SOUTH CAROLINA
2024 Board of Directors
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President Katherine Jones York County
President Elect
Jon Woodsby Spartanburg County
Vice President
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Amy Evans Summerville Secretary
BRANCHES
ELM Branch
Kim Moultrie
Spartanburg County
PRM Branch
Blake Center City of Rock Hill
Oliver
County
County
Past President
Aiken
Central VP Seth Holley City of Aiken Eastern
Southern VP
Nicole Murray Landscape Structures
Western VP
Tamika Pollard
of Greenville
Programming
Rebekah Parker Spartanburg County
SCAP Branch
Justin Davis
City of Rock Hill
Student Branch
Lawanda Curry
Clemson University
SCRPA EXECUTIVE STAFF
Executive Director
James E. Headley jim@scrpa.org
MAGAZINE/MARKETING COMMITTEE
CHAIR
Alison Cribb City of Aiken
VICE CHAIR
Megan Boisvert North Charleston
CENTRAL
Katie Gantt City of Aiken
Lauren Wolf
of Myrtle Beach
WESTERN
Taylor Talbot
of Greenville
South Carolina Recreation & Parks Association
P.O. Box 1046, Lexington, SC 29071 (p) 803-808-7753 www.scrpa.org • info@scrpa.org
To advertise in the magazine , contact Todd Pernsteiner: todd@pernsteiner.com or (952) 841-1111.
THE ASSOCIATION REPORT
By Katherine Jones, SCRPA President & Jim Headley, SCRPA Executive Director
Welcome to the start of the Fall season!
While the temperatures are still a bit warm, most agencies are gearing up for their after-school programs, fall sports, and trying to keep that grass alive! We hope each of your summers went well.
In this issue, we explore Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI). While we believe our profession has always been at the forefront of this topic, it is an ongoing and evolving process. There is no endpoint, and it has been described as a journey where you can join at any stage and continue to grow and develop. We have some amazing things happening across the state in this journey called DEI:
• We have the world’s largest inclusive playground in North Charleston and other amazing playgrounds in Goose Creek, Greer, Irmo-Chapin, Myrtle Beach, Newberry, and Florence County.
• Greenville County PRT hosts Camp Spearhead throughout the year for children and adults with special needs to enjoy outdoor activities, socialize, and have fun.
• Rock Hill features a park with a playground, a Miracle Field, and a concession stand operated by special needs participants. Many agencies offer comparable Miracle League or accessible ball fields and participate in hosting or volunteering for Special Olympics.
Upcoming Events:
September 25-26
Sports Management Institute, Clemson
October 2-4
CPSI, Columbia
October 24
Golf Tournament, Columbia
November 6
Park Maintenance Institute, Columbia
December 16-18
79 th Annual Conference, Myrtle Beach
Learn more at www.scrpa.org.
• Charleston County provides inclusive programs, including beach access, swim nights, and proms.
• Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission’s McLeod Plantation highlights the stories of the enslaved, rather than the traditional "House and Gardens" narrative.
• St. Andrews offers tennis for wheelchair users and Spartanburg County focuses on park accessibility.
• Charleston, Dorchester, and Colleton Counties have portable pools to teach water and sun safety to children.
These are just some of the ways South Carolina, and all of you, are making notable progress in DEI with various initiatives and programs supporting inclusivity across the state.
Our association is no different. We have been offering the Brian O. Wofford Scholarship for our SC LEAD program since 2014. Please refer back to our article in the winter issue of 2023, ensuring that we maintain a diverse class each time. We continue to offer our workshops, institutes, and conferences at a reasonable price and have dietary or any other accessible issues on our forms. The leadership continues to identify future professionals to serve on our committees, branches, and boards to ensure we have not only racial but also geographic and gender representation.
Our profession must always do a little more each year and include the entire community when planning our parks and programs. DEI is a stated goal with no end. Which, we understand, can bother some folks who like to check a box and move on. Our profession has been a pioneer in promoting DEI even before these concepts were formally recognized. However, it is essential that we continue to strive for improvement in these areas.
Be sure to register for the 79 th Annual Conference “Making Waves,” being held in Myrtle Beach, SC on December 16-18, and don’t forget to book your hotel room. It is also that time of year to start getting excited about our 22nd Annual Golf Tournament – our only fundraising event of the year. Please check the website or contact Amy Evans for more information. We need teams to sign up (non-members welcome), hole sponsors, and tent sponsors.
As always, stay informed of professional development opportunities as well as what’s happening within SCRPA by reading our SC Snapshots, SCRPA Newsletter, and SCRPA website.
Thank you for everything you do.
Best,
- Katherine Jones & Jim Headley
Katherine Jones JimHeadley
Elevate Your Outdoor Space With Us
Enhance your parks, schools, community centers, and outdoor areas with turnkey solutions from the company you trust. Our park and playground equipment offer endless opportunities for imaginative play, physical activity, and social interaction. Provide comfortable play areas and seating with our shade and shelter options, creating inviting spaces for relaxation and social gatherings. Plus, our site furnishings add functionality and style, completing the overall look of your outdoor environment. Ready to elevate your space?
# HeresWhatsHappening
Snapshots from SCRPA member agencies
Discover a world of tempting tastes, tunes & taps along Greenville’s Main Street. Join us October 11-13, 2024 for a 3-day food festival with 250+ menu items, 6 stages packed with regional and national musical talent, and 30+ beer and wine taps. For more information, visit fallforgreenville.net.
Photos by: Chelsey Ashford Photography
Surf’s up! Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission hosted the annual Wheel to Surf event at Folly Beach County Park, giving 30 participants an opportunity to hit the waves in this adaptive surfing program. Surfers of all ages came out to celebrate diversity and inclusion with the help of over 50 volunteers. This partnership with Ocean Cure, Adaptive Surf Project, Coastal Adaptive Sports, and Adaptive Expeditions ensured that the surfers and volunteers had a safe and fun day at the beach!
On Thursday, May 30 (the last day of school), the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department hosted our first Teen Movie Night. We screened The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and provided free pizza, drinks, and popcorn for local middle and high school students.
The North Charleston Recreation Department wrapped up our monthly Exceptional Grounds Coffee Shop program with an end-of-the-school- year special. Throughout the year, students from the North Charleston High School’s exceptional class come to the City Hall building to host a coffee shop. This job skills program allows the students to apply the skills they learn in the classroom in a hands-on and safe setting. The coffee shop is something that the City Hall employees look forward to each month and the students will certainly be missed over the summer break!
Bank of America Fall for Greenville
Teen Movie Night in Aiken
North Charleston Wraps Up Coffee Shop Program
Wheel to Surf
Myrtle Beach Hosts Weekly Kids' Summer Sports Camps
Myrtle Beach welcomes hundreds of kids for an exciting array of summer camps. Each week, the recreation staff hosts a different sports camp, often introducing new faces and fresh activities. Campers have the chance to learn a new sport every week while enjoying outdoor playtime with friends. Given the scorching South Carolina summers, the camps smartly schedule outdoor activities in the morning and move indoors for the afternoon, ensuring a fun and comfortable experience for everyone.
AGENCIES: SUBMIT YOUR UPDATES!
Kick-Starting Sports: The City of Aiken's Engaging Program for Little Athletes
The City of Aiken's Start Smart program, designed for children ages 3-5, focuses on teaching the fundamental aspects of baseball and soccer in a hands-on and interactive manner that encourages engagement from both children and parents. This program offers a valuable opportunity for parents to build connections with their young ones while they develop a foundational understanding of the sport. It is an enjoyable and educational experience for newcomers to the game.
Submit your #HeresWhatsHappening and Beyond the Business Card articles for a future issue of SCRPA magazine. Send your text (70 words or less) plus up to three high resolution photos to: Alison Cribb at ACribb@CityofAikenSC.gov.
Get Ready for the 79th annual SCRPA Annual Conference
The 79th annual SCRPA Annual Conference will be held December 16-18, 2024 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Book your group rate for 2024 SCRPA Annual Conference now!
Last Day to Book: Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Sheraton Myrtle Beach special group rate: $135 per night
Early Bird Registration is available until: November 1, 2024.
Early Bird VENDOR Registration is available until: September 15, 2024. For additional information, including a detailed conference schedule, visit: scrpa.org/page/2024_SCRPA
Views from the Park Bench
Lori A. Hoffner
Lori A. Hoffner is a professional speaker, trainer and consultant specializing in staff and leadership development, community networking and youth programming. She has presented frequently at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show. To learn more about Hoffner’s training, visit www.SupportingCommUnity.com. And make sure to check out her session at the 2024 SCRPA Annual Conference.
The Power of Critical Thinking
Have a problem to solve? Develop a plan for effective solutions, every time.
By: Lori A. Hoffner
Since the time of early Greek philosophers such as Plato and Socrates, critical thinking has been a subject of much debate and thought. It continues to be a subject of discussion into the modern age, highlighting its enduring importance.
Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally, understand the logical connection between ideas, and use analytical and problem-solving skills. In today’s fast-paced world, where decisions are often made hastily, critical thinking is needed more than ever. Despite the need, many individuals seem to lack this skill or don’t fully understand its importance. Thinking clearly, deeply and productively is arguably one of our most valuable life skills. However, research indicates that this skill is becoming increasingly endangered, with many individuals prioritizing immediate challenges over the more profound, meaningful types of thinking that could lead to better outcomes in the long run.
A lack of problem-solving skills and critical thinking can be attributed to several factors. One significant contributor is the fear of failure, which is common today and can impede professional development and mental well-being. This fear often leads to heightened stress levels and a reluctance to take risks or learn from mistakes. Additionally, technology, changing societal norms and shortcomings in the education system are also cited as major causes of the decline of critical thinking. Many experts
believe that technology plays a prominent role, with its constant distractions and ease of access to information. Social norms that discourage questioning and independent thinking, as well as an education system that prioritizes memorization over critical analysis, further exacerbate the issue. These factors combined create a challenging environment for developing robust problemsolving and critical-thinking skills.
Analyzing a problem involves closely and carefully examining its nature and the relationship of its parts. It is the initial step in problem-solving, which entails identifying a problem, developing possible solution paths and taking the appropriate course of action. This process is crucial for effective decisionmaking and problem solving.
There is a strong connection between communication, critical thinking and problem-solving, as effective communication requires the ability to think critically and analyze problems to convey ideas clearly and find solutions. Individuals who can think about an issue from different perspectives are likely to be better communicators and less likely to react impulsively. Moreover, critical thinkers often analyze the way others think and make arguments before responding themselves. This analytical approach is key to understanding the connection between communication and critical thinking and, ultimately, successful problem-solving.
What steps can you take to encourage, lead and assist an analytical process using critical thinking and problem-solving? Here are a few ideas.
• Clearly define the problem: Ensure all team members agree on the problem statement and be specific about how and when the problem occurs.
• Don’t jump to conclusions: Avoid making assumptions and take the time to thoroughly analyze the problem.
• Try different approaches: Be open to exploring various solutions and consider unconventional ideas. For example, use fishbone diagrams for root-cause analysis. A fishbone diagram (illustrated on page 9) is a visual tool that helps team members diagram a problem or condition’s root causes. By visually representing the causes, teams can diagnose the problem more effectively, focusing on the root causes rather than the symptoms. This approach allows for team consensus around the problem and its causes.
• Don’t take it personally: Approach problem-solving objectively and focus on finding solutions rather than assigning blame.
• Get the right people in the room: Involve individuals with diverse perspectives and expertise to ensure a comprehensive analysis.
• Document everything: Keep a record of the process, including the problem statement, analysis and solutions considered.
When you encourage and support your staff in developing problem-solving skills, individuals continuously work on enhancing their critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities to tackle challenges effectively. If at any time you feel like you’re too close to the issue, consider bringing in a facilitator. A facilitator can help guide the process and ensure all voices are heard.
Preserving the art of critical thinking in a fast-paced world requires a conscious effort to prioritize meaningful thinking and problem-solving. By utilizing analytical tools, understanding the connection between communication and critical thinking, and following effective problem-solving strategies, individuals and teams can enhance their ability to think critically and achieve better outcomes.
Focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Revitalizing Langley Pond Park: DEI-Focused Playgrounds and Inclusive Recreation for All
By: Tandra Cooks, Aiken County Parks, Recreation, & Tourism
Langley Pond Park in Aiken County has emerged as a premier destination for both residents and visitors, boasting a rich array of amenities and a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Spanning 300 acres of pond and 100 acres of lush green space, the park offers a variety of activities, including a swimming beach area, equestrian and walking trails, disc golf, rowing facilities, and newly installed fishing/rowing viewing docks. Following an eight-year closure due to a dam leak, Langley Pond Park reopened better than ever, hosting numerous annual events such as regattas, car shows, 5Ks, disc golf tournaments, and the newly introduced, "A Langley Pond Christmas."
A highlight of the park's recent redevelopment is its state-of-the-art inclusive playground, designed to cater to individuals of all ages and abilities. This playground exemplifies the park's dedication to DEI, offering adults and children utilizing mobility devices access to equipment that would otherwise be out of reach. Meticulous planning went into ensuring that everyone,
regardless of physical ability, could enjoy the playground's offerings.
The playground features two distinct sections: one for children aged 2 to 5, and another for those aged 5 and
above. The entire surface is covered with wheelchair-accessible turf, reducing injury risk and providing a safer play environment for everyone. Popular features include advanced sensory elements for sound and
touch, allowing children to experience the joy of making music. Parents can swing with their little ones or share moments on the seesaw, fostering an inclusive and interactive environment. The iconic Langley Pond boat stands as a favorite among visitors, serving as a fantastic photo opportunity with the picturesque pond in the background. Additionally, the playground's extensive shade coverage offers a comfortable environment for both children at play and parents observing nearby.
The funding for this inclusive playground was secured through grants from The Land and Water Conservation Fund and Local Accommodations Tax grants. These funds were instrumental in transforming Langley Pond Park into a model of inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that the park can be enjoyed by everyone in the community.
Langley Pond Park's transformation highlights the importance of DEI initiatives in community recreation spaces. By creating an environment where people of all ages and abilities can engage and enjoy themselves, the park fosters a sense of belonging and community. As Langley Pond Park continues to grow and evolve, it stands as a testament to the power of inclusive design in promoting equity and accessibility in public spaces. The future holds great promise for Langley Pond and Aiken County, as they continue to champion DEI in their recreational offerings, creating a welcoming haven for all.
Langley Pond Park's transformation highlights the importance of DEI initiatives in community recreation spaces.
Promoting Accessibility: A Priority for the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department
By: Alison Cribb, City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism
The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department (PRT) is committed to promoting accessibility within all our programs. We proudly display an American Disabilities Act statement on our marketing materials, which reads: "The City of Aiken Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism invites people of all ability levels to enjoy programs, parks, and facilities. Individuals needing special assistance to participate should notify the PRT Administrative Office 48 hours in advance."
Achieving real-life accessibility is a journey taken one step at a time. Years ago, we established a valuable partnership with the Special Leisure and Recreation Association, also known as "the RECing Crew." This organization offers leisure and recreation programs tailored to individuals of all abilities and ages. Through this collaboration, the City of Aiken provides various venues, including gymnasiums and ballfields, to support the RECing Crew's sporting opportunities.
One key initiative we have undertaken is addressing sensory overload at large outdoor events. To this end, we have introduced sensory hours at events like Touch-A-Truck and our Community Easter
Egg Hunt. We also offer Sensory Toolkits for attendees to borrow, which include noise-canceling headphones and sensory/ fidget toys.
Additionally, we have incorporated a sensory room into our Summer Day Camp program at the Odell Weeks Activities Center. This space allows campers to take a break from the bustling activity and relax in a calming environment equipped with bean bag chairs and blue light filters.
Through our ongoing partnership with the RECing Crew and the continued implementation of inclusive accommodations during our programs, we are making significant strides toward our goal of offering accessible programs for all. We remain dedicated to fostering inclusivity within our community.
The City of Aiken provides various venues, including gymnasiums and ballfields, to support the
Celebrating Community: Florence Adds Additional Miracle League Field
By: Andy Jones, Florence County Parks & Recreation
Florence County is witnessing a remarkable moment of inclusivity and community spirit, as the second Miracle League Baseball field, which can host soccer as well, opened at the Greenwood Athletic Sports Complex at the end of May 2024. This new facility promises to be a beacon of hope and joy for individuals of all abilities, providing opportunities for everyone to participate in the joys of sports.
A Dream Realized: The journey towards the establishment of the second Miracle League field has been one fueled by passion, dedication, and unwavering support from the community. Spearheaded by local leaders and volunteers, this endeavor represents the collective vision of creating a space where individuals with disabilities can engage in recreational activities without barriers.
The New Miracle League Facility:
Situated within the heart of Florence County, the new Miracle League Facility will stand as a testament to the community's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. Boasting state-of-the-art facilities and surrounded by picturesque landscapes, this complex serves as the perfect setting for the Miracle League's expansion.
Breaking Barriers Through Sports:
For individuals with disabilities, participating in traditional sports can often be challenging due to various physical and cognitive barriers. However, the Miracle League fields will transcend these limitations by providing a specially designed surface that is conducive to wheelchair use and other mobility aids. Moreover, the rules of the game are modified to ensure that everyone
can experience the thrill of playing baseball in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Impact on the Community: The opening of the second field is not merely about constructing a physical structure; it's about creating a space where friendships are forged, self-esteem is nurtured and barriers are shattered. Beyond the realm of sports, this facility will serve as a hub for socialization, recreation, and community engagement, enriching the lives of individuals of all abilities and their families.
Looking Ahead: As the upcoming season approaches and excitement builds, the residents of Florence County eagerly anticipate the countless memories and moments of joy that will unfold on the hallowed grounds of the Miracle League fields. With each swing of the bat and every run around the bases, this facility will continue to serve as a symbol of hope and the unbreakable spirit of the human heart.
The opening of the second Miracle League field marks a significant milestone in Florence County's journey toward creating a more inclusive community. It serves as a reminder that when we come together with a shared purpose and a spirit of generosity, we have the power to turn dreams into reality and transform lives in the process. As the gates of the new field swing open, they invite us all to join in the celebration of unity, diversity, and the limitless potential that resides within each and every one of us.
The opening of the second Miracle League field marks a significant milestone in Florence County's journey toward creating a more inclusive community.
Opening Doors on Accessibility through Pickleball
By: Steven Croucher, Greenville County Parks, Recreation and Tourism
The same Foot Solutions Greenville County Smash pickleball tournament that was featured in SCRPA’s winter 2023 issue is back – this time, with a greater focus on adaptive participant opportunities. The tournament's mission of “encouraging pickleball participation across all backgrounds & skill levels” continues to evolve since the tournament first originated in 2017. From humble beginnings where temporary boundary lines and traditional division offerings – mixed, women’s, and men’s – were commonplace, growth across all levels of tournament operations persists. Now in its 8th full year of service, the Smash has become an economic & cultural asset to the Upstate. So much so that the tournament’s sports tourism draw is now supported by a growing number of regional adaptive athletes.
Since fall 2022, tournament leadership has offered a Mixed Unified doubles division. Here, adaptive athletes pair with ablebodied unified partners to create a team eligible to complete in one of three different skill levels. To encourage participation, any gender or age combination is permitted.
Additionally, anyone with a cognitive or physical disability is encouraged to play without need to provide documentation. What makes the Smash truly unique compared to other adaptive-specific, competitive pickleball events is its focus on Meaningful Involvement, a phrase offered by Director of South Carolina’s non-profit Adaptive Pickleball, Sandy Halkett. She explains that “the goal is to provide players opportunities to contribute to their team’s overall performance. Working hand-inhand with Greenville County Rec, Mixed Unified operates by a set of rules, specific to the abilities of players at different skill levels, which bring adaptive athletes into the limelight of competition.”
Longstanding support received from Roger C. Peace Rehabilitation Hospital (RCP), which offers a dozen adaptive sport events and programs annually, and Adaptive Pickleball (APB), which will host 100+ unique pickleball playdates in 2024, have been instrumental in the Smash’s elevated focus on accessibility and sportspecific growth. When the tournament first began offering adaptive play, the County
collaborated with both organizations to find solutions for transporting athletes from nearby handicap parking into the court venue. In fact, facility recommendations from both organizations resulted in the installation of a dedicated sidewalk that meets ADA guidelines and now connects Southside Park’s pickleball/tennis complex
to the park’s newly renovated bathroom and shelter buildings. Another collaborative effort resulted in moving the tournament’s robust Vendor Village from the grass just outside of the complex and onto a section of paved court surface within the venue, creating far greater accessibility. And similar to how every other major sport operates, sport-specific equipment is strongly recommended. Case in point – the sports wheelchair. These specially designed and custom fitting chairs have become a must-have for sitting athletes. But they come with a $2-3k price tag. Enter RCP’s fleet of varying-sized sport chairs and APB’s longstanding fundraising initiative to purchase chairs for pickleball play date participants. Taken together, the Smash continues to serve a growing number of adaptive athletes that, until recently, was stunted based on resource limitations.
As staff look ahead to the fall 2024 Smash – September 19-22 at East Riverside Park’s 18 dedicated-court complex –expanding opportunity remains a keystone objective.
“We are also looking forward to partnering with South Carolina Special Olympics in hosting an Area 4-specific Skills Challenge. Here, Special Olympics athletes will test themselves on the pickleball skills they’ve spent the last 8 weeks practicing at this fun, program culminating event,” Greenville County Rec Sports District Manager, Jeffrey Poole, explains. For more information, visit https://greenvillerec.com/ event/greenville-pickleball-fall-2024/.
North Charleston’s SNAG Clinic Tees Up Special Olympics Dream
By: Liz Petit, North Charleston Recreation Department
North Charleston's innovative approach to inclusive recreation has been a hit. The six-week SNAG (Starting New at Golf) Adaptive Golf Clinic, co-hosted by the North Charleston Recreation Department and the Stand Up and Play Foundation, concluded with a resounding hole-in-one. This program inspired a love for the game among its 100 participants, who included children, high school students, and adults.
It also paved the way for the formation of a North Charleston Special Olympics Golf Team this summer, aiming to explore the exciting world of Topgolf.
The clinic's success was driven by the invaluable contributions of dedicated community volunteers, lead instructors
Perry Green, Rich O'Brien, and Tom Rader, staff from the North Charleston
Recreation Department, and support from the North Charleston Fire Department. The SNAG program was created to make golf accessible to a wider audience, particularly individuals with physical or cognitive limitations. Using specially designed, lightweight clubs, oversized softer balls, and their unique teaching styles, Green and O'Brien ensured that all participants, regardless of age, honed their skills, learned proper techniques, and most importantly, experienced the joy of the game in a fully inclusive environment. For those needing additional assistance, specialized equipment like VertaCarts/ParaGolfers provided stability and support, ensuring everyone could confidently navigate the course and swing with ease. The inclusive field and specialized equipment empowered them to focus on the game and enjoy the camaraderie with their fellow golfers, fostering a spirit of inclusion and achievement.
The success of the North Charleston SNAG clinic serves as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of DEI (Diversity,
Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives in parks and recreation. By creating accessible programs, fostering a welcoming atmosphere, utilizing inclusive facilities, and offering specialized equipment, parks can become vibrant hubs that cater to the needs of the entire community.
The positive outcomes of the SNAG clinic are sure to pave the way for exciting future endeavors, beginning with the formation of a North Charleston Special Olympics Golf Team at Top Golf! The North Charleston Recreation Department and the Stand Up and Play Foundation will leverage the momentum from
the clinic to build upon the acquired skills and prepare participants of all ages for competitive play. This could involve additional training sessions, team-building exercises, and ultimately, participation in regional Special Olympics golf tournaments.
The North Charleston SNAG clinic serves as a model for creating a more inclusive and equitable community. By providing accessible recreational opportunities on inclusive fields, with support from specialized equipment, parks can become spaces that bring people together, regardless of background or ability.
Empowering Independence: Dorchester County Parks Partners with Beyond Basic Life Skills
By: Pam Zanowski, Dorchester County Parks and Recreation
This past year, Dorchester County Parks and Recreation has partnered with Beyond Basic Life Skills, a local nonprofit organization in Summerville, SC that offers adult life skills programming and encourages independence for individuals with intellectual disabilities. In an effort to promote more outdoor/nature experiences, programs, and activities for their teammates, Beyond Basic obtained a Dorchester County Parks and Recreation park pass. Ashton Johnson, CEO and founder of Beyond Basic, has worked with park and recreation programming staff who provide
structured programs and opportunities for the teammates from Beyond Basic.
In addition to visiting Ashley River Park every week where they walk the trails, play on the playground or in the splash pad, enjoy picnic lunches, throw a ball or frisbee around, or just enjoy the outdoors, the Beyond Basic teammates also enjoy nature walks, birding programs, bee and pollinator programs, geocaching/scavenger hunts, and other structured programs offered by Dorchester County Parks and Recreation. Both organizations have also teamed up with the South Carolina Department of
Natural Resources to learn all about fishing and have the opportunity to fish in the park. Tom Lindenmayer, local volunteer with DNR, said they are his favorite group to work with out at the park. The group also enjoyed a recent outing to the park to see a presentation from the Birds of Prey. This summer, program staff will also be offering environmental education programs for their Jr. camp. Parks and recreation staff cherish the relationship with Beyond Basic and love having their friends out at the park as much as they love being out there.
In an effort to promote more outdoor/nature experiences, programs, and activities for their teammates, Beyond Basic obtained a Dorchester County Parks and Recreation park pass.
Greer Goes Global
A Day of Cultural Celebration at the International Festival
By: Lauren Grishaber, City of Greer
Get ready to travel the world in a day, enjoying the sights, sounds and tastes of multiple cultures at Greer City Park and Greer City Hall. The Greer Goes Global International Festival is an annual event that celebrates different countries from around the world, by bringing a sampling of the many cultures that make up the Greater Greer Community and Upstate South Carolina. Here at the International Festival, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
In 2024, the International Festival showcased the diversity of 20 different countries and drew over 7,000 attendees. The event also featured numerous nonprofits, sports activities, food vendors, and a vibrant marketplace. One of the central features
of the festival is the array of international foods available; local restaurants and vendors serve dishes from around the world, allowing participants to embark on a culinary adventure. There's something to satisfy every palate.
After exploring the diverse and delicious offerings from the array of food vendors, there are live performances throughout the day for families to enjoy. Traditional dancers, musicians, and artists showcase their talents, often dressed in colorful, authentic attire, giving the audience a glimpse into various cultural traditions and art forms.
The festival is a fantastic opportunity to engage children in learning about other countries. Interactive activities, like crafts and games, are designed to be both fun and collaborative. Children can participate in hands-on projects that teach them about different cultures, fostering a spirit of global awareness and understanding from a young age. Moreover, the festival has a marketplace, which features goods from local and international artisans. Here you can find unique handcrafted items, jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs that reflect the various cultures being represented at the festival.
The International Festival is more than just an event; it's a community initiative that promotes inclusivity, education, and unity through the celebration of cultural diversity. It's an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together, share their heritage, and create lasting memories while enjoying everything that the festival has to offer.
Elevating Play with Imagination and Adventure
Soar into the fun of Volo™, a compact playstructure that ignites imagination and adventure for all! The inner ring is fully connected by the innovative LSI Flexx™, our own game-changing steel-reinforced cable netting that o ers a plethora of play sensations from bouncing and climbing to relaxing. Designed for seamless fun, this new Smart Play® playground design allows kids of all abilities to craft their own play journey in a perpetual loop of excitement. Whether seeking high-energy thrills or calm exploration, Volo is a multi-layered playground that invites every child to express and enjoy their unique play style.
Volunteers Help Welcome the World to Rock Hill
By: Laurie Helms, Rock Hill Parks, Recreation & Tourism
As parks, recreation, and tourism professionals, we all know the truth in the phrase “many hands make light work.” Rock Hill Parks, Recreation, and Tourism took this to heart when preparing to host the 2024 UCI BMX Racing World Championships, which recently concluded at the Rock Hill BMX Supercross Track. The event was the final chance for riders and countries to earn points for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, to be held in Paris, France. We knew it would take “many hands” to serve over 3,400 participants from 41 countries, along with thousands of fans, coaches, and others who called Rock Hill home for about 10 days. Fortunately, we had a blueprint for recruiting and organizing volunteers, having hosted the event in 2017. We also tapped into known volunteer groups and promoted volunteer opportunities to the public, with our local schools, colleges, and universities being an invaluable resource. Our connections with
our schools resulted in students volunteering and receiving service hours for their work; we had an exceptional student class prep our volunteer swag bags. For translation services, we reached out to local high schools, colleges, and universities, and appealed to the public. Spanish and
French were our top priorities, but we had volunteers to cover five languages to assist with answering questions and providing directions to our international visitors.
To help with recruiting, we:
• Selected a community-minded chairperson (several, actually) who served as the face and voice of volunteer recruitment by presenting to community groups, doing interviews with local news outlets, etc. to spread the word. We had staff supporting them on the administrative side of the recruitment process.
• Contacted local companies, schools, and colleges/universities with volunteer organizations to try to enlist groups of volunteers vs. individuals.
• Recruited via printed media (posters, business cards with a QR code) and digitally (social media, e-bulletins, website) to make sure we utilized a broad range of mediums.
Once we recruited all of the volunteers we needed, we had to come up with creative ways to coordinate and communicate with all of them. We hosted a volunteer dropin prior to the event for t-shirt and swag bag pickup. We utilized SignUpGenius to
manage registration and communication with our 380 volunteers filling over 800 shifts. Email communication was especially helpful when we had event changes (weather, delays, cancelations, etc.) that needed to be communicated quickly to many volunteers. We provided volunteer parking at a nearby church and shuttle service on PRT buses to and from the venue. During the event, we offered an indoor break area with snacks and drinks. All these things made for a more positive experience for our staff and volunteers.
“Teamwork makes the dream work” is another phrase that could apply to the experience of hosting such a large event that took center stage in our community. The Rock Hill team was fortunate that so many answered the call to help them welcome the world to Rock Hill!
10 Days. 3,400 Participants. 41 Countries. 380 Volunteers. 800+ Shifts.
Memories for a lifetime. This is Rock Hill.
From Interns to Leaders: The Success Stories of CCPRC’s Internship Program
By: Cooper Reinecke, Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission
The Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission (CCPRC) has many people to thank for helping them through their busy summer seasons each year, including their incredible staff of summer interns.
CCPRC’s long-standing internship program provides the agency with an additional workforce of young and dedicated individuals. In return, the interns gain an unforgettable experience in the park system with the opportunity to learn diverse skills. Former interns have even gone on to work full-time at CCPRC and be promoted to upper management positions, thanks in part to the skills and experience they gained during their first days as interns.
“We offer our interns so many diverse opportunities to learn,” said CCPRC Human Resources Director Christine Volousky. “They could be parking cars at a triathlon, creating content for marketing or working with customers in a waterpark. I think we also offer those shared experiences that
build on their skills and allow for some fun at the same time."
Sam Colgate, the assistant manager at Folly Beach County Park, was an intern during the summer of 2018 and stationed at James Island County Park. She said that during her internship, “I was able to meet staff members from all over the agency and really be able to promote myself. It was a great opportunity to start campaigning for a fulltime job before I even knew that I wanted one with CCPRC.”
CCPRC’s Director of Parks Eric Stewart is another alumnus of the internship program. In 2003, Eric had just completed his sophomore year at Indiana University before spending his summer in Charleston, where he also worked at James Island County Park. The lasting relationships he formed during his first 12 weeks with CCPRC truly made a mark on him. The fall after Eric completed his internship in Charleston, some of his former coworkers invited him to CCPRC’s
annual oyster roast. Eric, who was by then back in Indiana, drove 12 hours down and back in a weekend just to see his coworkers again and get another taste of Charleston County Parks. Soon after, he relocated to Charleston and has now been a full-time employee of CCPRC for nearly 20 years.
Even CCPRC’s Associate Executive Director Phil Macchia started with CCPRC as an intern in the summer of 1991. To this day, he is still a huge advocate of the program and takes time out of his busy schedule to meet with the interns every summer. When asked what makes the CCPRC internship program so special, Phil said, “Everyone here has bought into the program. They truly care about the interns growing and learning during their summer with CCPRC.”
The internship program at CCPRC is an incredible opportunity for young professionals to gain experience, meet wonderful people, and learn things about themselves. It is also one of the primary ways for Charleston County Parks to grow their staff and pass the torch on to the next generation of passionate park lovers.
Former interns have even gone on to work full-time at CCPRC and be promoted to upper management positions, thanks in part to the skills and experience they gained during their first days as interns.
SOUTH CAROLINA 2024-25 COMMERCIAL BUYER’S GUIDE
RECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION
SCRPA Commercial Members - Alphabetical
B
Barrs Recreation, LLC
Carolynne Barrs
36 Diane St. Pittsboro, NC 27312 (919) 781-4870
carolynneb@barrsrec.com www.barrsrec.com
Benesch
John Wood
35 W. Wacker Drive Chicago, IL 60601 (704) 943-3185
jwood@benesch.com www.benesch.com
C
Carolina Parks & Play
Amber Golden
107A Fountain Brook Circle Cary, NC 27512 (919) 469-9188
amber@carolinaparksandplay.com www.carolinaparksandplay.com
Cunningham Recreation/ GameTime
Michele Breakfield PO Box 240198 Charlotte, NC 28224 (800) 438-2780
michele@cunninghamrec.com www.cunninghamrec.com
D
Duffield , an Aquafinity Company
Sandra Bergel
952 Jupiter Park Lane Jupiter, FL 33458 (561) 935-5015 sbergel@ceswaterquality.com www.ceswaterquality.com
G
GameOn
Phil Evatt
213 Riverside Court Greer, SC 29650 (864) 558-2996
phil@teamgameon.com www.teamgameon.com
M
Musco Sports Lighting
Mike Limpach
100 1st Avenue W P.O. Box 808 Oskaloosa, IA 52577 (800) 825-6020
mike.limpach@musco.com www.musco.com
P
Pernsteiner Creative Group
Todd Pernsteiner 5115 Excelsior Blvd. #433 St. Louis Park, MN 55416 (952) 841-1111 todd@pernsteiner.com www.pernsteiner.com
Playworld Preferred
Geoff Eastman
613 South Magnolia Street Summerville, SC 29483 (800) 459-7241
geoff.eastman@playworldpreferred.com www.playworldpreferred.com
S
Superior Recreation of the Carolinas
Robert Jones 1935 Oakland Church Rd Chesterfield, SC 29709 (843) 623-9717
bj@srcarolinas.com www.SRCarolinas.com
T
Tom O'Rourke Parks and Recreation LLC
Tom O'Rourke 528 E. Rice Planters Ln. Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 (843) 345-3915
tom@tomoparksandrec.com www.tomoparksandrec.com
W
Wood + Partners
Kyle Theodore 7 Lafayette Place
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 (843) 681-6618
ktheodore@woodandpartners.com www.woodandpartners.com
Buyer’s Guide Yellow Pages -
213 Riverside Court
Greer, SC 29650 (864) 558-2996
phil@teamgameon.com www.teamgameon.com
Architecture & Engineering
Benesch
Jon Wood
2359 Perimeter Pointe Parkway
Charlotte, NC 28208 (704) 943-3185
jwood@benesch.com www.benesch.com
Wood & Partners Inc.
Kyle Theodore 7 Lafayette Place
Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 (843) 681-6618
ktheodore@woodandpartners.com www.woodandpartners.com
704-239-4900
dave@sportcourtcarolina.com www.sportcourtcarolina.com
Commercial Playground Equipment
Barrs Recreation, LLC
Carolynne Barrs 36 Diane St. Pittsboro, NC 27312 (919) 781-4870 carolynneb@barrsrec.com www.barrsrec.com
Carolina Parks & Play
Amber Golden 107A Fountain Brook Circle
Cary, NC 27512 (919) 469-9188
amber@carolinaparksandplay.com www.carolinaparksandplay.com
Cunningham Recreation/ GameTime
Michele Breakfield PO Box 240198
Charlotte, NC 28224 (800) 438-2780
michele@cunninghamrec.com www.cunninghamrec.com
Playworld Preferred
Geoff Eastman 613 South Magnolia Street Summerville, SC 29483 (800) 459-7241
geoff.eastman@playworldpreferred.com www.playworldpreferred.com
Superior Recreation of the Carolinas
Robert Jones 1935 Oakland Church Rd
Chesterfield, SC 29709 (843) 623-9717
bj@srcarolinas.com www.SRCarolinas.com
Buyer’s Guide Yellow Pages - by Category
Dog Park Products
Gyms for Dogs
sales@gymsfordogs.com www.gymsfordogs.com
Fountains
Most Dependable Fountains
(901) 867-0039 www.mostdependable.com
Graphic Design & Publishing
Pernsteiner Creative Group
Todd Pernsteiner (952) 841-1111
todd@pernsteiner.com www.pernsteiner.com
Park & Recreation Consulting
Tom O'Rourke Parks and Recreation LLC
Tom O'Rourke 528 E. Rice Planters Ln. Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464 (843) 345-3915 tom@tomoparksandrec.com www.tomoparksandrec.com
Site Furnishings
RJ Thomas Mfg Co. / Pilot Rock (800) 762-5002
jjorgensen@rjthomas.com www.pilotrock.com
Software Technology
MyRec.com Recreation
Software
Tracey Rivera Cooper Tracey@MyRec.com www.myrec.com
Sports Lighting
Musco Sports Lighting
Mike Limpach
100 1st Avenue W P.O. Box 808 Oskaloosa, IA 52577 (800) 825-6020 mike.limpach@musco.com www.musco.com
Tennis Association
USTA South Carolina
Sheryl McAlister 18 Woodcross Drive Columbia, SC 29210 (843) 441-3265 mcalister@sctennis.com www.sctennis.com
Water Management & Treatment
Duffield, an Aquafinity Company
Sandra Bergel 952 Jupiter Park Lane Jupiter , FL 33458 (561) 354-2728
sbergel@ceswaterquality.com www.ceswaterquality.com
• Restore old, damaged courts to make them like-new
• Sport Courts offer a longer life/warranty than acrylic paint surfaces.
• Convert unused tennis courts into multi-sport courts to attract new users.
• Help keep residents safe - Sport Court technology absorbs shock, lessening impact and risk of injuries.
