Unity Park Timeline: A look at how the historic Greenville park came to be

Unity Park, a vision more than a century in the making, officially opened in downtown Greenville in May 2022. On Wednesday night WYFF News 4 will take a look back at how the park came to be and explore how this new chapter in our community finally answered a promise from our past. WYFF News 4 has covered the journey from the naming of the park to the grand opening. Below you will find a video timeline of events:May 2022: The Unity Park grand openingRead more here or watch the videos below:Grand opening ceremony'It's so special': Greenville leaders, residents celebrate opening of Unity ParkUnity Park leader Mary Duckett talks about park's history, futureUnveiling of Unity Park signApril 2022: Greenville unveils new Unity Park plaza, honoring longtime community leaderBronze statue of Lila Mae Brock unveiled at the Lila Mae Brock Plaza in Unity Park at Hudson and West Washington Streets.March 2022: Unity Park surprises community leader with honorA 250,000 donation from Spero Financial went toward sponsoring the plaza at the center of Unity Park in honor of longtime community leader Mary Duckett. March 2022: Mayor, area businesses prepare for Unity Park to openMayor Knox White gives an update on the progress of the park construction. More here. October 2021: New bridge in Unity Park opens The Spinks Bridge at Unity Park opened early to pedestrians and bikers.August 2021: Second bridge over Reedy River at Greenville's Unity Park set in placeThe second pedestrian bridge over downtown Greenville's Reedy River arrives. July 2021: First new bridge installed in Unity ParkHudson Bridge is first of three to be installed in Unity ParkFebruary 2021: Greenville donates land near Unity Park for affordable housingCity council voted to donate nearly six acres of property to the Greenville Housing Fund.July 2020: New affordable housing project calls for demolition near Unity ParkThe City of Greenville is partnering with local property owners to make room for 26 new, affordable homes.March 2020: Funding approved for Unity ParkGreenville City Council approved $38 million to fund Unity ParkJanuary 2020: Unity Park Vendor Fair City Invites Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Owners to Unity Park Vendor FairJanuary 2020: Greenville unveils Unity Park Neighborhood DistrictThe city of Greenville is taking another big step in the development of Unity Park along the Reedy River in downtown.January 2020: Plans finalized for Unity ParkJune 2019: Unity Park project receives largest contribution to dateMichelin announced that it would give $1 million to the project.May 2019: Demolition day at Unity Park in Downtown GreenvilleMarch 2019: Community organizer says Unity Park could create divisionGreenville man claims lack of affordable housing in the city is hurting familiesOctober 2018: Greenville City council tours future site of Unity Park May 2018: The city of Greenville announces new 60 acre park on the westside of downtown and the name will be Unity Park. Make sure to watch Chronicle: Unity Park on Wednesday at 8 p.m.The special features local stories told by WYFF News 4’s Carol Clarke, Nigel Robertson, and Gabrielle Komorowski. WYFF News 4’s nationally acclaimed anchor Jane Robelot contributes stories and hosts the special. After it debuts on WYFF 4, viewers will be able to stream the program anytime on Very Local. The app can be downloaded for free on Roku & Amazon Fire TV.What's next? Greenville fireworks celebration set for July 4 BY THE NUMBERS:60-acre park22 months of construction$66 million investment from city (planning, design, property acquisition, construction, utility undergrounding)$10 million in private donations750 trees planted, 200+ tress preserved4 major play areas