Article By Rocky Nimmons
rnimmons@thepccourier.com
Published by The Pickens County Courier on August 27, 2025
SIX MILE — The annual “State of Six Mile” address drew a strong crowd to the Six Mile Community Building last Thursday evening, bringing residents together for barbecue and updates on the town’s future.
Sponsored by the town of Six Mile and the Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce, the event gave the close-knit community a chance to hear about upcoming projects and the town’s historical roots. Mayor James Atkinson and town council outlined their vision for preserving the charm of Six Mile while planning for smart growth.
One of the biggest announcements of the evening was the planned construction of a new downtown park just off Main Street. The Downtown Community Park, home of the Six Mile Farmers Depot, will be located behind the Stoddard Pavilion, next to The Scoop downtown. The park will include an amphitheater, basketball courts, a picnic shelter, a walking track, a playground and pickleball courts. Additional parking will be added to accommodate visitors.
Plans were also unveiled for a second space — the Community Park Annex — at the former Baptist Academy site behind Town Hall. That park will offer a covered picnic area and grills. Atkinson said the projects were shaped with input from community members.
“It’s a great honor to be mayor of Six Mile,” Atkinson said. “You have so many people doing so much. Our goal is to control the destiny of Six Mile and keep Six Mile Six Mile. We want to control change and plan ahead, not fail to plan and let change overtake us.”
The evening began with a welcome from Clemson chamber president Bryan Lee, followed by keynote speaker Allie Sloan of the Community Foundation of Greater Clemson. Sloan spoke about the progress of the town’s Bryson Children’s Nature Walk project.
“Six Mile is a town that has always been defined not just by geography, but by the spirit of its people,” Sloan said. “One of my favorite parts of my job is being a bridge between community dreams and the resources that make them possible.”
She praised the Bryson Children’s Nature Walk as a symbol of vision and collaboration.
“The project shows the best of Six Mile — vision, collaboration and a deep love for the next generation,” Sloan said. “The Bryson Children’s Nature Walk will stand as a living reminder that when a community comes together, the results are lasting.”
Atkinson also announced this year’s town awards. The Stillwater Group LLC was named Emerging Business of the Year, and Pickens County Meals on Wheels was recognized as Nonprofit of the Year.
The second keynote speaker, local historian Dennis Chastain, gave a presentation on the Cherokee Trail, which once ran along Six Mile’s Main Street and extended all the way to Charleston. Chastain highlighted the trail’s use by the Cherokee and Revolutionary War troops and showed slides of the original ford crossings at Six Mile Creek and the Twelve Mile River.
In closing, Atkinson thanked everyone for attending and reaffirmed his commitment to community values.
“Our small town should be a place where we support each other, treat each other with respect, exemplify civility and unity, raise our children with strong values, maintain fiscal responsibility and preserve our unique town character, green spaces and history,” he said.