City Re-Opens All Swan Lake Iris Gardens December 19

SUMTER, SC (DECEMBER 18, 2015) - The City of Sumter has announced that Swan Lake Iris Gardens, in its entirety, will re-open, Saturday, December 19.

Following the October flood, the City has had over half of the gardens closed for repair, including the entire walkway along Liberty Street, all along Garden Street, including specialty areas like the Chocolate, Butterfly and Sensory Gardens, as well as facilities and trails around the south side just below the Children’s playground.

“It was a public safety issue and important to have these areas closed during repair,” stated Al Harris, Assistant City Manager of Public Services. “While all areas are now open, we would like to ask visitors to respect any area that may be temporarily closed for upgrades in the future.”

The City continues to ask visitors not to venture beyond any locked gates, protective fencing, and the rocks or tree roots along the lake’s edge, as water levels are still low in some areas.

Swan Lake Iris Gardens is the only public park in the United States to feature all eight swan species and is home to some of the nation's most intensive plantings of Japanese iris. With a butterfly garden, art sculptures, café and more, the lake is dotted with colorful islands, and wildlife is abundant. The gardens are open everyday from 7:30 a.m. until dusk and admission is free.

For more information on Swan Lake Iris Gardens, contact the Sumter Convention & Visitors Bureau, located at the Swan Lake Visitors Center at (803) 436-2640 or online at www.sumtersc.gov/parks-gardens.aspx.

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