There’s plenty to do and see in Augusta during Master’s week, but what about the rest of the year?
A recent post on Reddit asked Augustans what they wished the city had or did to make it more enjoyable.
Some of the additions mentioned on the forum are things that Augusta formerly had but lost over the years. That’s why one commenter said that people who are willing to go out and support the new ventures, like restaurants, water parks and fun parks, are just as important as the businesses themselves.
those who posted on the online forum specifically asked for:
Better downtown
This one isn’t new to anyone who has lived in Augusta. Augustans often talk about the city’s downtown potential, saying it could be the next Greenville, S.C., with lots of popular restaurants, shops and parks in a safe and clean environment.
Dollar theater
Augusta’s former discount theater, GTC Masters Cinemas on Washington Road, which opened in 1976, closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and never reopened. Now Augustans are stuck paying regular prices at Regal Augusta Exchange and Riverwatch Cinemas.
Live music
A number of Augustans said they want a more vibrant music scene, including more local artists and more venue options.
More trails
A well-connected outdoor trail system for bikers, walkers and runners was the most requested addition to the city after a better downtown area.
Water park
Lifelong Augustans remember the fun of Krystal River Water Park on Industrial Park Drive before it closed in 2003 due to insurance costs. The city hasn’t had a water park since.
High-speed rail
Augusta is often lauded for being three hours from the beach and mountains. But a high-speed rail to cities like Atlanta, Savannah, Charleston, Greenville and Hilton Head would make it easier.
A bar or restaurant on the river
Augusta is one of the major cities along the Savannah River, so it’s surprising that it doesn’t have a line of bars and restaurants on the waterway to offer food and drinks with a view.
Ice-skating rink
Augusta Ice Sports Center on Augusta West Parkway closed nearly 10 years ago in 2014, leaving the city without a place for year-round ice skating. Evans on Ice is a pop-up festival on Evans Town Center Boulevard that provides ice skating during the winter season.
Go-kart track
Some Augustans remember the thrill of go-karting as adults at Adventure Crossing. But the fun park that let adults feel like kids again closed its doors in 2016, and no competitor has taken its place.
Better water sports access
Commenters want to see boat racing and man-made rafting rapids in the Savannah River. Columbus, Ga. has created an entire industry off of its rapids, boasting the longest urban whitewater rafting in the world on the Chattahoochee River.
