Cancer Survivors Park Alliance (CSPA) is a 501-c3 nonprofit organization operating in partnership with the City of Greenville and landowners Naturaland Trust and ReWa and conservation partner Upstate Forever.
CSPA secured over $11Million private and public donations that built the 6.8 acre park in downtown Greenville along the Swamp Rabbit Trail. In 2018, the Park was gifted to the City of Greenville. The City’s Parks and Recreation Department provides vital ongoing support and maintenance and CSPA assists financially with projects within the Cancer Survivors Park (CSP) such as the Reedy River Bank Erosion Mitigation Project.
The Mission Statement of CSPA is “to serve as a catalyst for collaborative activities designed to engage, educate, empower and enhance the lives of all those touched by cancer.” We also maintain a sustainability focus to ensure the Cancer Survivors Park remains the enduring central hub where these activities happen.
2024’s Hurricane Helene caused extensive damage to CSP’s riverbank area in the Healing Garden. The resulting erosion has contributed to tree failure and is threatening to undermine a walking path on top of the bank.
CSPA has retained the service of environmental engineering firm, Jennings Environmental LLC who will restore the river bank using environmentally friendly material and techniques. CSPA has paid for the initial surveys and permitting and contracted with a qualified contractor, North State Environmental to install bank treatment under supervision of the design team. Construction will include a new nature footpath.
Total project costs are estimated to be $335,000. CSPA has raised most of this money from private donations and generous support from a SC Department of Resilience Grant. The project will begin in March 2026 and be complete by or before June 2026.
Restoration Impact
- Preservation of Park land and important elements: Such as the Healing Garden designed by Clemson landscaping and horticulture students with thoughtful use of South Carolina native plants selected for their healing properties
- Water Quality Improvement: Reduction in sediment load to the Reedy River, contributing to regional watershed goals.
- Habitat restoration: Stabilized riparian corridor with native vegetation supporting pollinators and wildlife.
- Community resilience: Reduced floodplain erosion and downstream sediment buildup.
