If you’ve lived in the South long enough, you’ve probably heard the term “New South.” First coined in the late 1800s by a newspaper editor in Atlanta, the term was used to describe the need to move away from an agrarian economy to one grounded in factories, mines and mills.
This would eventually allow the south to compete with the more industrialized northern states. Although the shift took awhile to take hold, there were certainly companies that helped move the southern economy in a different direction. One of those companies was Springs Industries based in Fort Mill.
Founded in 1887 by Samuel Elliott White and originally named Fort Mill Manufacturing Company, Springs Industries became a leading textile manufacturer in South Carolina. Over time, the company purchased or established multiple leisure options for their employees including; bowling alleys, swimming pools, golf courses, beach and mountain resorts and more. Some of these are still active in our community today, the most prominent being the Springfield and Fort Mill golf courses.
Leroy Springs and Company was founded by Colonel Elliott White Springs and named in honor of his father. Originally established in 1938 to provide financial assistance for college bound students in the community, the decline of the textile industry afforded an opportunity for a change in how the company could continue to service the community. This led to a new mission: “provide affordable, quality recreational, educational and community activities and facilities in the communities we serve.”
Since Leroy Springs and Company assumed ownership in 1995, the Anne Springs Close Greenway fits closely with this revised mission and opportunity to serve the community. Comprising 2,100 acres, the Greenway is a piece of land held by the Nation Ford Land Trust. Unlike other acreage in Fort Mill and the surrounding area, the trust ensures this land will not be developed beyond low impact recreation.
One low impact example is the Greenway Canteen, which opened in 2019. Serving as part welcome center, part lunch/dinner spot, the canteen offers a menu featuring sandwiches and salads as well as beer, wine and other beverage/dessert items. Referring to Anne Springs as “the best kept secret in Fort Mill,”Elizabeth Bowers, head of Marketing and Fundraising for Leroy Springs and Company, used the welcome center and canteen as a reason the Greenway has experienced 110% growth post COVID.
It seems the secret is definitely getting out. The Greenway now serves 55,000 people and 18,000 families in the area. Along with the Greenway, Leroy Springs and Company also manages the popular Flyers after school program. Started in 1989 with 1 site, the program now includes 1,000 children across 11 sites.
With the pandemic and increase in memberships, capital campaigns have been established to continue making improvements and building additional recreational activities to delight visitors. Along with the canteen, a forest playground and children’s farm are two of the more prominent offerings on the horizon. Built with kids and their creativity in mind, the Greenway partnered with engineers from NC State to design a natural learning playground space that will allow kids the freedom to explore in a safe and controlled outdoor environment.
Although a children’s farm exists today by the equestrian or stables entrance, Elizabeth was quick to repeat the word “modest” more than once to describe the current offering. Improvements to the type of animals that will be onsite (alpacas, ducks, chickens and even a miniature cow are being purchased) along with a new ADA trail will provide more for kids to do. The trail will be both wheelchair and stroller friendly, allowing busy Moms and wheelchair bound kids and adults to enjoy the experience.
For those of you who like to spend more for your dollar, you can pay a daily admission fee of $12 per adult whenever you visit the Greenway. For anyone else looking to spend more wisely, go with the family plan. A great deal, it costs only $12 per month for your entire family. Whether you have 2 kids or 12, the cost doesn’t go up or change. This provides you access to walking trails, canoe rentals, beautiful lakes and of course, the wonderful canteen mentioned earlier.
Contrary to popular belief, the Greenway is not owned or funded by the city of Fort Mill and is open to non Fort Mill residents as well. A private organization, it relies on corporate gifts, donations and of course, admission fees from families. Their ability to grow has been made possible by community support and donations from companies in the area. In fact, one such company actually relocated from Charlotte to Fort Mill in large part because of the Greenway.
Now in her tenth year working at the Greenway, Elizabeth loves what she does. “I want my work to matter, you see that a lot here.” (“spillway” photo credit: visityorkcounty.com).
Having given away over $1.1 million dollars in financial assistance to needy families since 2018, Leroy Springs and Company has certainly made an indelible impression on our community.
Take a hike.
No, seriously, take a hike through Anne Springs Close Greenway. Once you’re done, grab a bite to eat or enjoy a cocktail at the canteen. As you look around at all that nature has to offer while your kids are having the time of their lives on the new playground, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t joined sooner. Should the best kept secrets really be shared after all?
Good question. Maybe sitting by a rolling stream, taking a quiet walk in the woods or gazing into an open field of beautiful grass would help you find the answer.
I’ve got just the place.
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