Safety Maintenance to Temporarily Close Portions of Gracely Park

The City of Simpsonville has announced that portions of Gracely Park will be temporarily closed starting next week as crews work to remove several hazardous trees that pose a safety risk to visitors.

Beginning the week of May 11, city contractors will remove seven trees that have been identified as dying due to disease and insect damage. According to city officials, the structural integrity of these trees has been severely compromised, creating a significant risk of falling limbs or total tree failure.

The removals are concentrated in high-traffic areas of the park, with six trees located within the playground area and one situated near the basketball court.

The city stated in a public notice that the risk of injury posed by the trees necessitates the temporary closure of the playground so contractors can safely complete the work. While the playground and immediate work zones will be cordoned off, the remainder of Gracely Park is expected to remain open to the public.

Recognizing the loss of natural canopy, city staff are already looking toward the future of the park’s landscape. Officials noted that they are currently evaluating the installation of shade structures for the playground to provide relief from the sun. Additionally, the city is planning a community tree-planting event for this fall to help restore the park’s greenery.

City officials emphasized their commitment to keeping Gracely Park safe and enjoyable for the community in both the present and future.

Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to the city’s official social media channels for further updates on the progress of the work and details regarding the upcoming fall planting event.