Clinton Canopy, Community Mark Latest Milestones at Miller’s Fork

Clinton Canopy, local leaders, and residents gathered Monday at Miller’s Fork to mark the latest improvements to the trail and picnic area, highlighting years of public-private partnerships that have transformed a utility right of way into a thriving outdoor destination.

Clinton Canopy President Susan Galloway led remarks at the event, reflecting on the persistence and determination that have driven the project forward since its earliest days. Under Galloway’s leadership, Clinton Canopy has been a driving force behind the development and continued improvement of Miller’s Fork, volunteering countless hours and pursuing every available funding opportunity to bring the vision to life. A ribbon cutting was followed by refreshments sponsored by Heather Tiller of Berkshire Hathaway.

Miller’s Fork has been a work in progress since 2013, when Steve Timmons of Central Realty brought the trail concept to then-City Manager Frank Stovall. After two unsuccessful attempts at federal grant funding, the project secured money to move forward, and a ribbon cutting was held in 2021.

Since then, Clinton Canopy has logged many hours developing the picnic area, and grant funding from multiple sources has steadily added amenities. The Laurens County Fair Foundation funded the stairs in one of its earliest grants. An A-Tax grant from the county and materials donated by Parks and Recreation paid for concrete pads, while picnic tables were funded through a city A-Tax grant and additional Parks and Rec donations. A pavilion was constructed using a grant from the Bailey Foundation and county A-Tax funds, and a new kiosk was added with support from a city A-Tax grant.

A new grant from the Laurens County Fair Foundation will help fund accessible parking at the site in the future.

One of the standouts of the event was the announcement of a new trail map developed in partnership with Clinton High School’s graphic arts program. Students submitted 27 designs, and the winning design by student Bethany Barber was selected. Barber continued refining the map through multiple rounds of revisions even after completing her grade for the course.

“She was diligent. She stuck with us, she was patient with all of our tweaks,” Galloway said.

Barber and her teacher, Brittni Johnson, were recognized at the ceremony. The map was recently installed on the kiosk and will also be available online.

Laurens County Administrator Jerre Threatt, who was involved with the project during his time as assistant city manager, reflected on what the effort has meant to the area.

“It’s really nice to sit back and see the dreaming, the tenacity, the determination that Susan Galloway and Clinton Canopy had to really put this place together,” Threatt said.

Clinton City Manager Joey Meadors, who served as Director of Public Works during construction, expressed optimism about what lies ahead.

“I’m happy to see this project to this stage and look forward to what it will provide for the community and those visiting the area,” Meadors said.

Galloway also thanked Jeff Windsor of Public Works and Andy Howard and staff from Laurens County Parks and Recreation for their continued support of the project.

Miller’s Fork is open to the public, and the community looks forward to seeing continued beautification at the site, driven by Clinton Canopy and the public-private partnerships that made this remarkable project possible.