SCRPA Magazine - Fall 2019

SOUTH CAROLINA

FALL 2019

RECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION

g n i k i B n i a t n u o M h t u Yo

f f o s e k ta olinas! r a C e h t n i

Carolinas Joint Conference

September 16-18, 2019 Myrtle Beach, SC DETAILS INSIDE!

Summer 2019 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 1

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TEN N I S

PIC KLE BA LL

LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE

MU LTI-P UR P O SE

SOUTH CAROLINA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

RECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION

2019 Board of Directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Doyle Best Town of Summerville

Secretary Laurie Helms City of Rock Hill

Eastern VP Nathan Dawsey Florence County

President Elect Kevin Stiens Spartanburg County

Treasurer Amy Evans Charleston County

Southern VP Shaniqua Simmons City of Orangeburg

Vice President Randy Woodard Charleston County

Past President T.J. Rostin City of Goose Creek

Western VP Ted Lambrecht Greenville County

Central VP Shane Duncan Kershaw County

BRANCHES - 1 YEAR COMMITMENTS ELM Branch Jessica Campbell City of Aiken

RAP Branch Justin Steele Lexington County

PRM Branch Adam Scull City of Rock Hill

SCAP Branch Shawn Taylor City of Orangeburg

SC PRT Representative Matt Elswick South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism

Student Branch Kristen Miller Charleston County

ADVERTISER INDEX Barrs Recreation.................................................................................... Back Cover Berliner Seilfabrik Play Equipment..................................................................... 17 Carolina Parks & Play............................................................................................ 19 Churchich Recreation...........................................................................................21 Clemson University Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management.................7 Cunningham/Yalp................................................................................................. 11 EATON................................................................................................................... 13 Life Floor................................................................................................................23 Most Dependable Fountains, Inc.......................................... Inside Front Cover Pilot Rock...............................................................................................................25 SCRPA Magazine..................................................................................................31 SealMaster/SportMaster.......................................................................................3 WithersRavenel.......................................................................................................5 Wood + Partners Inc............................................................................................21

DONATING TO SCRPA HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER! 1. Shop on Amazon at: www.smile.amazon.com 2. Designate SCRPA as your beneficiary A portion of your online purchase proceeds will automatically go to SCRPA!

SCRPA EXECUTIVE Executive Director James E. Headley jim@scrpa.org

The Association Report.........................................................................................5 Everyone Can Make a Difference.........................................................................6 #HeresWhatsHappening Snapshots................................................................ 8-9 2019 Carolinas Joint Conference........................................................................10 2019 SCRPA Magazine Readership Survey........................................................ 12 SCRPA 75th Anniversary...................................................................................... 13 Youth Mountain Biking Takes Off in the Carolinas.....................................14-15 The Wetland Preserve at Saluda Shoals Park..............................................16-17 If Trees Could Talk...........................................................................................18-19 Art Impacting the People and the Park.......................................................20, 22 South Carolina’s 75th Anniversary......................................................................23 North Charleston’s Riverfront Park Has Something for Everyone........... 24-25 The Importance of Undeveloped Parks...................................................... 26-27 Connecting Communities, Rebuilding Ties......................................................28 The Palmetto Trail – Bridging Urban & Rural in Newberry, SC.......................29 For the Wet Footprints.................................................................................. 30-31

Membership Services Coordinator Melissa Williams melissa@scrpa.org

SCRPA MAGAZINE/MARKETING COMMITTEE Bethany Doman Chair City of Charleston

Russell Price Central Rep Fairfield County

Pamela Davis Southern Rep City of Barnwell

Kristen Guilfoos Vice Chair Spartanburg County

Carlos Cue Eastern Rep Cheraw

Madeline Armstrong Western Rep Greenville County

South Carolina Recreation & Parks Association P.O. Box 1046, Lexington, SC 29071 (p) 803-808-7753 • (f) 803-808-7754 www.scrpa.org • info@scrpa.org To advertise in SCRPA magazine, contact Todd Pernsteiner at info@pernsteiner.com or (952) 841-1111. www.sctrails.net

4 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org

THE ASSOCIATION REPORT Doyle Best

Jim Headley

Welcome to the fall issue of our magazine!

By now, we hope you have registered, reserved your room, and are ready to join us in Myrtle Beach this year’s joint conference with North Carolina! This is an incredible opportunity for our membership and the membership of NCRPA to come together to renew old friendships and make new ones. The lineup of educational sessions will help each of us meet our diverse professional needs, and the exhibit hall will be full of new products and services for every department.

a new goal and we have no doubts that we can achieve it whatever that may be.

The Association’s finances are in very good order, and we are extremely close to meeting our stated goal with our endowment fund. This will provide longterm financial security for the Association.

Once that is achieved, the board will start

As a new service, we will be partnering with the Illinois Park and Recreation Association to provide you online training at a tremendous discount. It will be an eleven-month series designed for all levels of professionals. Please be on the lookout

So far this year, we continue to see a tremendous number of attendees in workshops and institutes. This not only contributes to the financial health of the Association but, most importantly, it helps each of you learn, solve issues, and grow as professionals. As our primary mission, we will always take continuing education seriously and hope that each of you take advantage of some of these opportunities.

for further information. The monthly series will start in January and you will need to sign up by end of December for the live version. There will also be an opportunity to be watch each after the fact, as all will be archived. We are excited to continue to provide each of you with different ways of learning.

We certainly hope your summer months went well, and we look forward to seeing you in Myrtle Beach. If we can ever do anything for you or if you should have any questions, please never hesitate to contact a board member or the SCRPA office.

Doyle & Jim

make it fun make it social

make it meaningful Visit us at Booth 132 at the Carolinas Joint Recreation & Parks Conference.

Fall 2019 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 5

Allyssa Zebrowski of the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission is a shining example of how “Everyone can make a difference.”

Allyssa is a roving interpreter, stewardship aide, and coordinates a small team of volunteers named the Green Team. In all of these roles, she works hard to inspire people to preserve and protect their natural spaces.

Allyssa’s work with the Green Team is significantly impacting the parks and the

coastal environment in a positive way. Since November of 2018, she and the Green Team have collected approximately 7,272 trash items from beaches, marshes, and boat landings in the Charleston County park system.

Interestingly, many of these items probably did not originate in the parks, but were transported by wind and/or water. The break-down of items collected is also interesting to consider: the top three polluters are cigarette butts at 2,194 pieces, rigid plastic fragments at 820 pieces, and plastic food wrappers at 712 pieces. These top three polluters pose a significant risk for wildlife because they are often confused with food and are consumed to the

detriment of the animal. Thus, the removal of litter not only makes the parks enjoyable for people, it also protects the lives of resident animals.

Allyssa and the Green Team’s work goes beyond trash collection and disposal. They also catalog and report their findings using the anecdata citizen science app. Not only does this form of citizen science give participants the opportunity to get outside and enjoy Charleston, but also the collected data may be used at the legislative level to preserve natural resources.

Through her work with the Green Team, Allyssa is making a big difference in the parks and the larger coastal ecosystem.

Through her work with the Green Team, Allyssa is making a big difference in the parks and the larger coastal ecosystem.

6 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org

Guide Your Career Path Clemson University is a National Champion in more than just football!

A Leader in Online PR T Education Clemson University is one of the nation’s top universities in graduate education in the fields of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and related disciplines. This includes well-established online programs that help working professionals purse their passion, reset their careers, and advance professionally.

Clemson University offers the following online graduate degrees: • Master of Science in Youth Development Leadership • Master in Public Administration (MPA) – with specializations in Local & State Government, Non-Profit Management, Sustainability & Public Administration, Emergency Management, and Homeland Defense & Security

Your home is your classroom.

Our online programs are taught by world-class faculty and leading practitioners. Faculty and students meet online in the evenings and interact every week.

Finish a Master’s in just two years.

Want more information?

To learn more about our online programs, please email us at PRTMOnline@clemson.edu or visit www.clemson.edu/prtm/prtm-online.html.

To apply go to www.grad.clemson.edu.

Limited time SCRPA member offer…

Well-qualified SCRPA members may request a wavier of the $80 application fee. To do this, please include your resumé in an email to the address above and mention code #SCRPAFREEAPP.

• Master of Science (non-thesis) in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management – with specializations in Community Recreation, Parks & Conservation, Travel & Tourism, and Recreational Therapy • Ph.D. in Recreational Therapy

Why Choose Clemson?

Ranked as a top-25 national public university, Clemson is one of the country’s most selective public research universities. It serves a uniquely driven and highly accomplished student body of over 23,000 students. Clemson’s retention and graduation rates rank among the highest in the country for public universities. We’ve been named among the best public college values by Kiplinger magazine in 2017, and Princeton Review named us among the “Colleges that pay you back” in 2017.

PARKS, REACREATION AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT ONLINE MASTER’S

www.clemson.edu/prtm/prtm-online.html

Fall 2019 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 7 Pursue your passion, reset your career, and advance professionally!

#HeresWhatsHappening Ju ne On T hu rsday, of 20, the City ecreation Charleston R t Depar tmen in the pa rticipated st Sw im ge World’s Lar ti n ar Lesson at M .

Jr g, Luther K in n ow nt pool in dow e 80 er h w , Charleston water t gh u ta k ids were and ba sic sa fety sk il ls ch n iques. sw im m in g te

World’s Larg est Swim Lesso n, City of Charleston

On Saturday, June 1, the City of Newber ry held its first inau gural Open Street Newber ry event. Roa ds were closed for bikers and pedestr ians to enjoy the Gra nd Openin g of the Newber ry Passage of the Pal metto Tra il, a sum mer camp fair, farmer’s market, bike rodeo and other fun activities!

8 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org

Open Stre ets Newberr y

Snapshots of programming in South Carolina Recreation & Park Association member organizations.

ket, A rt in the Mar Beach e tl yr M City of

Adventure Camp, Spartanburg County

Pepper Geddin gs Recreation Cen ter and the City of My rtle Bea ch Recreation Department par tnered with the city’s nea rby outdoor Far mer’s Mar ket, My rtle’s Market and “Ar t at the Market” was bor n. Par ticip ants from all ages have enjoyed a var iety of fun project s includi ng, flower pot painting , cera mic tile coa ster painting, and garden rock painting.

Family Fishing Clinic, Nor th My rtle Beach

h Pa rks , North My rtle Beac On Satu rday, May 18 rol ina Ca d up with South and Recreation tea me its first st ra l Resou rces to ho Depa rtment of Natu w to tie ho to tea ch sk ills on Fa mi ly Fishin g Cli nic . ng sti d and reel, and ca fishin g knots, rig a ro

Sparta nburg County Parks expanded Adventure Camp from 3 to 6 weeks this year, and activities includi ng everything from white water rafting to rock climbin g to ropes courses and hiking!

Fall 2019 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 9

JOIN US THIS FALL! Carolinas Joint Conference

September 16-18, 2019 Myrtle Beach, SC Conference At A Glance

Conference HOTEL

Monday, September 16 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ................................ Registration 1:00 – 2:15 p.m. ..................... Education Session Block I 2:30 – 3:45 p.m. ................... Education Session Block II 3:50 – 4:20 p.m........................SCRPA Branch Meetings 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. ... Opening General Session & Keynote 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. .................................. Dinner & Social Tuesday, September 17 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ................................. Registration 8:30 – 9:45 a.m. .................. Education Session Block III 10:00 – 11:15 a.m. ............... Education Session Block IV 11:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. ......................Lunch on your own 1:45 – 3:00 p.m. ................... Education Session Block V 3:15 – 4:30 p.m. ................... Education Session Block VI 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. ...........................Exhibit Hall Opening 6:45 – 7:45 p.m. ................................................. Social

The Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel will serve as the host hotel for the Conference. The nightly room rate is $141 plus tax per night with the options for upgrades. This rate will be honored until Monday, August 26, 2019. You can book your room online at www.bit. ly/2019conferencehotel Reservations may also be made by calling the hotel directly at 843-918-5000 and indicate you are attending the 2019 SCRPA/NCRPA Joint Conference.

Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel 2101 North Oak Street Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577

Wednesday, September 18 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m................................. Registration 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. .......................... Exhibit Hall Breakfast 9:45 – 11:00 a.m. ................ Education Session Block VII 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. ...... Education Session Block VIII 12:45 – 2:00 p.m. ............................ Awards Luncheons

Find more details and a list of sessions at www.scrpa.org/page/19Joint_Conference 10 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org

We will design and build the perfect park to suit your needs.

Whether it’s playground equipment, shade, site furnishings, bleachers or sports equipment, we’ve got you covered.

800.438.2780

www.cunninghamrec.com Fall 2019 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 11

Members, we need your help!

SOUTH CAROLINA

2019 SCRPA Magazine Readership Survey

RECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION

Complete for a chance to WIN ONE OF FOUR $25 amazon.com gift cards!

We know your time is valuable, but can we please get three minutes of your time to complete this survey?

Through this survey, we will gather a broad range of reader feedback to help us present content relevant to your organization’s needs and challenges. It also assists us in expanding the publication (which requires advertising support). As a thank you for your time, four lucky survey submitters will be drawn at random to win one of four $25 amazon.com gift cards.

Winners will be announced the week of Monday, Sept. 30.

You can complete this survey online at www.bit.ly/SCRPAsurvey, complete and return this hard copy form via email to: info@pernsteiner.com, or mail it to: Pernsteiner Creative Group, Todd Pernsteiner, 1221 N. Orange Dr. #104, Los Angeles, CA 90038 Surveys must be received no later than Friday, Sept. 27, 2019 to be eligible for the amazon.com gift card drawings.

Please note: answers to only be used by SCRPA and our magazine publisher.

We will not share your personal contact information with outside companies.

Thank you for your time and continued support of SCRPA!

Question #1

Question #4

Question #7

Question #8

How many of the last four issues of SCRPA magazine have you looked through?

4 3 2 1 (just this issue)

How frequently do you visit SCRPA’s facebook page?

1-3 times per week 1-3 times per month Less than once per month Never

Which items are you likely to acquire in the next 12 months?

Have you purchased products or services from any of the advertisers in this publication?

If so, which companies?

Question #2 Including yourself, how many people typically read or look through your copy of this publication?

1 2 3 4 or more

Do you purchase, research, or recommend products and/or services for your organization?

Yes No

Question #6

Question #3 How frequently do you visit SCRPA’s website?

1-3 times per week 1-3 times per month Less than once per month Never

Question #10

Question 5 #

What are your 2019 combined annual Capital Equipment and Capital Improvement budgets for park and recreation products and services?

Under $500,000 $500,000 - $1 million $1 million - $5 million More than $5 million Other_________________

Accounting services Aquatic products Banking/financing Concessions supplies Construction services Engineering/architecture Entertainment Fitness/gym equipment Floor coverings Insurance Landscaping equipment Legal services Playground equipment Park or site furnishings Software/technology Sports lighting/equipment Surfacing/paving services Training products/services Trophies/medals Other_________________

Yes

No

_________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________ _________________________

Question #9 Do you try, whenever possible, to purchase products or services from SCRPA Corporate member partners?

Yes

No

What topics or story ideas would you like to see covered in upcoming issues of the magazine?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Organization/company:_______________________________________ Your name:____________________________________________ Your job title: ________________________________________________ City and state___________________________________________ Email:______________________________________________________ Phone: ( Please contact me to discuss my survey answers.

12 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org

)__________________________________________ Survey questions? Contact Todd Pernsteiner at (952) 841-1111 or info@pernsteiner.com.

SOUTH CAROLINA

RECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION

Help us Celebrate 75 Years!

194 5 -2 0 2 0

To commemorate SCRPA’s 75th anniversary in 2020, we are producing two special publications. The Spring 2020 issue of SCRPA’s SOUTH CAROLINA magazine will feature articles and photos from the past 75 years. We will also be producing a special 75th anniversary hardcover book filled with articles, photos, agency member information, and a corporate member directory. You can be part of both publications!

Advertising & Corporate Membership

e is available in both the Spring ADV ERTISING: Advertising spac OLIN A magazine and the CAR TH th SOU of 75 anniversary issue book. BONUS: Advertise in both 75th anniversary commemorative ad rates are also available for ial Spec $! publications and SAVE profits.

SCR PA member agencies and noner at info@pernsteiner.com To advertise, contact Todd Pernstein at www.bit.ly/SCRPA 2020. or 952- 841-1111. View the rate card S: Renew or establish your COR POR ATE MEM BER LISTING

by Dec. 31, 2019 and hip bers Mem e 2020 SCR PA Corporat gs listin in both 75th publications! you’ll be included in the corporate ils, visit www.scrpa.org.

For corporate membership deta Dec. 31, 2019.

Advertising due by no later than

SCRPA Agency Submissions

INFORM ATION: SC RPA agency members are invited to submit details about their community or organization for inclusi on in the 75th anniversar y book.

Please include: year city or organization was form ed or incorporated; city popula tion in 1945 & today; up to 75 words about your organi zation; and 1-5 notable things your community has don e for your residents in the areas of parks and recreation . Email information to Tod d Pernsteiner at info@pern steiner.com or complete the online form at ww w.SCR PA75.com.

PHOTOS: Has your com munity collec ted amazin g park and recreation images over the past 75 years?

We want to see them! When sen ding, please include the year the photo was taken (if kno wn), where it was taken, photo credit (if known), and a caption describing the photo.

Be sure you have permis sion/rights to use the image.

Email (if 10MB or less) to: info@pernsteiner.co m OR, upload photos at ww w.S CR PA75.com. (Please label photos with your name and description; then em ail us the list of photos you upl oaded with captions, alo ng with your contac t information .

Information and photos due by Dec. 31, 2019.

Pre-Order Your Commemorative Book & Save!

The commemorative SCRPA coffee table book will be a trip down memory lane – celebrating 75 years of parks and recreation in the state. This is a great way to see how things have changed…or stayed the same.

This book would be a great gift! Pre-sales end Jan. 15, 2020. Books will ship Spring 2020. A limited quantity of extra books will be printed and available for $46 ea. while supplies last. Don’t miss out!

Early-bird rate (Aug. 1 – Nov. 1, 2019)................... $33.95 ea.

Regular rate (Nov. 2 – Dec. 15, 2019).....................$39.95 ea.

Last-chance rate (Dec. 16, 2019 – Jan. 30, 2020)....$46.00 ea.

Shipping & handling fees (for deliveries to same address): 1 book......... $15 total 2-4 books.....$17 total 5-6 books....$20 total 7-10 books... $28 total

SCRPA COMMEMORATIVE 75TH ANNIVERSARY BOOK ORDER FORM _____ (Quantity) x $____________ (Book Fee) + $___________ (S&H) = $______________ (total enclosed) Name______________________________________________________

Please make checks payable to:

Company (if applicable)_______________________________________

Pernsteiner Creative Group

Shipping Address_____________________________________________ City_______________________ State__________ Zip_______________ Phone______________________________________________________ Email_______________________________________________________ Check one:

Commercial shipping address

Residential shipping address

Sorry, credit card payments available only via the online order form (see link below).

Mail check and order form to: Pernsteiner Creative, Todd Pernsteiner 5115 Excelsior Blvd, #433 Minneapolis, MN 55416 Questions? Call Todd at 952-841-1111.

ORDER ONLINE VIA CREDIT CARD AT WWW.SCRPA75.COM Fall 2019 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 13

g n i k i B n i a t n u o M h t u Yo

f f o s take linas! o r a C e h t in

By John Cardozo, Head Coach of Catawba Ridge Riders of the South Carolina Interscholastic Cycling League, and Elizabeth Walles Duda, Chair of Eat Smart Move More York County, members of the Bike/Ped Coalition of York County Interscholastic mountain biking is gaining popularity throughout the country - and South Carolina is no exception. While people have mountain biked for decades, interscholastic mountain bike racing is a new sport. And the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) is bringing it to SC in 2020!

The NICA has leagues in 27 states. Over 20,000 student-athletes participate and 10,000 coaches and volunteers manage the teams and events. In SC, eight youth mountain biking teams participate in the North Carolina (NC) and Georgia (GA) NICA Leagues. The NC League, now in its third year, boasts over 36 teams and an average of 400 student-athletes per event. The GA League, in its 5th year, welcomes as many as 800 riders, and holds races from sun up to sun down over

an entire weekend. Existing NICA coaches recognized the potential in SC and formed a league committee to start the South Carolina Interscholastic League (SCICL).

Starting Spring 2020, the new SC program will culminate in an annual SCICL Race Series from September through November.

Races will be designed for student-athletes grades 6-12. “Starting a team and guiding new riders through skills development and racing has been very rewarding,” explains John Cardozo, Head Coach of the Catawba Ridge Riders, based in Fort Mill, SC. Catawba Ridge Riders participated in the NC Interscholastic Cycling League in Spring 2019 and won several Middle School Division championships.

New NICA teams are being formed throughout SC in anticipation of the

14 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org

new league. “The initial response from the SC biking community has been terrific,” explains Curt Edsall, SCICL League Director. Securing race venues and empowering local cyclists to start youth teams is underway. Informational meetings are being held regionally. The league welcomes coaches, volunteers, and sponsors as the backbone of the program. NICA training programs and background checks ensure new coaches get off to a solid start. Through 2019, SCICL will educate folks on the NICA program, its success regionally, and the need for motivated cyclists to help support development of the next generation of mountain bikers in SC. SCICL officials are meeting with local bike shops, bike clubs, athletic directors and wellness committees to gain further support for the league.

NICA’s mission is: We build strong minds, bodies, character, and communities through cycling. There are no tryouts.

Racing is optional, and only part of the program. Trail stewardship, girls only rides, beginner through advanced rider skills development, bike maintenance and self-sufficiency, are all components of the student-athlete experience. Of course, camaraderie and friendship often top the list! Participants need a mountain bike,

basic riding skills and a desire to improve their skills. NICA leagues often have scholarships that include bikes and reduced entry fees. Parents of youth mountain bikers in SC are encouraged to tune in to team development opportunities.

Cardozo at John@southcarolinamtb.org or Curt Edsall at curt@southcarolinamtb.org

If you would like more information, are interested in starting a team, being a coach, or having your child participate in the SCICL, feel free to email: John

For further information on the Bike/Ped Coalition of York County: www.facebook.com/BPCYC/

SCICL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. www.northcarolinamtb.org/ www.southcarolinamtb.org/ www.nationalmtb.org/

Fall 2019 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 15

Unique and Diverse Programing

The Wetland Preserve at Saluda Shoals Park

By Mark Baker and Zach Pensa, Saluda Shoals Park, Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission

Environmental education is a critical component that can be utilized to teach future generations the importance of sustainability and conservation.

At Saluda Shoals Park, the ranger team does just that by leading education programs utilizing the Wetland Preserve to educate students from grades K – 12. The Wetland Preserve at Saluda Shoals Park is home to a variety of species that range from microorganisms to large vertebrates, making it one of the Midlands’ most unique classrooms. Instead of listening to a lecture in the classroom, students are immersed in hands-on activities that create an engaging and interactive learning environment.

16 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org

IKO Each year, the park has nearly 7,000 students participate in the environmental education programs offered. Most of the students who partake in the programs are from schools throughout the Midlands.

What makes the program so appealing to teachers is that it meets both national and South Carolina educational science standards. Each program begins with a short introduction explaining why wetlands are a critical component of the environment. This is followed with a hands-on investigation of bio facts and preserved animal specimens of species that calls a wetland habitat their home. Specimens include animal pelts, bird wings, and various species skulls.

The program concludes with net dipping in the Wetland where students collect live specimens such as crayfish, tadpoles, and minnows, which are further studied under microscopes before being released back into the Wetland.

In addition to the education programs, the Wetland Preserve is utilized year round for a variety of recreational opportunities including summer camps, bird watching, therapeutic recreation, volunteer nature interpreting, and several catch and release fishing programs. Each year, the Wetland hosts the park’s annual Halloween event, Will O’ the Wisp, where the walking path around it is transformed into a festive trail that provides a fun and safe environment for trick-or-treaters. Throughout the holiday season, the Wetland is transformed into a lighted winter walking trail during the park’s annual Holiday Lights on the River event.

The Wetland Preserve at Saluda Shoals Park is a unique resource that serves the community by providing hands on education and outdoor recreation to local youth and adults of all ages and abilities. By inspiring the present generation to value the natural world, Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission hopes to instill the desire to conserve and protect wetland ecosystems.

By inspiring the present generation to value the natural world, Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission hopes to instill the desire to conserve and protect wetland ecosystems.

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Fall 2019 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 17

IF T R E ES COUL D T AL K

By Samantha Radford, City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism

WH AT IF T R E ES COUL D T AL K? COUL D YOU IM A GINE T HE ST O R IES T HEY WOUL D SH AR E? The City of Aiken has one of the most assorted collections of trees of any municipality, and the oak species and hybrids may be the best collection of such trees in the country. The trees in Aiken are not only unique, but they can in fact, talk. The Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department maintains two designated Arboretum trails, one along Colleton Avenue and another in Hopelands Gardens, complete with a self-guided cell phone tour.

Visitors and locals have long since admired the city’s collection of trees. Many would ask questions of staff members or volunteers at the Aiken Visitor’s Center and Train Museum, “How old is this tree? Where is its native land? Who planted it?”

The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism department recognized an opportunity to offer nature programming without having to designate a staff member to guide such tours. Through the addition of a cell phone tour, Aiken‘s arboretum trail has come to life. This innovative form of programming makes it easier for patrons to go at a leisurely pace and enjoy tree gazing on their own. Visitors can stand by a tree, dial the phone number listed on the accompanying sign, and from their cell phone have access to a wealth of knowledge about the specimen in front of them. Some recordings have unique tidbits about the tree’s history, whether it had a specific role in a historical event, or if it made its way from another country on the other side of the world.

18 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org

The biggest challenge to overcome with this project was the initial startup. Though the city’s arboretum trail had been in existence for many years, the addition of the interactive tour was a new feature added in 2013. The narrations were created by a local expert, Bob McCartney, who has an extensive knowledge of both native and exotic trees and plants, gained from his educational background and his experience in owning a nursery.

Once Mr. McCartney created scripts for almost 200 species’ narrations, along with their scientific and common names, we recruited our voices. Volunteers were gathered to share their voices and we partnered with a local radio station who helped us capture the recordings. After scheduling recordings and making a few revisions, they were uploaded onto the online storytelling platform, OnCell.

A challenge we now face is keeping the program fresh for those who are enthusiastic about trees and plants, but have already heard the tour once before. An ever-present opportunity for growth is to include new trees along the trails, but we must be mindful to not distract from the natural beauty in our parks and parkways.

Another potential opportunity is to make the tour more kid-friendly by incorporating a scavenger hunt or childlike recordings, using children’s voices and a more youth-minded approach to the description of each specimen.

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155 Recreation and Parks 19 Fall 2019 • SOUTH CAROLINA

Art Impacting the People and the Park

By Adam Kelly, Summer Marketing Assistant for the City of Charleston Recreation Department Last year, 8-by-6 sculptures made from sealed wood and plexiglass were placed at the end of the four streets leading into Hampton Park.

While these art pieces stood out amongst the green of the park, they also blended in, adding a subtle touch for locals to view. In the shape of faces based off of kids in the community, artist, Joseph Dreher made a lasting mark on the Holy City’s people.

It all started in Lake City, SC, when Dreher participated in ArtFields, a nine-day art competition recognizing talent from the southeast. Back in 2017, the artist won an award for his work which caught the eye of Charleston Parks Conservancy. It was around that time when they appointed Dreher to create a piece for their new program, Art in the Park.

Based in Atlanta, Dreher (JOEKINGATL) has previously created works inspired by inner-city kids. The Conservancy’s mission to create public artwork that reflected the Charleston community and city environment aligned with the artist and the two got to work.

Before starting on the installation itself, Dreher did research on Charleston and fully immersed himself in the city. He even had the chance to meet locals and create drawings of them during his trip.

These people helped guide Dreher in creating the Community Portrait Garden.

“I’m really interested in community engagement and representing the community [as a whole]. I visited four elementary schools and [worked with] Portrait Partners,” Dreher said. This was a technique he developed where people of any age and skill level are paired up and learn how to create portraits of each other.

20 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org

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Dreher explored several of Charleston’s parks, but settled on Hampton Park as it’s surrounded by many local schools. The forestry within the park fit his style, but also showed him his vision for making the artwork blend in and stand out simultaneously.

Although Dreher has done a lot of traveling, he realized most kids have not, and this impacted his perspective from a visitor’s standpoint.

Dreher added, “A child hasn’t travelled much of their life. When you talk to kids about a place, they’re giving you their whole world.”

The project took over a year to finish, but received positive feedback from the community. Dreher not only met with locals, but was able to celebrate their input in the whole process. His inspirational audience was the afterschool program at Shaw Community Center, where he worked with the youth using the partner technique. Dreher calls his work ‘social art,’ because his pieces come from the meaningful interactions he has with people.

This year, a temporary art sculpture made from two scrap propane tanks was placed on the West Ashley Greenway. As the newest piece of the Art in the Park program, the public can view and interact with the artwork by walking inside and looking up. Created by Mike Wsol, another Georgia-based artist, “Under Glass” incorporates spirituality and science into the piece.

The city looks to increase art installations that reflect people and nature alike. Artists like Dreher and Wsol have achieved this goal and Charleston looks to revitalize several areas around the city for locals to enjoy.

22 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org

Fall 2019 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 23

North Charleston’s R iverfront Park has Something for Everyone

By Brenda Rindge, City of North Charleston Aquatics Division Although some say the Noisette Project was a colossal failure, it resulted in one of the shiniest jewels in North Charleston’s crown. Designed as large-scale urban revitalization project for the shuttered Charleston Naval Base, the Noisette Project was foreclosed a decade ago, but not before the creation of the city’s 70-acre Riverfront Park.

The park, opened in 2005, is bounded by the Cooper River and Noisette Creek on two sides and flanked by 40 base buildings and houses now on the National Register of Historic Places. The site includes a military memorial, an 800-foot riverfront boardwalk, fountains, fishing pier, playground, dog park and amphitheater. It hosts annual events such as the city’s Fourth of July celebration and

regional concerts like the Highwater Festival. But there are also those who come for other reasons.

“I think a lot of people come out here and they’re surprised to see the sculptures,” said Maggie Jordan, visual arts coordinator for the City of North Charleston’s Cultural Arts Department. The park is wellknown for having both a revolving and fixed gallery of outdoor artwork, part of the National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition run by the city. Some visitors are there just for the art, while others visit the show while attending a concert or other event.

The fixed gallery is called The Greater Charleston Naval Base Memorial. It commemorates the men and women who served during the base’s 95 years of operation with a “stream” signifying sailors

24 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org

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crossing gangways and two statues - “The Lone Sailor” and “The Homecoming” by Stanley Blefield. The revolving gallery of 12-14 pieces is “a great way of utilizing this space,” Jordan said.

“It lends itself to a sculpture garden because there’s so much wide-open space and so much greenery.”

Each spring, artists from across the country apply for the competition. The show opens in May in conjunction with the city’s annual five-day arts festival.

“The biggest thing is making sure they’re safe for the park environment, mainly to withstand the elements but also because people do want to climb on them,” Jordan said. “I can see how some people would treat these as playground equipment. Luckily they can pretty much handle it.”

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Those wanting additional information on the works can dial up the Otocast app on their phones to hear the artists discuss their works.

“It’s just a way for the public to hear more about each piece,” Jordan said. “But at the same time, we are hearing that people are logging in from as far away as Asia and just listening to it.”

The park is well-known for having both a revolving and fixed gallery of outdoor artwork, part of the National Outdoor Sculpture Competition and Exhibition run by the city.

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Fall 2019 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 25

The Importance of Undeveloped Parks in an Increasingly Urban County

By Ryan May, Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission The Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission (CCPRC) is dedicated to providing the people of Charleston County with a diverse system of park facilities, programs and services. With approximately 28 new residents moving to the Charleston region each day*, the demand for development of the county’s uninhabited

areas grows steadily each year. As Charleston County’s population increases and development booms annually, it is vital that CCPRC upholds its values to preserve natural resources and captivate visitors by maintaining undeveloped parks in areas such as Meggett and Mount Pleasant.

Hidden between the Toogoodoo and the Wadmalaw Rivers, Meggett County Park offers walkers, runners, cyclists and equestrians endless opportunities for exploration and appreciation of Charleston’s scenic qualities. Home to dozens of grand live oak trees and unmatched views of surrounding

Laurel Hill County Park, Mount Pleasant

26 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org

As the population of Charleston County grows, it is important that we provide spaces in increasingly urban areas where an individual can simply wander.

Meggett County Park, Meggett

marsh, the park has remained virtually untouched. Accompanied by the tunes of indigenous songbirds, one can easily get lost in the beauty of the undeveloped area. The park’s 416 acres are lined with approximately five miles of scenic trails that offer visitors a chance to step out of the city’s ever-growing hubbub and into the environment’s serene oasis. Rather than developing attractions and regularly staffing the park, CCPRC has remained keen on preserving what remains of the Lowcountry’s rich natural history.

Located in the flourishing town of Mount Pleasant, Laurel Hill County Park also provides a haven from the hustle and bustle of Charleston County. The former plantation offers miles of scenic trails

on over 745 acres of property, with the heart of the park featuring an oak allée, large open meadows and a small lake.

Tucked behind the Park West Recreation Complex, the property is open daily for people wishing to run, walk or bike its trails, allowing them to escape the activity of Mount Pleasant. Much like Meggett County Park, Laurel Hill County Park is focused on the preservation of its stunning landscape rather than the creation of trendy developments. In collaboration with Ducks Unlimited, CCPRC recently completed a project that will improve flood control measures and enhance habitat for waterfowl and aquatic species. It is crucial for CCPRC to allocate funds to projects like this so that visitors can continue having one-with-nature experiences in our parks.

As the population of Charleston County grows, it is important that we provide spaces in increasingly urban areas where an individual can simply wander.

According to Charleston County Economic Development, the county experienced a 14% population growth rate from 2010 to 2017. County parks like Meggett and Laurel Hill offer undisturbed nature as an attraction in itself, and rather than hopping on the bandwagon of spiking development, we invite both tourists and locals to enjoy these primitive views exclusive to Charleston County. *Source: Charleston County Economic Development Data Center

Fall 2019 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 27

Connecting Communities ,

Rebuilding Ties

By Madeline Armstrong, Marketing & Social Media Coordinator at Greenville County Greenville County has been shaped by its mill roots. Once touted as the Textile Capital of the World, the skyline was dotted with smokestacks and water towers. The air was full of sounds and smells as trains took Greenville textiles to the four corners of the globe. With time and the decline of the textile industry, these communities had fallen quiet.

However, the “bones” of these once vibrant communities – sidewalks, dense cluster of homes, towering brick mills – remained.

The opportunity to put some meat back on the bones of these mill communities came in the mid-1990s. The Greenville and Northern Railroad that once delivered goods to and from the area was offered back to the County. Rather than allow the rail bed to slowly disappear, civic leaders chose to do something bigger and bolder – to rebuild the sense of community, not through trains and weaving textiles, but by connecting people through trails. Starting in 2009, Greenville County converted the industrial rail bed from a steel wheel corridor to a paved path for bike wheels and sneaker soles.

It wasn’t long before it was proven that if you built a path that allowed people to travel to existing destinations without cars,

they would walk and bike as if it were an interstate.

The trail turned out to be an economic engine and soon the little town of Travelers Rest was pumping with tourism. Families were getting outside more often. Walking from the farmer’s market to their favorite eateries became commonplace. New businesses were opening up and commerce along the trail was increasing by as much as 85%. Empty homes were in high demand. This rail turned trail was driving the economy full steam ahead.

While the Textile Capital of the World has seen many changes since the first rail was put down in the late 1800s, two things have remained the same – people’s desire for a sense of community connectedness, and the moniker for this transportation corridor.

Swamp Rabbit was the nickname that locals gave the rail line because the train hopped

like a rabbit through the Piedmont Swamp.

Today, the 22 mile Swamp Rabbit Trail network branches out like the tracks of a commuter rail system, its lines coded by color to indicate their route. More and more people are realizing that the journey and the destination are reinvigorating when traveled by trail.

While the Textile Capital of the World has seen many changes since the first rail was put down in the late 1800s, two things have remained the same – people’s desire for a sense of community connectedness, and the moniker for this transportation corridor.

28 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org

500 MILES

THE PALMETTO TRAIL – BRIDGING URBAN & RURAL IN NEWBERRY, SC

By Mary Alex Kopp, Tourism and Events Manager for the City of Newberry Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Five hundred miles of hiking and cycling paths by lakes, mountain ridges; through forests, swamps, and towns across the state of South Carolina – that is the goal of the Palmetto Trail. On National Trails Day, June 1, 2019, the Newberry Passage of the Palmetto Trail officially opened in downtown Newberry. There was an excited crowd at the ribbon cutting during the first annual Open Streets Newberry event.

Downtown Newberry is now a part of the state-wide trail system created by the Palmetto Conservation Foundation.

The strategic selection of downtown Newberry furthers the PCF’s mission to “Finish the Trail,” closing the remaining gap of trail in Newberry County and connecting the Midlands to the Upstate. The City of Newberry was thrilled to be selected by the PCF as a passage destination and worked to make the process of approval of the trail expedient for all parties.

Additionally, the Newberry Passage is one of only three urban paths in the trail system. Urban passages offer trail goers a place to stop, rest, and enjoy shopping and dining. This is a great opportunity for the downtown district, with the potential to foster tourism, business, and economic development to the area. Downtown Newberry is now on the map as a destination for adventure enthusiasts, casual hikers, and outdoor outfitters.

THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR THE DOWNTOWN DISTRICT, WITH THE POTENTIAL TO FOSTER TOURISM, BUSINESS, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO THE AREA.

Fall 2019 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 29

For the Wet Footprints

By Elizabeth Johnson, Park Ranger for Chau Ram County Park Some trails are a breeze to maintain: the ground is stable, the brush is manageable, and the drainage is cooperative. The spot upon which we built this project on this spring was not one of those trails. It was a deeply rutted, root-filled obstacle course that required the dexterity of a trapeze artist to navigate. Also, it was the only place to access a favorite location of visitors to Chau Ram County Park: the V-Rapids on the Chauga River. Heavy use and heavier erosion from water running

down the hill from further up the trail had created a trail-maintenance mess that needed attention.

Our original plan was a staircase to navigate the steep terrain, but after carefully examining our visitors’ needs, we determined that a viewing platform at the top of the embankment would deliver impactful scenic views of the river as well as give hikers and families a good place to rest. Our final project ended up as an

8’x16’ deck with attached stairs. Because of periodic flooding that could potentially impact the structure, we built it out of large 6x6 posts with 4x6 joists and runners. All construction was handled by park rangers and staff.

Construction faced a few challenges. The ground was a mix of tree roots and a lot of sand. Finding good stable ground in which to set our posts was difficult, so we compensated by digging the holes extra

The tiny wet footprints we see decorating the deck are evidence that this structure has made this area accessible to a wider range of visitors.

30 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org

wide and using four 80lb bags of concrete per post (these posts are solid to say the least). Just getting the materials to the site was a challenge. We have ATV access to some of our trails, so we were able to get our materials there, but there was no way to get a concrete mixer to the site. All 60 bags of concrete had to be hauled out a few at a time in the bed of our utility vehicle and, after we got them there, hand-mixed in a wheelbarrow with water hauled up from the river.

When we opened up the viewing deck to the public this Memorial Day, we were delighted to see that it was quickly a favorite. The tiny wet footprints we see decorating the deck are evidence that this structure has made this area accessible to a wider range of visitors. In the future, we look forward to adding interpretive signage and a built-in bench to further enhance our guests’ experiences.

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Fall 2019 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 31

SOUTH CAROLINA RECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION

P.O. Box 1046 Lexington, SC 29071-1046

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