Cleveland Park Master Plan

Improving habitat and water quality in Greenville's historic 120-acre park ensures sustainable and vibrant growth for generations to come.

Considered by many to be Greenville’s “city park,” Cleveland Park spans more than 120 acres along the Reedy River and Richland Creek. The park’s popularity has resulted in stormwater impacts, which has adversely impacted water quality, riparian buffer quality, and habitat integrity in and along Reedy River and Richland Creek. Biohabitats teamed with MKSK Landscape Architects to develop a park master plan, provide natural resource and stormwater consulting services, and guide Cleveland Park to a more sustainable future.

Biohabitats conducted a stream corridor assessment to characterize instream aquatic habitat features, streambank incision and stability, riparian buffer vegetation composition, invasive species, visible stormwater outfalls, jurisdictional wetlands, wetland condition, and any rare wildlife species in the area. A GIS landscape ecology analysis identified wildlife habitat patches and corridors within and adjacent to the park to maintain wildlife mobility and connectivity. Biohabitats’ report describes the park’s natural resources and the challenges they face. It provides recommendations for managing invasive species and enhancing riparian buffers and identifies locations for potential stormwater retrofits.

Cleveland Park showcases Greenville’s commitment to sustainability and future generations by the wise management of the river corridor and its tributaries, and the enhancement of forest and stream habitats, while also providing open space for active recreation and enjoyment.