A groundbreaking ceremony was held today on the front lawn of the Carol Clement Children’s Garden & Playground.
Clement, who died last year, was active in the YMCA with devotion to its cause and community. She served on numerous YMCA boards and impacted many lives with her dedication, stewardship, and friendship.
"Carol was a caring friend to so many of us, a model volunteer, and a constant source of inspiration through the way she loved others and supported the causes she cared most about,” Scot Baddley, President, and CEO of YMCA Greenville said.
The playground is part of the Friends of Reedy River environmental enhancements and stewardship program.
“The garden will offer our community a place for families to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, all in keeping with the way Carol lived her life,” said longtime friend Martha McKissick, “She loved her family, she loved children, she loved beauty, and she loved the YMCA.”
The garden and playground space will include a playground, a rain garden, a dry streambed and landscape enhancements.
The Carol Clement Children’s Garden is one of several environmental elements that makes up a master plan to protect the Reedy River, educate the next generation of environmental stewards and enhance the community.
In addition to the Children’s Garden, other elements under construction in coordination with Friends of the Reedy River include the YMCA Spirit Center Amphitheater scheduled for a May dedication, several rain gardens, river access areas, science stations, and playgrounds.