The Town of Lyman celebrated the dedication of Allison Park this morning, honoring Lyman resident and former State Rep. Rita Allison.
The town formally renamed the Park of Lyman as “Allison Park” on Friday, in addition to the ceremonial rename of the street adjacent to the park as “Rita Allison Way.” Lyman Mayor David Petty says the renaming aims to recognize Allison’s decades of service and lasting impact in the community.
“[Allison] has shown up for Lyman again and again in ways that never made headlines, but always made a difference,” Petty said. “Over the years, [she] and I have shared countless breakfast meetings. She has poured into me, shared her wisdom [and] shown me what it looks like to serve with integrity and love your community.”
Allison served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1993 to 2002, and again from 2008 to 2022. During her tenure, she chaired the House Education and Public Works Committee, and in 2023, she was appointed to the South Carolina Board of Education.
“My soul and my heart are full. It’s quite an honor,” Allison said. “The whole family has been involved, and it shows that families can make a difference in their communities.”
The ceremony was attended by dozens of community members, in addition to several local and state political figures. Former State Rep. Mike Forrester spoke to Allison’s time in the state house, noting her as a strong force in policy making.
“[Allison] was and remains one of the most respected representatives to ever serve in the South Carolina House of Representatives, Forrester said. “Her passion for children and education knows no bounds. It’s guided her work, her decisions and her visions for a stronger South Carolina.”
Petty led the park renaming, while Lyman council member Adam Crisp led the ceremonial road renaming. Crisp recounted the day he met Allison in a coffee shop six years ago. He noted her strong leadership qualities as something to emulate for younger Lyman residents, and he hopes that the honorary signs will help bring attention to the Allison family legacy.
“[Allison] has been a mentor, a trusted friend, and someone who took time to invest in the next generation,” Crisp said. “Let’s make sure future generations don't just travel this road, but that they remember who helped pave the way.”
In addition to the new park and road sign, the town will erect a bronze plaque in the park detailing the contributions of Rita Allison and her husband, Ron Allison, to the community. Allison says she hopes the park continues to be a place where the community can gather for fun and fellowship.
“We’re living in a world today where there's tremendous growth all over, and we want to make sure that we don't lose that small town involvement,” Allison said. “Together we can build Lyman, separated we fail. To have this park and bring families and children together makes all the difference in the world.”
The newly named Allison Park can be visited at 146 Community St., Lyman.
