Greenway to incorporate STEM into its future environmental center with $150,000 donation from Comporium

 LANCASTER, SC (September 7, 2018) – The Lindsay Pettus Greenway has received $150,000 from Comporium to incorporate STEM-related education features at the proposed environmental center planned as part of the trail’s construction efforts.

“We thank Comporium for its financial support and are eager to begin developing this initiative,”   said Sherri Gregory, President of the Lindsay Pettus Greenway. “The environmental education features of the Greenway will empower our youngest residents, families, and any future Greenway users to learn more about science and technology, while also learning how to be good stewards of the environment.”

STEM education integrates learning practices using the four domains of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Plans include designing STEM activities that help teachers at a variety of grade levels to meet South Carolina Department of Education’s academic standards.

“Comporium believes that our responsibility to the people we serve includes reinvesting in the community beyond our network and services”, stated Comporium’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Matthew Dosch. “We see the Lindsay Pettus Greenway as a way to bring new educational opportunities, new residents, and new businesses into Lancaster, while providing a space for everyone to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of our area. That’s why it was a logical choice for Comporium’s support.”

The proposed environmental education center will be centrally located near the City of Lancaster’s downtown business district between North Elementary and Lancaster High schools.  Plans include a nature pavilion, natural surface path, creek overlooks, constructed wetlands, a viewing pier, and interactive educational displays.

“The Greenway is about connecting our community, promoting healthier lifestyles, and offering residents a chance to engage with the natural environment,” said Pamela Trimnal, senior vice president of marketing and media services with Comporium. “We look forward to our partnership in STEM education with Lindsay Pettus Greenway and the impact this project will have in the greater Lancaster region.”

“It’s exciting to envision an environmental education center in the City limits that will be a field trip destination for school children throughout and beyond Lancaster County,” says Lancaster Mayor Alston DeVenny. “We are excited Comporium has chosen the Lindsay Pettus Greenway to collaborate with in developing a STEM program that enhances environmental education.”

To date, the Lindsay Pettus Greenway has raised over $1.7 million in funding for the design, permitting, and construction of Greenway Phase I, which includes the cost of the first 2 miles of the trail, the environmental education features, and typical trail amenities. The Greenway is one component of the comprehensive Parks and Recreation Bond package, slated to be on the ballot on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. If residents vote in favor of the referendum in November, the Greenway will receive an additional $2.5 million.  The projected cost of Phase I is $4.5 million.  Greenway leadership tentatively expects to break ground late this year.

About Lindsay Pettus Greenway

The mission of the Lindsay Pettus Greenway, Inc. is to solicit, receive, manage and disburse funds for the development, maintenance, and operations of the Lindsay Pettus Greenway and trail system in the City of Lancaster, South Carolina. The Lindsay Pettus Greenway is proud to be a segment of the Carolina Thread Trail. The Greenway is a proposed five-mile paved path that will meander alongside Gills Creek and connect people to a variety of community points of interest, including several local schools, neighborhoods, the downtown district, and businesses. The Lindsay Pettus Greenway is comprised of dedicated volunteer citizens throughout Lancaster County who coordinate outreach events, provide governance, and lead fundraising efforts. More information on the progress of the Greenway can be found at www.lindsaypettusgreenway.org. Follow Lindsay Pettus Greenway on Instagram and Facebook.

About Comporium

Comporium, Inc., headquartered in Rock Hill, S.C., is a diversified, privately-held communications company that employs nearly 1,200 people and provides broadband, TV, voice, wireless, smart home systems and advertising services throughout the Carolinas. Comporium is committed to the communities it serves and takes immense pride in giving back through sponsorships, economic development grants and investments, and community-sponsored events.