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ROCK HILL Supporters of plans for a 50-acre park at Lake Wylie renewed their call for action this week, asking that the York County Council set aside hospitality tax money to pay for the development.
Lake Wylie’s population has skyrocketed over the past decade with recent census data showing more than 100 percent growth, making it one of the fastest-growing areas in South Carolina.
That growth, park supporters say, results in Lake Wylie residents and visitors pouring more money into the county’s coffers through a hospitality tax – a 2 percent levy on businesses selling prepared food and drinks in York County’s unincorporated areas.
York County expects to collect about $1.6 million in hospitality tax by the end of this fiscal year. Acting on a plan for the Crowder’s Creek Park would bring in even more money, says Tom Percival, a member of the county’s hospitality tax advisory committee.
Crowder’s Creek Park could include a playground, a swimming pool and soccer, baseball and softball fields.
Weekend sports tournaments at the park could earn York County up to $765,000 every year, Percival told the council Monday night.
After a few years of operation, the park would start paying for itself, supporters say.
Tom Smith, a former council member who has worked for years on the park plan, said the existing cost estimate from a consultant is too high.
During the council’s budget talks this year, council members looked at the Crowder’s Creek Park proposal and the $11.2 million price tag attached.
Bruce Henderson, Lake Wylie’s council representative, has said the park can be built for much less than $11.2 million.
