Presented by Florence Outside to the Florence County Council
Dear Chairman and Members of Council,
On behalf of Florence Outside and the residents who have signed below, we write to express our strong support for the proposed Fox & Spur Connector, and our optimism about what this trail can mean for Florence County. We respectfully ask the Council to support the project and to help move it forward.
About Florence Outside
Florence Outside is a community group that works to build awareness of active, outdoor lifestyles and the infrastructure that supports them, so that residents of the greater Florence area have more opportunities for outdoor education, recreation, and stewardship. We host organized events for hikers, paddlers, cyclists, runners, walkers, and anyone who simply wants to spend more time outside, and our community of members continues to grow. We have also put our efforts behind local trail improvements, including the recent expansion of the High Hill Creek Bike and Run Park, which came together through a partnership of the City, the State, and local groups.
We see every day how much people value safe, welcoming places to be active. That is why this project matters to us.
About the Fox & Spur Connector
The Fox & Spur Connector would convert a retired railroad corridor of roughly 32 miles into a regional greenway between Sumter and Florence. The route is planned to pass through Mayesville, Lynchburg, and Timmonsville, linking communities in Sumter, Lee, and Florence counties. In Florence, it is envisioned to connect with our existing Rail Trail, which already ties together more than 20 miles of trails across the city. The corridor crosses a landscape rich in history, natural beauty, and wildlife, and the project's stated purpose is to connect neighborhoods, inspire outdoor fun, and spark local pride.
Why We Support This Project
Health and quality of life. A continuous, safe, off-road path gives families, seniors, students, and workers an easy way to walk, run, and ride. Our existing Rail Trail shows how heavily residents use well-maintained trails once they exist.
Connection between communities. The Fox & Spur Connector would link Florence County's smaller towns to one another and to the region's larger hubs, giving residents in places like Timmonsville a safe route for recreation and travel.
Economic opportunity. Trail users spend money at local restaurants, shops, and lodging. Smaller communities along the route can benefit from trail tourism, and trail and park amenities help attract new residents, talent, and employers.
Heritage and nature. Following a historic rail corridor allows residents and visitors to experience the region's history and natural landscape at a human pace.
Regional momentum. Florence has already invested in its trails, from the Rail Trail extension to the High Hill Creek expansion. The Fox & Spur Connector is the natural next step, and it positions our county as a leader in outdoor recreation in the Pee Dee.
Our Request
We respectfully ask the Florence County Council to:
1. Publicly express its support for the Fox & Spur Connector as a priority regional recreation and connectivity project.
2. Continue working with Lee County, Sumter County, the municipalities along the corridor, and project partners to advance planning, funding, and corridor agreements.
3. Pursue available state, federal, and private funding opportunities to help build the trail in phases.
Florence Outside and our members stand ready to help, whether by encouraging public participation, volunteering, or supporting stewardship once the trail is built.
Thank you for your service to Florence County and for your consideration of this request. We are hopeful and excited about what this trail can bring to our community.
Respectfully submitted,
Florence Outside