Greenville Co. leaders plea for help to preserve historical park

GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – A Greenville County non-profit and city council members are asking for the public’s help to maintain a historical park.

Chairman of the Greenville Textile Heritage Society Don Harkins is hoping to raise $20,000 to continue renovating Greenville Textile Heritage Park and add greenspace along with water fountains.

“We experienced growing up in the mill village, and we love to share that, and we want to expand that,” said Harkins. “It’s quite costly to have the grounds, six acres, cut and manicured twice a month, and so, we need all the help that we can get from the public.”

The six-acre park has more than a dozen markers that help tell Greenville’s history from 100 years ago when it was a mill town.

“It’s something that is needed in the community. There have been other council persons who have contributed to this park and this fund over the years,” said Greenville County councilmember Alan Mitchell, who is a partner in the renovation project.

“This is something that will benefit this community. It’ll benefit residents from the city. It’ll benefit residents from the county.”

Harkins told 7NEWS that the money they raise will also support the society in their newest venture,  which will be to open a textile heritage museum.

“Wanting to get the word out about the history of Greenville, what made Greenville great. And at one time Greenville was known as the textile center of the world,”  Harkins also said.

Anyone interested in learning more about the project and assisting with efforts can reach the society directly at (864) 201-5875.

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