News Summary
Woodruff is set to kick off significant development with the Riverbend Athletic Complex and Libertas Academy, marking the beginning of a $30 million initiative to support the town’s rapid growth. The athletic complex will include various sports facilities and will open in 2027, while Libertas Academy will serve grades K-8 and is expected to open in 2026, providing more educational options for families amidst increasing population demands.
Woodruff is set to experience significant development with the groundbreaking of the Riverbend Athletic Complex and the new Libertas Academy Charter School. The ceremony, held on October 8, marked the beginning of a $30 million project designed to meet the recreational and educational needs of the town as it undergoes rapid growth.
The Riverbend Athletic Complex, located on Godfrey Town Road, is expected to open in 2027. The complex will feature various facilities, including baseball and soccer fields, walking trails, pickleball courts, a dog park, and a kayak launching point on the Enoree River. Funding for this project has primarily come from development impact fees collected over the years.
Adjacent to the athletic complex, a charter school named Libertas Academy – Woodruff is also under construction. This institution will accommodate children from grades K-4 through 8 and is slated to open in the fall of 2026. Managed by Tutelage School Solutions, Libertas Academy is part of the state-funded Charter Institute at Erskine. The school will focus on critical thinking, character development, physical education, and the arts, providing additional educational options to families in the community.
The rapid growth of Woodruff can be attributed to the town’s increasing industrial and residential activity, which is attracting new residents, particularly from surrounding areas like Greenville. Spartanburg County, where Woodruff is located, is identified as one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States. With the anticipated addition of approximately 7,000 housing units, it is projected that Woodruff’s population could increase from around 5,000 to as much as 18,000 over the next five years. City Manager Lee Bailey is actively planning for the required infrastructure to support this growth, including public parking and improvements in traffic management.
As part of the greater development initiative, a new residential subdivision is currently under construction near the Riverbend Athletic Complex and Libertas Academy, further highlighting the rising desirability of Woodruff for potential residents. The athletic complex will also feature four turf fields, suitable for various sports such as baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, and flag football, while the Spartanburg County Parks Department plans to manage it as a recreational hub for the community.
Mayor Kenneth E. Gist has emphasized the significance of this investment, declaring Woodruff a “real sports town” and reflecting on the strong athletic culture within the community. Gist himself was part of the 1975 state championship football team under coach Willie Varner, and he noted the town’s longstanding enthusiasm for sports, especially as football games at Woodruff High School attract residents from all walks of life.
The addition of Libertas Academy is expected to ease some of the pressure on nearby public schools, as charter schools in South Carolina do not receive local property tax funding. Celina Patton, currently the director of Libertas Academy in Boiling Springs, will oversee operations at the new Woodruff campus, which aims to accommodate the educational needs of the growing population.
In summary, the ongoing development of the Riverbend Athletic Complex and Libertas Academy marks a pivotal moment for Woodruff, creating new recreational and educational spaces that align with the town’s vision for growth and community engagement. As the town evolves, the focus remains on enriching the quality of life for all residents while maintaining a deep-rooted connection to its athletic and educational traditions.
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Additional Resources
- WSPA: New Charter School and Athletic Complex in Woodruff
- Wikipedia: Woodruff, South Carolina
- Greenville Journal: Woodruff Celebrates Athletic Complex
- Google Search: Libertas Academy Woodruff
- Sports Illustrated: South Carolina High School Football Rankings
- Google News: Woodruff Athletic Complex
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