty needs!

Bathroom House

Now, I've never been in jail or prison; however, I am fairly certain the toilets in this bathroom are the same as you might find there. They were metal and the flusher was a button in the wall. The bathrooms were obviously not as well maintained as the gardens. They did work in a pinch though.

Smoke Bomb was very opinionated about this park. In fact, he insists that it is NOT a park at all as there was no playground. I have to agree. It shouldn't be called a park at all. Just calling it Granby Greenway Pass might be more accurate. If you are looking for a place to walk, run or bike - it is a great fit. My little man was not too excited about this. But I think I captured a pretty good fake smile. 

Creative mommy skills had to be utilized in order to get a decent look at the area for me to report to you guys. If you turn right from the sign you see above, you can find foot access to the river. There is a little bank with a felled tree that made for interesting exploring. 

River view from end of foot path

There was a couple with their dog playing in the river near the felled tree. I would not suggest it. See below.

"Bacteria levels have exceeded state standards. Swimming here may make you sick"

There was a cute little gathering area that a group might want to use (a church group perhaps). There are 3 long benches and a podium. 

I do not have much else to say about this "park." I will simply share some pictures to give you a better idea of what to expect when you get there. 

Gathering Area with Podium

Picnic Tables

Bugs can make this "park" fun

Some of the trees are labeled

It is fun to scrape the flaky bark off the trees