Black Field

Project Status

The Black Field property was included in the library’s Master Planning architectural process in 2025. We are now at the beginning of Phase I updates, focused on the goal on revising existing structures and landscaping for safety and accessibility. Phase I projects include:

Strengthen the pedestrian connection between the library building parking and the parking on the south side of Judd St.
Resurface and refine parking on south side of Judd St.
Remove the concrete pads from the base of the sledding hill and replace with sloped landscaping to manage safe stopping on the hill
Install safety stairs and sloped pathway directly south from the new street parking
Add sloped pathway and concrete stairs to northeast corner of field, remove existing wooden stairs
Landscape slope along existing north grand staircase into terraced gardens
Create walking path circling the north and west sides of the field and continuing through south wooded area
Renovate and rejuvenate locker room building, including replacing roof and doors and modernizing public restrooms
Remove north bleachers, north concession stand building and press box

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of the Black Field property?

As of October 2024, Flat River Community Library purchased the Black Field property from Greenville Public Schools for $1.00. The language of the purchase agreement reserves the right of first refusal to the GPS district should the library choose to relinquish ownership. While the Flat River Community Library is a government entity, Black Field is still the private property of the library. Therefore, the library may set restrictions for any public use of the property.

The public is currently permitted to use any unfenced, non-restricted outdoor spaces of the property, as long as they remain in compliance with the library’s facility use policies. If there are safety and security concerns during construction at a later date, the library will publicly display any additional, temporary use restrictions.

What is the library’s plan for the property?

All current plans related to the renovation and restoration of the Black Field property can be found on the library’s website. Components of the planned updates will be prioritized and completed in stages to ensure careful transitions and budget responsibly.

Phase one of property renovation focuses on improving accessibility and restoring infrastructure in the former locker room structure, with the ultimate goal of improving day-to-day use of the property by the community. This will include adding walking trails and stairs, terracing the northwest slope for safe use and environmental impact, and restructuring parking on the south side of Judd Street. The locker room building will also be refurbished to maintain structural integrity and update restroom facilities for public use.

Timelines for construction will be released to the public once they are formalized. Timelines for any future development of the property are to be determined and will be released at a later date.

How will the library fund the renovation and maintenance of the property?

Fiscal diligence on the part of the library’s Board of Trustees has allocated limited amounts of its annual operating revenue to long-term needs of the facility since it was built in 1996. These funds have appreciated sufficiently to fund a significant portion of costs associated both with Black Field development and renovations to the library facility. Additionally, the annual operational budget has been adjusted to maintain all maintenance costs without any impact to taxpayers in our service area.

In the coming years, as we prepare for additional projects, we intend to leverage fundraising efforts, as well as continued fiscal responsibility with our millage revenue, to fund future endeavors. The library DOES NOT intend to request a millage increase or make a bond proposal for additional funds to taxpayers. Flat River Community Library is extremely grateful to our community for its continued support, and we strive to provide services and enrichment with the currently allocated millage funds.

How does the library plan to honor the history of Black Field?

The city of Greenville, Greenville Public Schools, and the surrounding community have a rich history of cultivating a robust and beautiful home for all of its residents. It shifts and changes, but community connection to its past, present and future does not waiver.

Dr. Duncan Black, an early board member for Greenville’s Union School and the benefactor of the Black Field, spent years purchasing pieces of the parcel from six different owners before finally donating it to the school as an athletic field and playground in 1915. He was a passionate advocate for Greenville’s schools, education and children, and left a profound legacy still felt now over a century after his passing.

The history of Greenville’s schools and library have been intertwined for generations. The Ladies Library Association library, formed in 1885, relocated their collection into the Central High School when it was built in 1913 to create a public school library. The group also provided its first librarian. The later established Greenville City Library spent transitional periods housed in multiple past school buildings. And in 1996, the library purchased the site of the former Central High School to construct the Flat River Community Library building of today. We are honored to continue this relationship with the school district to revitalize Black Field and extend Dr. Black’s vision of community education and enrichment for the generations to come.

It is vital to our goals to uphold the legacy of the site by minimizing new construction, maintaining its predominantly natural footprint, retaining the Black name for recognition, and honoring its storied history with installations on the site.

Is Black Field available for public use?

For the safety and security of our community, the field is currently restricted as private property of the library in any areas within the security fencing. Open areas can be used by patrons during daylight hours in accordance with all municipal codes and library use policies.

Can any portion of Black Field be reserved or rented by community organizations or individuals?

Our long-term plans include infrastructure and amenities that we hope to make available for public rental. However, for the safety and comfort of our community, it will not be made available for reservation until a later stage of construction and development. This will also permit us to carefully craft policy and procedure to accommodate desired use as well respect for neighboring residents and municipal code. For these reasons, the library will only be conducting library- hosted and supervised events on the property until otherwise announced.

How do I get updates about the progress of projects at Black Field?

Check the Black Field update page on our website, or follow us on Facebook.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

Feel free to contact the Flat River Community Library Director, Stef Reed, at stefr@flatriverlibrary.org or (616) 710-1001.