The Byerly foundation has improved several areas in Hartsville, and now they’re working to help young professionals by adding new additions.
“We can help everybody collaborate, lots of things can be done,” said Richard Puffer, executive director of Byerly foundation.
The private foundation wants to attract more people to Hartsville by redeveloping surrounding areas to improve education, social needs, and economic growth.
“Expanding our retail downtown area into this area called the Canal district. So we can get different types of businesses. There’s already a new brewery set to open in that area in the next nine months to a year,” said Puffer.
Part of this expansion project also includes the updated park for children with disabilities.
“We have swings that are adaptive. We have one that you can roll a wheelchair right inside. The playground equipment you see behind me has double hand rails. So children with any disability are welcome to come out here and play,” said Lauren Baker, public information officer for the city of Hartsville.
Garrison’s Place playground opened their doors back in 2014, but city officials decided to renovate to give all children an opportunity to play together.
“We’re always looking to do things to improve the quality of life for our residents,” said Baker.
The project cost roughly $180,000 and was also given a matching grant from the land and water conversation fund.
The foundation’s mission is to help Hartsville become a family community.
“By having the Byerly foundation it means that the mayor, city council, city manager could dream and find ways to make this happen,” said Puffer.
If you would like to learn about upcoming projects the Byerly foundation has, click here.
