ZINC PROJECTS in the Press

Lynches River County Park Opens Environmental Discovery Center

Lynches River County Park Environmental Discovery Center (EDC) opened Friday Feb. 22, 2008 with praise from the Effingham community, South Carolina business leaders and elected officials. EDC Committee Chairperson Sterling Sadler welcomed guest speakers including Senators Hugh Leatherman, and Yancy McGill, businesswoman Darla Moore, Florence County Chairman Rusty Smith and Council members Waymond Mumford, Morris Anderson and Sheriff Kenny Boone.


Ribbon cutting ceremony at the official opening of EDC.  From left to right: Jimmmy Poston, Allen Wood, Johnnie Rogers, EDC Committee Chairperson Sterling Sadler, Waymond Mumford, Henry Swink and Dr. John Rae.  Courtesy: ZINC Projects
(Click on image for larger version)

Lynches River County Park Environmental Discovery Center is nestled along the cypress and water tupelo along the scenic Lynches River. It features a canopy walk suspended over the wetlands approaching the river. The 250-squared-meter (2700-sq.-ft.) EDC houses a Nature Lab, Veranda Observatory and Briefing Room. Each is equipped with tools and equipment to facilitate citizen science: the ongoing monitoring of the park ecosystems and environment. EDC Coordinator Terasa Young commented that "visitors will observe, measure and experience nature for themselves."  The center's Briefing Room has real time environmental monitoring of soil, air, and water and weather conditions.

Lake City native, national business leader and philanthropist Darla Moore said: "Today, we celebrate the opening of this incredible environmental discovery center right in the middle of our own rural Pee Dee region." Moore congratulated the EDC Steering Committee for the realization of their vision and commented on the importance of public and private partnerships to enact economic change in the region. She also complimented the architecture and design of the center which re-used siding and flooring from a soon to be destroyed century old tobacco barn.


Dignitaries at the opening.  From left to right: Guest speaker Darla Moore, Waymond Mumford, Senator Hugh Leatherman, Florence County Chairman Rusty Smith.  Courtesy: ZINC Projects
(Click on image for larger version)

Sen. Hugh K. Leatherman, District 31, Florence and Darlington Counties, enthusiastically praised the canopy walk and innovative design of the center. He commented on the clever re-use of the tobacco barn siding to create a center focused on the future environment. Senator Leatherman was among the first guests to try out the canopy walk. The 100-meter (328-ft.) canopy walk is a combination of ground-supported walkway, tree-supported observation platforms and cable-supported bridges. Senator Leatherman remarked that this unique experience would attract visitors and support a growing base of attractions in the Pee Dee region.


Senator Leatherman marvels at the canopy walk and the tree platform.  Courtesy: ZINC Projects
(Click on image for larger version)

ZINC Projects developed the concept of the EDC and the visitor experience master plan. Colleen Zilio of ZINC Projects indicated that community participation in the project was the inspiration for the EDC. The EDC committee and Florence County staff team secured the involvement of many community members who participated in conceiving the plan. ZINC Projects collaborated with Claus Laemmle of Bueroplasz, Blaine Nicholls of NYB Architects, Steven Schaeken of Northern Light CoDesign, Lowell Cochrane Show Communications and Robbie Oates of Canopy Access and Meredith Drakeford, Drakeford Architects to complete this unique project.

Lynches River County Park
1110 Ben Gause Road, Coward, SC 29530
Toll free: (877) 319-7799
Telephone: (843) 389-2785
Fax: (843) 389-9096