Fair Play master plan unveiled

Fair Play residents drove to Oakway last night for the unveiling of a professionally-done master plan for their unincorporated community, a place that dates as far back as 1833.  For a number of reasons, including the odd story of how Fair Play got its name, the community is unique.  Drastic change came 60 years ago when Lake Hartwell was built and the interstate highway construction bisected Fair Play.  Today’s there’s momentum for the heart of Fair Play to attract small shops, build sidewalks, and become pedestrian-friendly.  Blake Sanders of the planning and architectural company Studio on Main laid out possibilities and display photos and drawings of what Fair Play looks like now and what it might resemble if sufficient funds can be secured.  And, to do that, he urged the audience to press their elected representatives with the county and the state.  What’s in the master plan reflects feedback that a number of interested Fair Play residents gave during a series of recent meetings.  A suggested brand name for Fair Play was introduced last night:  “We are Fair Play–South Carolina’s Golden Gateway.”  Another suggestion:  tree-line the I-85 ramps at the 11 and 59 interchanges, in part, to give visiting motorists a nicer image of the first place in from Georgia.  Sanders last night was joined by a second professional, Trip Muldrow of Arnett and Muldrow.  He’s a numbers man and gave a numbers’ analysis of the people, the homes, the businesses within Fair Play zip code 29643.  Much of that centered on how many people work in Fair Play, how many Fair Play people work elsewhere, and how much economic value is lost when Fair Play people go elsewhere to shop and dine.