Chick Springs
The historic Chick Springs property in Taylors has had major significance to the upstate for hundreds of years. Taylors TownSquare is championing a project to turn it into a park and potential future trailhead for the Enoree River Trail system. Taylors TownSquare has a unique opportunity to acquire the property that includes the original springhouse and gazebo and transform it into a publicly accessible place.
The History of Chick Springs
The Cherokee identified the spring as a significant spot long before European settlement. When families first arrived to set up homes in the area now known as Greenville County, the area around the spring was one of the first areas settled. In 1840 Dr. Burwell Chick opened a resort near the property and built a hotel and cottages for summer guests.
The coming of the Southern Railway in the 1870s and 80s expanded access to the site, allowing visitors as far away as Richmond and New Orleans to access and enjoy the springs' “healing powers.” Many summer resorts, a military academy, and a sanitarium were operated on the hill above the mineral springs until the final structure (of over 100 rooms) shuttered in the early twentieth century.
The property around the springhouse has remained under private control without public access since then. Several enterprises, such as the Chick Springs Swimming Pool, operated parts of it, but no large-scale public access persisted. In 2017, the family who owned the property sold it with the stipulation that critical portions would someday become a public park. In 2024, Taylors TownSquare came to terms and acquired the property from the Niemela family.
Greenville County Council Member Mike Barnes (left), Taylors TownSquare President Alex Reynolds (center), and For 8 Corporation Project Manger Lily Niemela (right) at the Chick Springs site after the title signing on May 29.
Taylor TownSquare acquired the 8.62 acres shown on this plat, including the historic spring house at Chick Springs.
The Present and Future
Taylors TownSquare has taken the lead in bringing a public park at Chick Springs to fruition. Working with the founding members of the former Chick Springs Historical Society and other community members, we are actively working to preserve and open up the property so that all the public can learn about and enjoy this historic location in the upstate.
Although it is anticipated that Greenville County Parks, Recreation, and Tourism will eventually become the ultimate caretaker of the property, Taylors TownSquare is taking these steps forward so that the property will no longer be neglected and unprotected.
The next steps include:
Developing a master plan for usage and safety
Working towards linkage with a potential Enoree River Trailway
Transferring it eventually to Greenville County Recreation for long-term protection
How You Can Help
Additional financial support is necessary to ensure success.
Would you consider a one-time or recurring donation to Taylors TownSquare to further these efforts to preserve this lovely, historic property?
Your contribution will assist with the following:
Preserving the existing historical structures
Maintaining the grounds
Adding signage to explain the history
Finishing the parking area
Rebuilding the bridge over Lick Creek
Subscribing to Taylors TownSquare emails here will also add you to the list to be notified about upcoming happenings involving Chick Springs. Make sure to select Chick Springs.