Cater’s Lake Overhaul Debut Shows Off Changes
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
The wind was cold, but the fellowship of Anderson leaders and engaged citizens made for a warm welcome to the newly rebuilt Cater’s Lake Park.
“We took a 100-year-old piece of land and turned it into another magnificent part of our city,” said Anderson Mayor Terence Roberts.
The $5.8 million renovations, funded largely by the city’s hospitality tax, include walking trails, vast landscaping (50,000 plants, including 9,500 daffodils), environmentally friendly islands in the pond for the ducks/geese, a covered bridge architectural structure to improve visuals, additional areas for picnic tables and grassy play areas. The city also worked with the South Carolina Department of Transportation to turn Hiawatha Drive into a cul-de-sac, to increase safety in the area as well.
City Councilman Jeff Roberts, who represents the area where the park is located, said Cater’s Lake improvements have long been a part of his goals and vision for the city noting how the park has been an integral part of his own history.
“There is something special about Cater's Lake,” said Roberts. “I recall as a little boy coming to the park with my family. We would bring a bag of stale white bread. and feed the ducks and the fish. And now my children have done the same thing and I have six grandchildren that I'm sure will do the same thing as well. So it's generational.”
Roberts said its setting, its tranquility, the wildlife and new covered bridge structure will add to that legacy.
“We have so many visitors here,” said City Manager David McCuen, including many that actually commute into the community that use this space for lunch and during the day as a public space for leisure and relaxation. We also have so many schools that come here and visit this space, and they come here and take a tour, have a picnic, and enjoy the space as well. So, as we enter spring, we know. that there'll be so many people out here enjoying the space.”
McCuen said the rebuilt Cater’s Lake is part of a larger vision planned for the city, a vision he credited the mayor, other city council members and the entire team of city employees to make a reality.
