Cayce, SC (Jimmy Poluszek) - The Cayce Riverwalk received a welcome addition to its already beautiful scenery last year. A local artist was commissioned by the Cayce Beautification Foundation to carve sculptures of animals from the trunks of fallen trees. All along the pathway, visitors can now find various carvings of animals made entirely from the wooden trunks,mingled amongst the natural foliage.
The carving you’ll likely come across first is that of a large, curled up brown bear. He looks as if he’s taking a nap in the warm, mid-day sun. This can easily be seen from the parking lot at the entrance to the walkway. Further down the path, you can find a sculpture of an alligator, a raccoon, or a fox. Other sculptures include an owl and a lizard, which can be found as you stroll along the path.
The artist responsible for these works of art is Wade Geddings, who is known locally as “The Chainsaw Carver of the Carolinas.” All of the trunks used to make these sculptures had died from natural causes, showing that the greenway itself wasn’t altered in any way for these carvings that enhance the walk of its visitors.
The Riverwalk itself holds a rich history dating all the way back to the American Revolution. The wood carvings are just another feature added to help preserve the beauty and serenity of this peaceful walkway and make a visit more enjoyable for the hordes of people who enjoy it annually.
In the future, plans are to continue to expand the entire Riverwalk, now a collaborative regional effort between Cayce, West Columbia, and organizations on the Richland County side of the Lower Saluda River, toward the Riverbank Zoo. Eventually, it would re-cross somewhere near the I-26 overpass and continue close to the Lexington Medical Center. This would ensure that more people will be able to enjoy its relaxing atmosphere, health benefits, and its opportunities to commune with nature. For now, the wood carvings are here to stay and be enjoyed by the public for years to come.
