On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, one of Irmo Chapin’s Recreation Commission’s five parks, Saluda Shoals, celebrated a landmark groundbreaking event. The newly named Saluda Shoals Riverwalk at the Saluda Shoals Park upper boat landing, previously referred to as the Lower Saluda Greenway, is a planned 8.5-mile multi-use, non-motorized paved pathway running along the north side of the Saluda River. It was a profoundly memorable occasion for the Executive Director of Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission, Mark Smyers.
“It was a milestone moment that we’ve been aiming towards for many years,” he said. “We were able to celebrate like we wanted to and hopefully honor those who have played a big role in helping us. This Riverwalk will create a space where people can walk, bike, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Lower Saluda River.”
Born and raised in Groton, New York, where “there were more cows than people,” Smyers has a deep-rooted, enduring love for the outdoors. After graduating from high school, he moved south to attend Clemson University and pursue a Mechanical Engineering degree. He fell in love with the area, though not so much with his chosen major.
He remembered, “Calculus-based Physics told me that Mechanical Engineering was not for me. They had a different language altogether that was not my language.” Instead, he found his way into Parks and Recreation, Tourism Management, graduating from Clemson with that degree.
“Growing up in the country, in a farming community, I found those same connections with nature here, and it felt like home all over again. At the time, it was the decision I was going to make. But looking back, my faith tells me that God’s hands were all over that decision. I felt a strong clarity and confidence that I would do it.” It was foundational for Smyers to provide those opportunities for folks who didn’t have the connection nearby that he had growing up.
He said, “There aren’t many paths to executive leadership in outdoor recreation. It’s a little abnormal to go that route. But I have been lucky to find opportunities that have given me a lot of experience and allowed me to share my passion for getting people into the outdoors.”
Smyers interned at Fort Jackson and began working there after graduation. He dated and married his now-wife, Irmo native Katie, and the couple has two children. Smyers has worked in the parks, recreation, and tourism management business ever since—at Fort Jackson, Spartanburg, and Saluda Shoals as Park Director.
On a more personal note, Smyers shared that he loves being a dad. Raising their children in the Irmo Community is a source of great joy for him. He is deeply connected to this community and cherishes every opportunity to be outdoors, whether it’s hunting, hiking, camping, or any other activity. Being a part of this community is a wonderful journey, and he is proud to be a part of it.
Smyers’ future? “I’m HERE!” he said. “I love what I do. I love serving this community. Being a leader at this time is a wonderful thing to be a part of and I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”