The Town of Lyman will hold a public ceremony at 10 a.m. April 17 to formally rename the Park of Lyman as “Allison Park” in honor of former State Representative Rita Allison. The town will also ceremonially rename the street adjacent to the park as “Rita Allison Way.”
The ceremony will be held at the park entrance located at 140 Community Street, between Lyman Town Hall and the Lyman Event Center at Pacific Place. A reception will immediately follow at the Lyman Event Center at Pacific Place. In the event of rain, the entire ceremony and reception will be held indoors at the Event Center.
Allison, a lifelong resident of Lyman, 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 played a significant role in shaping education policy across the state. In 2023, she was appointed to the South Carolina Board of Education.
Mayor David Petty said the renaming recognizes Allison’s decades of service and lasting impact.
“Rita Allison’s leadership has shaped not only Lyman but communities across South Carolina,” Petty said. “Her commitment to education and public service has left a lasting imprint and this recognition reflects the deep appreciation of the community she has served throughout her career.”
Allison will deliver remarks during the ceremony. Additional speakers will include members of Lyman Town Council and former colleagues. New signage for Allison Park will be unveiled as part of the event.
The ceremony is open to the public. Parking will be available at Lyman Town Hall, the Lyman Event Center at Pacific Place and Lyman First Baptist Church.
