city of greenville sc
Department of Parks & Recreation
The Parks & Recreation Department offers a comprehensive system of parks, greenways,
public facilities and recreational choices that help enhance the quality of life
of its residents and visitors. Whether it’s enjoying a leisurely bike ride on the
city's expansive trail system, taking a picnic lunch to one of the City's popular
parks or spending the day with the family at the Greenville Zoo, the Parks & Recreation
Department provides a wide variety of year-round recreational choices to help you
enjoy the beauty of Greenville's outdoors.
Its Recreation division schedules and coordinates year-round athletic and youth
programs, operates five community centers that offer general leisure activities
and special summer programs.
One of the city's greatest attractions is its system of parks. The Parks & Recreation
Department maintains 39 parks occupying more than 500 acres of land within the city.
Falls Park, one of the city's most popular parks, serves as a centerpiece attraction
for Greenville. With its impressive Liberty Bridge, a suspension bridge spanning
the Reedy River, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Reedy River Falls and
the magnificent public gardens below.
The largest parks in the system is Cleveland Park, a 122-acre site located along
the Reedy River that features tennis courts, softball fields, playground areas,
a fitness trail and picnic shelters. A main attraction at Cleveland Park is the
Greenville Zoo, an exotic animal kingdom rated one of the best tourist attractions
in South Carolina. This 14-acre facility features wildlife from around the world
including giraffes, monkeys, giant tortoises and elephants. Visitors can also enjoy
one of the Zoo’s most popular exhibits, the Reptile Building, which is home to a
variety of lizards, frogs, turtles and snakes.