Welcome to Veteran’s Park, a vital and vibrant part of Pendleton, South Carolina. This park is not just a recreational space but a living testament to the community’s commitment to honoring its history and those who served the nation.
The story of Veteran’s Park begins in 1973 when the Beloit-Kleinweffers Textile Machinery Corporation generously donated 25 acres on Lebanon Road to the town of Pendleton. This land was transformed into a public park, a gift that would continue to give for generations. In the early 1980s, the Paul/Dewitt Duncan Pendleton American Legion Post 113 saw an opportunity to honor the town’s veterans by naming the park Veteran’s Park, a move approved by the Town Council, solidifying the park’s role as a place of remembrance and community gathering.
One of the most poignant additions to the park came in 2005 with the dedication of Barret’s Place Playground. This playground was named in memory of James Barrett Beck, a young boy from Pendleton who tragically lost his life at the age of 12, along with 16 other children from the area. This initiative was led by Pendleton Pride in Motion, a local charity that successfully raised $180,000 with the help of 1,600 volunteers who worked tirelessly to build the playground in just five days.
In November 2014, the park further embraced its role as a center for remembrance with the unveiling of a Veterans Memorial, a project sponsored by the Friends of the Park. This memorial stands as a tribute to the brave men and women who served in the armed forces, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.
Today, Veteran’s Park is a hub of activity, featuring three ball fields, a playground, covered shelters, and Trotter’s Trail, a scenic walking path. It also houses the offices of the Pendleton Recreation Association, which oversees youth athletics in the town, fostering the next generation’s physical and social development.
Veteran’s Park is more than just a park; it is a symbol of Pendleton’s resilience, community spirit, and dedication to honoring its past while nurturing its future.
