Waccamaw Community Foundation Presents City of Conway A $26,625 Knight Foundation Grant

The Waccamaw Community Foundation, the Grand Strand’s leading philanthropic organization, presented the City of Conway a $26,625 Knight Foundation Grant at Monday’s City Council meeting to complete a pathways and trails study.

Home to nearly 30,000 people, Conway is one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, but its trail system is lacking, limiting the ability of residents to safely bike and walk. The pathways and trails study will help the city prioritize where trails are most needed.

The study will be completed in 2022 so a full plan can be completed with accurate price estimates. Total cost to fund the study is $55,000. The City of Conway has committed $28,375 while the Knight Foundation Grant is covering the remaining $26,625.

Conway City Administrator Adam Emrick said, “The City of Conway is grateful to the Waccamaw Community Foundation and John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Donor Advised Fund for their continued support. This partnership has made it possible to allow the City of Conway to improve itself. The Knight Foundation’s emphasis on transformational projects is a shared goal. The city will continue to use the Downtown Conway and Trails and Pathway Masterplans to create a more inspired and engaged community. Our hope is that the investments in these plannings projects will result in great outcomes.”

One of the goals of the plan is to connect all destinations within the city via trails. This may include a pedestrian bridge over the Waccamaw River to link downtown Conway to Coastal Carolina University.

“The Waccamaw Community Foundation is excited to partner with the City of Conway to help find support for crucial project like the Trails and Pathway Masterplan. Bringing our Region together is a top priority for the Foundation. By connecting Conway with Coastal Carolina University, this innovative trail project will improve the quality of life and increase economic vitality for the region. Through our many Fundholders like the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, we are able to deploy funds to bring visions to life."

The Knight Foundation Fund at Waccamaw Community Foundation invests in civic innovators who address the following funding priorities: (1) help cities attract and keep talented people; (2) expand economic opportunity; and (3) create a culture of engagement. The Fund seeks to support innovations at the local, grassroots level.