The City of Manning will break ground Thursday on the Church Street Town Centre & Venue, a long-planned community park and event space aimed at creating a new civic hub in the city’s downtown area.
The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at the cleared lot on Church Street, adjacent to the Clarendon County Voter Registration and Elections office at 3 S. Church St. City officials, project partners and community leaders are expected to attend.
Planning for the project began in 2023 after the city secured $1,699,500 in state funding with assistance from former Rep. Kimberly Johnson and Sen. Kevin Johnson. An additional $250,000 was awarded through the South Carolina Department of Commerce, according to the City of Manning.
The Church Street Town Centre & Venue will be developed on a 3.5-acre city-owned site bordered by Church Street, East Huggins Street and Allendale Street, near the Clarendon County Health Department. City officials say the centrally located property will be easily accessible for residents and visitors and will support a wide range of community activities.
Planned amenities include a 35-by-40-foot covered stage designed for concerts, performances and community events, along with a 40-by-100-foot open-air pavilion that can accommodate festivals, public celebrations and gatherings. The project also includes modern restroom facilities and a splash pad for family-friendly recreation.
Additional features planned for the park include lighted concrete walkways, decorative fencing, shaded seating areas with benches, water fountains and a rain garden designed to manage stormwater runoff. A playground with ADA-accessible provisions is also planned to ensure inclusive use for children of all abilities.
Safety and infrastructure improvements are also part of the project, including strategically placed security cameras, lighted park signage with a message board, and parking upgrades. Plans call for new pervious parking areas to reduce runoff, along with resurfaced asphalt parking for improved durability and convenience.
Design and construction contract administration for the project is being provided by Hybrid Engineering Inc. of Columbia. Trident Veteran Contractors Inc. of Mount Pleasant has been awarded the $1,515,500 construction contract, according to city officials.
City leaders have described the Church Street Town Centre & Venue as a long-term investment in Manning’s future, noting that public parks play an important role in economic development, public health and community connection. Officials say the space is intended to support local businesses, encourage active lifestyles and provide a central gathering place for cultural and civic events.
Construction began in January, with completion anticipated by mid to late summer 2026, according to the City of Manning.
