SOUTH CAROLINA
SPRING 2022
RECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION
ND ON A E E ON
R AL L FO
A L L FO R
WHEELS
Creating Equity in Parks & Recreation Across South Carolina
UP!
ENGAGING YOUTH IN LEARNING TO RIDE BIKES & BOARDS
ALSO INSIDE: • 2021 Award Winners • 8-Year-Old Makes a Selfless Gift • Events in Cheraw & Mount Pleasant • Dog Park Design & Operations
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SOUTH CAROLINA
RECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION
2022 Board of Directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Dustin Jordan City of Myrtle Beach
Secretary Megan Young City of Greenville
Eastern VP Beth Goodale Georgetown County
President Elect Jessica Campbell City of Aiken
Treasurer Brian Rogers Town of Cheraw
Southern VP Cole Thomas Charleston County
Vice President Katherine Jones Lancaster County
Past President Randy Woodard Charleston County
Western VP Daniel Halliman Greenville County
Central VP Brian Jones City of Rock Hill
BRANCHES ELM Branch Kim Moultrie City of Spartanburg
Programming Shelli Davis Boesner Town of Mt. Pleasant
PRM Branch Josh Blackstone Charleston County
SCAP Branch Matt Watts Beaufort County Student Branch Kevin Lynch City of Rock Hill
SC PRT Representative Matt Elswick South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
Dog Park Design & Operations............................................................................. 34-35
ADVERTISER INDEX Barrs Recreation............................................................................................ Back Cover Carolina Parks & Play..................................................................................................... 27 Carolina Sport Surfaces Inc......................................................................................... 13 Cunningham Recreation...............................................................................................31 Discount Playground Supply....................................................................................... 33 Gyms for Dogs......................................................................................................... 34-35 iZone Imaging................................................................................................................19 Most Dependable Fountains.......................................................... Inside Front Cover Pilot Rock........................................................................................................................25 Sport Court Carolina.......................................................................................................7 Wood + Partners Inc.......................................................................................................3
On the cover: Wheels Up! in Charleston County
Creating Great Places
SCRPA EXECUTIVE STAFF Executive Director James E. Headley jim@scrpa.org
The Association Report..................................................................................................4 Views from the Park Bench.............................................................................................5 Innovation Corner: Tele-Training..................................................................................5 Here’s What’s Happening..............................................................................................6 2021 Conference in Review............................................................................................8 2021 SCRPA Awards...................................................................................................9-11 Great Community Through Service............................................................................ 12 ‘Twas the Season in Cheraw....................................................................................14-15 Wheels Up! in Charleston County.........................................................................16-17 Life is Better When We Get Together...................................................................18-19 ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL - CREATING EQUITY City of Myrtle Beach.......................................................................................... 20-21 Spartanburg County......................................................................................... 22-23 Fairfield County.......................................................................................................23 City of Myrtle Beach.......................................................................................... 24-25 City of Charleston............................................................................................. 26-27 Fort Mill & Across South Carolina.........................................................................28 Town of Summerville......................................................................................... 29-30 Making Playgrounds & Recreation Spaces Accessible................................ 32-33
Membership Services Coordinator Melissa Williams melissa@scrpa.org
MAGAZINE/MARKETING COMMITTEE Bethany Doman Chair City of Charleston
Lucas Vance Central Rep Fairfield County
Gina Ellis-Strother Southern Rep Charleston County
Mallory Holmes Vice Chair City of Myrtle Beach
Victoria Singletary Eastern Rep City of Florence
Gabriella Porter Western Rep City of Greenville
South Carolina Recreation & Parks Association P.O. Box 1046, Lexington, SC 29071 (p) 803-808-7753 www.scrpa.org • info@scrpa.org
Park Planning & Design Greenways & Trails Recreation Needs Assessments Sports Complexes
To advertise in the magazine, contact Todd Pernsteiner: todd@pernsteiner.com or (952) 841-1111.
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 online purchase proceeds automatically go to SCRPA!
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Spring 2022 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 3
THE ASSOCIATION REPORT by Dustin Jordan, SCRPA President & Jim Headley, SCRPA Executive Director Dustin Jordan
Jim Headley
Starting the New Year on the Right Foot Welcome to the first issue of our 2022 magazine. We hope your new year is off to a safe and great start! The Board of Directors met in the first week of January to set goals for our branches and districts. We also set the Association’s budget for 2022. Our committees will continue their work and the work of the Association. In keeping with this issues theme, one committee that will continue the work from last year is our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee. Our DE&I committee reorganized and laid out several goals. We started by surveying the general membership. We will continue to ensure the association does not have any unintended barriers. We are continuing work with our educational offerings and ensuring DE&I ideals continue to be integrated within them. We will also continue to inform and educate the general membership of what the association has accomplished over the years and continues to promote.
We continue to recognize that we have a responsibility to ensure that everyone receives an opportunity to continue their education and stay abreast of trends. To fulfill that responsibility, SCRPA has again partnered with the Illinois Park and Recreation Association for their professional development webinar series and also with the Florida Recreation and Park Association for their series of webinars. Each of our branches have had or are hosting their Institutes soon. All four districts have identified various workshops throughout the year. They will try and provide as uniformed professional development opportunities where it makes sense. They will also be sensitive to any regional concerns of our membership. Please continue to monitor the Snapshots and our Newsletter for those opportunities. On the legislative front, we continue to monitor actions taken by the South Carolina
General Assembly. While we were not successful in obtaining dedicated state funding from the American Rescue Plan, there are opportunities for each agency to work with their members of the General assembly and receive funding for special projects. We are also working on trying to obtain one time funding for the Parks and Recreation Development Fund, stay tuned. We will be working with the ELM Branch to continue to inform our agencies of further opportunities. Several counties and cities have been able to secure funds through the local share of the ARP funds. We love to hear from each of you as we continue to work through our goals. If you have questions or ideas, please feel free to contact a board member or our office. Thank to each of you for what you continue to do in your communities! We are continuing to Create Community through People Parks and Programs!
We continue to recognize that we have a responsibility to ensure that everyone receives an opportunity to continue their education and stay abreast of trends.
Save t he Dates!
2022 SCRPA MAGAZINE DEADLINES
Summer 2022 Issue - Deadline: April 16, 2022 Fall 2022 Issue - Deadline: June 18, 2022 (Includes Member Directory & Buyer’s Guide) Winter 2022 Issue - Deadline: September 15, 2022 Spring 2023 Issue - Deadline: January 15, 2023 Interested in advertising? Contact Todd Pernsteiner for advertising details at (952) 841-1111 or todd@pernsteiner.com. Download the rate card at www.bit.ly/SCRPA2022 or by scanning QR code at right.
4 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org 4 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org
Upcoming Events March 24, 2022 Southern District Meeting & Workshop North Charleston April 28-29 Southern Leisure Management & Trends Institute Columbia November 14-15 SCRPA Annual Conference To view all upcoming events and to register, visit scrpa.org
Views from the Park Bench Views from a Park Bench highlights retired directors or recreation professionals that have been in the field for 10+ years as they share advice, compare agencies then to now, or simply tell their story.
Randy Moneymaker What was your last job title and responsibilities? Parks and Recreation Director for the city of Hanahan, South Carolina. I was responsible for all recreation activities, special events, programs and all city facilities in Hanahan. What is your favorite part about working in recreation? Serving the community and helping to improve the quality of life for citizens. What is one piece of advice you would give to people looking to enter the world of parks and recreation? Always remember you are going to be at work when everyone else is at play.
What is one challenge you faced in your position and how did you overcome it? I am sure the same challenges everyone faces, which is meeting the needs of more programs and opportunities with fewer resources [financially] or with the lack of facility space. Our staff was always very frugal and learned to develop tight facility schedules. How did you define success in your role or department? Success was always defined by how organized programs were, how clean facilities were kept, and how pleased participants were with the program or event. Success could also be defined visually by watching people enjoy themselves.
Share a favorite experience with us from when you were working with Hanahan Rec or another agency you worked for. The day the City opened the Hanahan Amphitheater. I was blessed to be part of adding and developing several new recreation facilities in Hanahan during my tenure. The Amphitheater is a one of kind venue that offers many various programs and recreational opportunities. What is the coolest thing you’ve done since your retirement from recreation? The coolest thing I have done since retirement is the day I was able to baptize my daughter and son-in-law. What a blessed day that was. I have also been able to spend more time with my family, particularly my grandchildren.
What is your favorite quote or motto? “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” Colossians 3:23
Innovation
Corner: TELE-TRAINING The Lexington County Recreation & Aging Commission (LCRAC) is going virtual … with sports medicine. During the 2021 Sports Management Institute in Greenville, our athletic directors heard from Jason Wimberly, Head Athletic Trainer for Prisma Health about this virtual sports injury hotline. On February 3, the program was launched to the LCRAC parents. According to BJ Belville, LCRAC Assistant Athletic Director, parents will be given an opportunity to have their child “looked”
at virtually by a professional trainer. From there, they will be given instructions on how to treat the injury and if the injury requires immediate medical attention. Jason stated, “This is an opportunity to hopefully cut down on unnecessary ER visits and to assist parents on warning signs about concussions, sprains and strains.” Once a few additional things are worked out, Prisma will hopefully launch this free service this statewide.
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If it is a true emerg ency – a cardiac concern, severe bleeding, broken loss of consciousne ss, bone, severe deform ity – please seek emergency depart ment care or call 911 immediately!
22-0465 12/21
Spring 2022 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 5
#HeresWhatsHappening
Snapshots of programming in SCRPA member agencies C Hosts S A i k e n i s c G ol f State Dionshop Champ
Lab The Cookingn to es rl a h in C Aiken Cou nty PRT hosted in December the SC State Disc Golf Cha mpionsh ip with 65 tota l players (amateu rs & pros). Age ran ged from 15 years of age to 65.
d Island Collective an of y ker Ba ic an My Org d Ch arleston pa rtnere a p elo dev to er togeth , new progra m cal led r ou at b La ing ok Co The and newly bu ilt Da niel Isl ild ren Recreation Center. Ch g kin lea rn about coo tion, creativity and nutri ether and ma ke meals tog d goo the t Le ek. we h eac times ‘roll’!
E County’s AC Spartanburgl Program After-Schoo Part icipa nts in Spa rtanburg Cou nty’s ACE After-School Prog ram are spending the cold winter afternoons drin king all the hot chocolate! By the look s of it, they also played a game called “How many marshmallows and pieces of candy can fit in one cup?” Cha llen ge accepted.
6 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org
AGENCIES: SUBMIT YOUR UPDATES!
If you have a #HeresWhatsHappening brief to submit for a future issue of the magazine, please send your text (70 words or less) plus up to three high resolution photos to: Mallory Holmes malloryholmes@ cityofmyrtlebeach.com
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Carolina
2021 Conference a Huge Success!
2021 SC LEAD Graduates
Front row (left to right): LaQuan Priest, Brian Rogers, Lindsey Hudson, Bethany Doman, Lauren Keane, Jim Headley Back row (left to right: Corey Holtzclaw, Ryan Johnson, Willie Stewart, Aaron Sweet, T.J. Rostin Not pictured: Jesse Holliman
Student Scholarship Match Cunningham Recreation matched our Past President donations for the Student Scholarship fund. This year our past presidents donated $3,300 to the fund. With Cunningham’s match made, the total was $6,600. The scholarship committee raised more than $7,500 at the conference this year! Congratulations and thank you to Cunningham Recreation. Left to right: Leslie Ballard, past student branch chair, Kevin Lunch Student branch chair, and Scott Cunningham, Cunningham Recreation president
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Thank You Conference Sponsors!
2021 SCRPA AWARDS The South Carolina Recreation and Parks Association (SCRPA) recognizes people, parks, and programs for outstanding contributions to the park and recreation profession in South Carolina. These awards are judged by our SCRPA Awards and Citations Committee. Throughout the year SCRPA Branches and Districts also present other awards. Thank you to all winners for helping families Celebrate Community through People, Parks and Programs!
2021 COMMUNITY CHAMPION The Community Champion Award recognizes individuals and organizations from each of the SCRPA districts. These awards are given to individuals who support our membership’s vision of creating Community through people, parks, and programs.
to classrooms via internet services Knowitall.org and PBS Learning Media. SCETV also provides teacher training and re-certification in face-to-face and online settings. SCETV began in 1958 in the library of Dreher High School in Columbia, SC teaching French and Plane
Geometry classes to multiple schools via closed-circuit. Today the network comprises 11 TV stations, eight radio stations, and a statewide tower network that serves schools, hospitals, and emergency management teams.
Keep North Charleston Beautiful The first Community Champion Award winner has served the City of North Charleston for over 20 years. Keep North Charleston Beautiful (KNCB) is a non-profit organization and an award-winning affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. KNCB has been an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful since May of 2000. Since this time, KNCB’s impact on the North Charleston community has been significant. Over the past 20 years, an estimated 274,817 KNCB volunteers have participated in more than 2,700 events for a value of service of more than $15 million. These volunteers have installed more than 47,000 plants and trees, picked up more than 67,670 bags of litter and debris, and collected 124,000 pounds of recycling. In addition, KNCB’s educational programs have reached 240,280 children and young adults, and KNCB has distributed more than 800 litter cleanup supply kits to community members.
Keep North Charleston Beautiful award
SC ETV/RCRC South Carolina Educational Television (SCETV) is crucial sponsor and partner for the Richland County Recreation Commission (RCRC). South Carolina ETV is the state’s public educational broadcasting network. Using television, radio, and the web, SCETV’s mission is to enrich lives by educating children, informing and connecting citizens, celebrating our culture and environment, and instilling the joy of learning. SCETV provides national and local content
South Carolina Educational Television (SCETV) award
Spring 2022 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 9
2021 Parks Excellence over 30,000: City of Rock Hill
2021 Parks Excellence under 30,000 - City of Hardeeville
The Rock Hill Sports & Event Center is a 172,000 sq. ft. indoor facility serving residents and visitors with recreation opportunities, athletic programs, conference and meeting space, and special events and tournaments. The Championship Court can be configured as 1 center court or 2 side courts and has 1,200 stadium seats; the Main Court has 700 courtside permanent seats and can be configured as 8 basketball courts or 16 volleyball courts. A walking track, concession stands, locker rooms, and state-of-the-art flooring, lighting and equipment complete the facility along with an 8,000 sq. ft. event space.
SCRPA INDIVIDUAL AWARDS 2021 State Merit Award: Paul McCulloch SCRPA Branches and Districts grant their own professional awards throughout the year. Those winners are then submitted to the SCRPA Awards Citations Committee to select a single SCRPA State Merit Award winner.
2021 Parks Excellence over 30,000 - City of Rock Hill
2021 SCRPA AGENCY AWARDS Agency awards for Parks Excellence are awarded in two categories, for population under 30,000 and population over 30,000. The awards are given to the agencies whose new, renovated or revitalized park has shown through as being the best in the state for this population category.
2021 Parks Excellence under 30,000: City of Hardeeville Building the Hardeeville Recreation Center has long been a community dream and goal for City Council. Planning for the facility took on several different designs over the years and saw a few setbacks including
administration changes, funding for the land and project and COVID-19 related issues. The project was carefully planned over the course of ten years with support and involvement from the community, partners, city staff and Council. Accommodations tax revenue provided $6.5 million of the facility’s funding and the remaining $2 million was from borrowed funds. The project consists of a 38,000 square foot facility that includes a collegiate-sized basketball court with seating for 1,000 spectators, two racquetball courts, a 4,000 square foot state of the art fitness center, a 2,200 square foot community room used for rentals and events, a mezzanine indoor walking track and multi-use classrooms and concession stand. The Center opened to the public on Saturday, July 31, 2021.
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Paul McCulloch has been the the director of Horry County Parks and Recreation since 2016. Prior to coming to Horry County, he served as the Athletics/Special Events Director with the City of North Myrtle Beach from 2012 through 2016. He has also worked with Georgetown County, the City of Myrtle Beach and the Town of Surfside Beach. Paul has been an active member of SCRPA throughout his career.
2021 Young Professional of the Year: Octavia Morgan The SCRPA Young Professional of the Year nominee must be in the parks and recreation profession for at least 3 years and no more than 15 years and a member in good standing of SCRPA and professionally certified. This award considers service, leadership, and character. Octavia Morgan has been employed with the Richland County Recreation Commission since March of 2019. As fitness and wellness coordinator she has developed three new youth programs, offered exercise programs to older adults, active adults and the youth of the community. Her emphasis is on family and friends exercising together in order to help bring about a better work life balance.
Congratulations to all 2021 SCRPA Award Recipients!
2021 State Merit Award: Paul McCulloch
2021 Professional of the Year: Jon Woodsby The SCRPA Professional of the Year nominee must be in the parks and recreation profession at least 15 years and a member of SCRPA for at least five years and professionally certified. This award considers service, leadership, and character. Jon Woodsby is the Interim Director of Parks and Recreation of Spartanburg County Parks Department. He has not only served SCRPA in multiple capacities, he also serves on a national level. He is on the National Association of County Parks and Recreation Officials Board of Directors and was recently appointed to the NRPA CAPRA Commission Review Team.
2021 Awards & Citations Committee LaQuan Priest, Chair Samantha Radford – Central District Laurie Yarbrough – Southern District Kristie Oliver – Western District
2021 Professional of the Year: Jon Woodsby
2021 Young Professional of the Year: Octavia Morgan
Robert L. Reid Lifetime Achievement & Hall of Fame Award: Angie Prosser The SCRPA Robert L. Reid Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame Award recognizes an individual’s achievement in the parks and recreation community. It can be awarded to a professional or citizen. The individual should have at least twenty years of overall commitment to the parks and recreation community and have made a lasting impression on our great profession. Angie Prosser is the Parks, Recreation & Tourism Director at the City of Greenville. With more than 30 years of experience in City government, Angie Prosser is the go-to-person when a community member or business person needs help navigating City Hall. She is open to change and is often the first to ask, “Why can’t we make this happen?” or “How can we make this happen?” Angie’s peers from other cities regularly seek her advice through presentation requests and one-on-one encounters on how to replicate Greenville’s success in their own communities. She has become more than a department director, but a valued policy advisor to both the City Manager, Mayor and Council. Angie is a true visionary with an unparalleled enthusiasm for her job and its impact on the community.
2021 Robert L. Reid Lifetime Achievement Award: Angie Prosser
Spring 2022 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 11
Great Community Through Service 8-Year-Old Inspired to Make a Selfless Gift By Doug Elliott, Athletic Coordinator, City of Columbia Parks & Recreation Department
“A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of.” – Nelson Mandela Having a sense of responsibility is not reserved for those who reach a certain age nor is the ability to make a lasting impact on someone’s life a skill measured by a person’s size. I am of the belief that youth is the ideal time, especially through sports, for learning some of life’s greatest lessons. The size of one’s spirit can never be contained by the brawn of their stature. This exactly describes my friend Battle Goff, whose recent actions confirm that he has a clear understanding of how his efforts are important to not only himself but for his community as a whole. Battle, who observed the City of Columbia’s Miracle League program one Saturday morning after his soccer match, made his own decision to donate his upcoming birthday money to the Miracle League of Columbia. Battle recently turned 8 years old and proceeded to do just that – all $180.00 of it. I believe Mr. and Mrs. Goff are extremely proud of Battle, as they should be, and though that pride is evident on his face as well, I also see the unique attributes derived from sports that moved Battle to make his contribution. Even though he was watching special needs kids play a game, Battle’s athletic nature saw a group of fellow baseball players enjoying a sport just like he does. Sports are undeniably the most holistic barometer and reflection of community and if athletes like Battle Goff become commonplace, then the image viewed in that reflection will go a long way in making passionate dreams a worldly reality.
8-year-old Battle Goff presents a ceremonial $180 check to Doug Elliott.
Even though he was watching special needs kids play a game, Battle’s athletic nature saw a group of fellow baseball players enjoying a sport just like he does. • www.scrpa.org 12 SOUTH SOUTH CAROLINA CAROLINA Recreation Recreation andand Parks Parks • www.scrpa.org
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Winter2022 2021 •• SOUTH SOUTH CAROLINA CAROLINA Recreation Recreation and and Parks Parks 13 11 Spring
’TWAS THE SEASON!
TOWN OF CHERAW INTRODUCES THREE NEW PARTNERED HOLIDAY EVENTS
By Patricia Dixon, Program Coordinator with Town of Cheraw Recreation and Leisure Services
This past holiday season, the Town of Cheraw Recreation and Leisure Services initiated three new events that brought together local organizations in the community and provided citizens with new opportunities to gather and celebrate the holiday season.
DECK THE HOUSE HOLIDAY LIGHT COMPETITION
The department presented an inaugural “Deck the House” holiday light competition, where all residents with a Cheraw 29520 zip code could enter for free and decorate their house. By December 17, participants decked their homes with exterior decorations, but the contest included decorations in windows that were visible from the exterior. Volunteer judges were given rubric and scoring sheets to judge the house during the weekend of December 17-19. We also did social media posts encouraging our community citizens to pile their families in cars and drive around town to view the lights. We included a “Facebook Fan Favorite” category for our citizens to go on-line and on our Facebook page to vote for their “Facebook Fan Favorite” too with on-line voting during the same weekend. We partnered with Duke Energy Progress and our local CMC Building supply to help provide prizes to the winners. As cosponsors, their logos were placed on the advertisement and promotion of the contest. All homes that participated were given a goodie bag containing a certificate of appreciation, a Town of Cheraw Christmas ornament, and two free tickets to the Town’s new winter music concert.
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WE DID SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS ENCOURAGING OUR COMMUNITY CITIZENS TO PILE THEIR FAMILIES IN CARS AND DRIVE AROUND TOWN TO VIEW THE LIGHTS.
TREATS AND SWEETS
Our new “Treats and Sweets” event with Santa and Mrs. Claus gave children who visited the Cheraw Community Teen Center a bag consisting of “Do It Yourself” (DIY) plastic ornaments with holiday stickers and faux snow to place in the ornaments. As families waited on their children’s chance to talk with Santa, holiday music played, and there were three activity stations with Christmas BINGO, holiday crafts and DIY stockings were set-up around the room for fun engagement. Treat bags filled with goodies (Christmas cookies & holiday candy) were given to the children as they left the event.
NOON YEAR’S EVE PARTY
Lastly, Cheraw Recreation & Leisure Services celebrated New Year’s Eve (NYE) by having by having our first-ever NOON Year’s Eve Party! This Friday, fun-filled, family-friendly party consisted of indoor games for parents and kids to do together. We provided games in the gymnasium and Teen Center, such as corn hole toss, table tennis, shuffleboard, basketball, foosball, billiards, air hockey and family BINGO. We had a kid-friendly DJ (our Athletic Director just happens to be a DJ too) that played line-dancing songs before
the children entered some old school kid contests (hula hoop and musical chairs). At approximately 11:55am, children were given “noise makers” and juice boxes and parents were given flutes of sparkling cider. There was so much excitement and anticipation as the DJ counted us down to 12 NOON and then hundreds of balloons dropped from the ceiling. The atmosphere was epic as children laughed and played with the balloons. We distributed NYE goodie bags (filled with candy & noise makers) to all the children as they left. All three events were a huge success for our department and community!
Spring 2022 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 15
WHEELS
UP!
CHARLESTON COUNTY ENGAGES YOUTH COMMUNITY IN LEARNING TO RIDE BIKES & BOARDS By Ande Oliver, Outdoor Recreation Coordinator, Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission Youth development is as important as ever! If you have young kids, your brain is occupied with trying to find ways to keep them engaged, entertained, safe and better prepared for the next challenge. Here at Charleston County Parks, we are proud of our programming initiative to better serve our 2-5-year-old constituents – a.k.a., our future group of employees, tax payers, and/or voters who will support the organization’s longrange plans! For a bit of background, Charleston County Parks has had great experiences and successes facilitating outdoor adventure activities with kids in our camps, clubs and family programs.
Interestingly, we have kids come to our Explorers’ Summer Camp, which is for ages 6 – 9, who do not seem interested in or know how to ride a bike, and it is a core activity at our camps. Additionally, my parenting experiences with two kids (3 years and 5 years), along with observations of parenting peer groups, has broadened my perspective on how best to encourage children to participate more in outdoor activities. With an experiential education approach, our program has taken proactive steps to engage kids on two wheels and a board at an earlier age. We travel to community daycares or child care centers and facilitate skill building and confidence using balance
16 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org
bikes for kids 2-3-years old and longboards for 4-5-year-olds in a five-session series. This strengthens a foundational development for balance and puts the emphasis on kids’ desire to explore and take ownership of their success. Our goal is to better prepare our community’s kids to value safety, time outside, and support skills needed for an active lifestyle. Finally, while it’s really amazing to see how proud kids are of their ability to ride bikes and longboards at such a young age, it also cultivates an environment for kids to get what they really want and need positive reinforcement from the most important people in their world… proud parents. Take the “Wheels Up” challenge and imagine new ways that your organization can continue to impact the community’s little adventurers.
WHILE IT’S REALLY AMAZING TO SEE HOW PROUD KIDS ARE OF THEIR ABILITY TO RIDE BIKES AND LONGBOARDS AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE, IT ALSO CULTIVATES AN ENVIRONMENT FOR KIDS TO GET WHAT THEY REALLY WANT AND NEED - POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT FROM THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN THEIR WORLD…PROUD PARENTS.
Spring 2022 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 17
n e h W r e t t e B s i e L if r e h t e g o T We Get
By Jon Whitbeck & Nicole Harvey, Town of Mount Pleasant Bringing people together strengthens and enriches community. Through partnerships, programs and events, the Mount Pleasant Recreation Department (MPRD) strives to build unity in community while improving quality of life for residents in many ways. Although the pandemic restricted some plans, staff adapted and over time built back opportunities to feel connected. Because as we all know, life is better when we get together! MPRD supports community through a variety of partnership programs, integrating public and private entities for exciting outdoor events. When the new Mount Pleasant Towne Centre opened more than 20 years ago, MPRD and the property
management partnered to move the annual ArtFest, which benefited from the lovely new venue while bringing folks out to enjoy the Town’s newest destination. ArtFest showcases local dance studios and other performers, a Mount Pleasant Artists Guild exhibit, and various craft activities aimed at igniting children’s personal creative sparks. Party in the Park was created in partnership with iHeartRadio to introduce the community to the Town’s “crown jewel” after Memorial Waterfront Park opened in 2009, resulting in nine years of free summer country music concert series showcasing national recording artists.
Participants enjoyed great performances, local food, and breathtaking views of Charleston Harbor. The event outdid itself in spotlighting the then-new and now thriving park to a grateful community. Covid put a kink in the party, but plans are in the works to reinvent the series soon. MPRD events and programs celebrate community and provide important opportunities for socialization. Collaboration between staff and volunteers builds strong bonds, and participants gain a sense of belonging while forging lasting friendships. Annual races like the Sweetgrass Half Marathon and Old Village Harbor 5K
MPRD SUPPORTS COMMUNITY THROUGH A VARIETY OF PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS, INTEGRATING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ENTITIES FOR EXCITING OUTDOOR EVENTS. 18 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org
provide options for the active. The Sweetgrass Festival and Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival pay homage to a rich, diverse local culture and heritage. The Town’s holiday events weekend has become an integral part of the community’s traditions for more than two decades. The Culture, Arts & Pride (CAP) Commission, a group of citizen volunteers appointed by Town Council, showcases local artists and facilitates a variety of public art projects, bringing people together to enjoy artistic displays and performances that enrich and engage community. Unity is also built through daily athletic and program interactions. MPRD provides a myriad of opportunities for connection through activities, sports, camps and classes. To ensure we stay current with community needs, MPRD gauges public support and priorities via regular focus groups, surveys and other methods.
Spring 2022 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 19
ALL FO R
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Creating Equity in Parks & Recreation Across South Carolina
Almost five years ago the Myrtle Beach area suffered eight losses back to back to back. These young lives were products of Myrtle Beach High School and they all died shortly after graduation from drug overdose, gang violence and suicide. The area was hurting, and through all of it, a great need was realized. Myrtle Beach locals, including police, ministers, council members and teachers, gathered and discussed the glaring issues within our community. The result of those discussions was the creation of a new position within the City of Myrtle Beach Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism department;
Recreation Youth Coordinator. Lifelong Impacted Teens, they’re known by their acronym, L.I.T., was born. L.I.T. is an academic-based incentive program that focuses on enhancing, empowering and developing the lives of teens throughout the Myrtle Beach community. The program was created, developed and established as a hybrid curriculum within recreation to service all youth ages 13-18 who have interests in developing their talents and passions in STEM, Music, Arts, and more. The City of Myrtle Beach Teen Program has become a fullservice teen resource operations
20 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org
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By Mallory Holmes, Sales & Marketing Coordinator for City of Myrtle Beach
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“OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE LEARNED THAT TEENS CAN BE DIFFICULT TO GET THROUGH TO, SO SOMETIMES THE LIFE LESSONS THAT YOU WANT TO TEACH THEM HAVE TO BE DISGUISED BY AND EMBEDDED INTO ACTIVITIES THAT THEY VIEW AS FUN.” hub. The driving force behind it all is Teen Programs Coordinator, Ja’Net Wade, Teen Youth Programs Assistants Michelle Summit and Youth Programs Assistant Malik Williams. However, Ja’Net’s much more than a program coordinator. On any given day she may be counselor, teacher, mentor, friend and sometimes, momma. Some of the teens involved with L.I.T. have no supervision at home and lack parental support. “Some days we are mom when mom can’t be there. We meet with teachers when parents can’t and we also help with homework and check their grades when parents are unable to,” said Michelle Summit, L.I.T. assistant. Wade and Summit’s days are spent coordinating and planning out-of-thebox experiences for her teens before their arrival from school. In addition to handson experiences, the teens also receive help with college applications, scholarship applications, college visits, financial literacy, career-job readiness, leadership and life skills and so much more. The teens take part in Double Dragon Taekwondo, a program led by Marilyn Del Gaizo, who is a recreation leader at Crabtree Memorial Gym and a fourth degree black belt in Taekwondo. The teens participate in the program through a scholarship opportunity. They arrive early to set up for the class and stay late to help breakdown and clean. In Double Dragons, these teens can rank and earn their gi. “Over the years, I have learned that teens can be difficult to get through to, so sometimes the life lessons that you
officers that spend time with the teens become familiar faces in the community and people that the kids can trust. “It’s very important that the relationship is maintained no matter what’s going on in the world around them,” said Wade.
want to teach them have to be disguised by and embedded into activities that they view as fun. Through Taekwondo and the techniques that they are being taught, the teens don’t realize that they are actually learning respect, perseverance, self-control, accountability and responsibility, and gaining life experience,” said Del Gaizo. L.I.T. is heavily involved with the Myrtle Beach Police Department. They take part in what’s called Empowerment Sessions. These sessions cover a variety of topics including Juvenile Laws that as they pertain to social media challenges, crime scene analysis, mock traffic stops, property and major Crimes, Intelligence led policing/real time crime, and a program that teaches good decision making and personal value. The Myrtle Beach Police Department also gives tours of their precincts and discuss future career opportunities. Lately, current events have taken precedence within these sessions. Ja’Net is passionate about creating an open dialogue with her teens and the police. The captains and
As if that community involvement isn’t enough, L.I.T. has recently partnered with Habitat for Humanity and a local development company to assist in demolition of the old Boys and Girls Club. The building will be rebuilt and revitalized into a community resource center with different agencies partnering and working together for the resource center to serve the community. L.I.T. is also partnered with Coastal Carolina University, Chapin Memorial Library, Myrtle Beach City council, City of Myrtle Beach aquatics, City of Myrtle Beach recreation departments, Horry Georgetown Technical College, the local Family Shelter, Helping Hand, Family Justice Center, Little River Medical Center, New Directions, Project Lighthouse, Sea Haven, Waccamaw EOC, DJJ, Street Reach Mission, Rape Crisis Center and much more. Ja’Net and L.I.T. thrive on community; it’s the basis of their program. She believes in community and has a desire to involve the teens in all aspects of their community. And for them to understand all facets of the community around them. Some of these teens face homelessness, violence, hunger and so much more and L.I.T. gives them a chance. This program advocates for the teens and allows them to make their own connections within the community that they call home.
Spring 2022 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 21
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Chesnee Community Center & Chesnee Angels:
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A Match Made in Heaven By Kristen Guilfoos, Marketing Manager, Spartanburg County Parks Department
The Chesnee Community Center is a lot of things to a lot of people - a place to work out, a place to meet their friends for a weekly card game, a place to play disc golf, a quiet place to do homework after schoo’…the list goes on and on. For hundreds of others in the Chesnee community, however, it means a whole lot more. It’s where they come to get food to feed their families. It’s where they turn for help providing their children with Christmas presents. It’s where they come when their babies need diapers they can’t afford. That’s all possible through Spartanburg County Parks Department’s partnership with Chesnee Angels, which began in January 2021. Lydia Lee leads the Chesnee Angels, which is made up entirely of volunteers. “We are thankful for a wonderful location close to town where it makes things more convenient and comfortable for those in need of our program,” said Lee. Lee and the other volunteers operate out of several rooms in the Chesnee
Community Center, one of which has turned into a food pantry. Once a week, families can make an appointment to “shop” for everything from pasta to granola bars, diapers to paper plates, toothpaste to shampoo and everything in between… all without spending a dime. The food pantry is a community-wide effort. Several schools in the area hold food drives to help keep it stocked, and people can drop off donations at the Chesnee Community Center throughout the week. While the food pantry is a yearlong endeavor, throughout the holiday season, the Chesnee Angels also utilize the center as a home base for toy drives and Thanksgiving turkey giveaways. In 2021, through generous donations, the group was able to fill the personalized Christmas wishes of 90 children. Families picked up their children’s toys at the Chesnee Community Center and the center staff was there to lend a helping hand.
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Above (l to r): Kyle Hardin, Chesnee Community Center manager, and volunteers Lydia Lee, Ashley Bryant, Aubree McDowell, and Carmen Burgess
Lee said, “As volunteers, we depend on partnerships like this to help continue to bless others and we couldn’t do it without resources like Chesnee Community Center and partners like the Spartanburg County Parks Department.” Those sentiments are echoed by the Parks Department staff. Recreation Manager Kristie Oliver says, “We are so grateful to the Chesnee Angels for all they do to help the families they serve, and we are honored to be able to assist them in their services. We watch in awe as the volunteers humbly and selflessly work to help families in need. The Chesnee Angels are definitely an asset to our Chesnee Community Center and to the entire community.”
Above (l to r): volunteers Lydia Lee, Cathy Trivette, Ashley Bryant, Aubree McDowell, and Carmen Burgess
Survey Says…
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Fairfield County Asks Citizens for Input By Lucas Vance, Interim Director & Athletic Coordinator at Fairfield County Parks & Recreation The communities in Fairfield County made their voices heard recently when they completed a survey to help better Park and Recreation programs in the county. Citizens submitted their opinions by either filling out surveys by hand or completing them online via Survey Monkey. Submissions began with the basic information that provided Parks and Rec staff with the age and area the citizen resides. Additionally, submissions described how often the citizens utilized the parks and facilities and how satisfied they were with that use. Through numerous submissions, the public identified several wishes including indoor pickleball, more
exercise equipment, additional exercise classes and longer operating hours that included weekends. After the careful review of the results, management tasked staff with making changes in programs and hours to accommodate those requests. Staff found gym space to line off indoor pickleball courts as well as utilizing fitness equipment to fulfill those needs. The public was appreciative of the additions as well as the weekend operating hours that were added facility calendars. “Service is a priority for our staff and that starts with listening to the public,” Interim Director Lucas Vance said.
Spring 2022 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 23
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By Mallory Holmes, Sales & Marketing Coordinator for City of Myrtle Beach Midway Park is located in the heart of Myrtle Beach, SC, just a couple blocks off of the ocean. Midway has little to no recorded history except for a Myrtle Beach Municipal Airport monument that sits at the park. The monument, dated from 1941, is a historical marker that notates the corner of the original Myrtle Beach Airport. The only other known history is the moniker. Midway Park was named after Midway Swash; a swash that is located in the middle of the northeastern state line of South Carolina and Georgetown, SC.
downplayed by its appearance. Green chain link fencing wrapped around the entire park which camouflaged the charm within the fencing.
Midway Park is a melting pot, as people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds frequent this multipurpose recreational park. Whether to play basketball, tennis, or the newly popular pickleball, the parks popularity was often
Dustin Jordan, Director of City of Myrtle Beach Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism, is excited about these updates and said that these projects were three years in the making.
Over the course of 2021, Midway Park underwent $427,000 worth of renovations through Capital Improvement Projects. These projects included resurfacing tennis and basketball courts, creating ten new pickleball courts, new court lighting, new park fencing, new landscaping with an irrigation system, and a new hitting wall for tennis players.
“Parks are a reflection of the quality of life in a community, and a reinvestment in Midway Park was much needed for the Myrtle Beach community. Well maintained and well activated parks have the ability to increase property value and development, reduce crime, and provide a gathering place for families and social groups. It is exciting to see how quickly the redevelopment of this park has become a success and how quickly the community is embracing it. No doubt we will look back on this park redevelopment project as a driving force for the continued progress in the surrounding area,” said Jordan. The local pickleball club that frequents the park helped with the updating, purchasing four sets of covered benches for the new courts. After working with the City
MIDWAY PARK IS A MELTING POT, AS PEOPLE OF ALL AGES, RACES, AND SOCIOECONOMIC BACKGROUNDS FREQUENT THIS MULTIPURPOSE RECREATIONAL PARK. 24 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org
H
in the Heart of Myrtle Beach
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Midway Park BEFORE
Midway Park AFTER
for nearly four years, Jim Loving, President of the Pickleball Club of Myrtle Beach, made it a point to play the very first game on the newly renovated courts. Loving has been hoping to see change for the local pickleball community in Midway Park and now that change has come, people can’t get enough of it. “It used to be somewhat busy, but now it’s packed. If it’s sunny, it’s full. I know most of the people in the area that play but now when I ride by I see people I’ve never seen before. They’re coming out of the woodwork,” said Loving. “It’s not just a pickleball improvement, it’s a park improvement.” From the outside looking in, this appears to be a brand new park. But underneath all of the updates, lies the community that’s always been there. And the best part is, the community has only gotten bigger and will continue to grow for years to come.
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Spring 2022 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 25
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Charleston’s Mentoring Consortium
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Unites Community for Youth
By Bethany Doman, City of Charleston Marketing & Events Coordinator & Samuel Bellamy, Senior Director of Training and Program Development for MENTOR North Carolina
Mentoring, at its core, guarantees young people that there is someone who cares about them, assures them they are not alone in dealing with dayto-day challenges, and makes them feel like they matter. Research confirms that quality mentoring relationships have powerful positive effects on young people in a variety of personal, academic, and professional situations. Ultimately, mentoring connects a young person to personal growth and development, and social and economic opportunity. Yet, one in three young people will grow up without this critical asset.
Mentoring provides meaningful connections that impact the people involved and influence their lives at home, at work, and in their communities. For those who are being mentored, it is linked to improved academic, social and economic prospects. For those who are mentoring, the relationship can build leadership and management skills, expand a mentor’s professional network, and provide an empowering opportunity to give back to the community.
community were without assistance and support of a caring adult. Understanding the power of a positive mentor, Mayor Tecklenburg pressed to unite the youth development and mentoring resources in the City of Charleston and initiated the Mayor’s Mentoring Consortium (MMC). The mayor appointed Samuel Bellamy, Senior Director of Training and Program Development for MENTOR North Carolina to be the leader of the MMC and direct the committee to pursue the vision.
In January of 2021, the mayor of the City of Charleston, Mayor John Tecklenburg saw the need that many youth in our
The MMC exists to provide a mechanism for the City of Charleston and other partners to strengthen and support the
MENTORING, AT ITS CORE, GUARANTEES YOUNG PEOPLE THAT THERE IS SOMEONE WHO CARES ABOUT THEM, ASSURES THEM THEY ARE NOT ALONE IN DEALING WITH DAY-TO-DAY CHALLENGES, AND MAKES THEM FEEL LIKE THEY MATTER. 26 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org
“THIS COLLABORATION ASPIRES TO BE A SUPPORTIVE AND UNIFYING HUB FOR THOSE WHO WORK WITH OUR MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE, OUR YOUTH.”
SHADE YOUR WAY Gregory's Playground 20 Wilbon Road Hilton Head, SC 29926
Samuel Bellamy (l) & Mayor John Tecklenburg (r) mentoring organizations of the greater Charleston community. Any organization engaged in mentoring as central to their mission is encouraged to connect with City staff to join the MMC, as well as funding organizations and other entities offering support. The goal is to provide space for collaboration and partnership and to respond to the needs of the mentoring community. The MMC is housed under the Mayor’s Office of Children, Youth and Families, with members from all mentoring organizations sitting on the committee to develop fairs and opportunities for the community to learn about each of the participating groups. The City of Charleston Recreation Department was challenged to be a member of this consortium as a partner with centralized facility space to unify all resources, share the audience of youth in our programs, assist in recruiting mentors, and provide fun opportunities for the partnering organizations to experience, such as golf, tennis, pool access, etc. On February 5, we hosted our second Mentor Fair at our Arthur W. Christopher Community Center in downtown Charleston, where mentors could sign up to assist an organization and families could gather more information on each mentoring organization. “This collaboration aspires to be a supportive and unifying hub for those who work with our most valuable resource, our youth. The significance of our work cannot be overstated,” said Bellamy. “The connections that programs can make to mentors for young people who might not otherwise know where to turn for support or guidance during life transitions necessitate their existence. I, for one, am overjoyed to have played a role in its creation.”
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Spring 2022 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 27
STATE
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Leveling the Playing Field for Youth
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By Todd Pernsteiner, Creative Director, Pernsteiner Creative Group, Inc. Creating equity in youth sports programs has been an on-going mission for many Illinois communities. In the recent past, park and recreation agencies have offered scholarships or waived registration fees for financially challenged families, however the past couple of years has been a different story. Communities have faced budget shortfalls due to the on-going pandemic which could affect their ability to provide grants. An organization is stepping up to help agencies offset these financial shortcomings through grants to pay for youth registrations. Every Kid Sports, a non-profit organization that provides financial support to children of low-income families to pay sports registration fees, has committed to raising $10 million to get 100,000 kids nationwide off the sidelines and into the game. With the support of organizations, foundations, brands, and individual donations, Every Kid Sports aims to level the playing field to playing youth sports. Every Kid Sports signature program, Every Kid Sports Pass, provides qualified families grants of up to $150 four times per year, per child, for participation in a variety of youth sports.
messages let other families know of the opportunities that await them through the program. One of these all-stars, 12-year-old Zyon from Fort Mill (at left). “I will forever be grateful to the Every Kid Sports Pass, because it allowed my kiddos who had never been able to participate in sports to be active in different sports as well as allowed them to make a ton of new friends,” said Zyon’s mother, Terrie. “We believe in the power of youth sports to help kids reach their full potential and thrive in these difficult times. We are thrilled to be leading the charge on bringing major brands, sports organizations, families, and most importantly, the kids, together to equalize youth sports participation,” said Every Kid Sports Executive Director Natalie Hummel. “Youth sports have been severely impacted by the pandemic and more families than ever will need help to register their kids for sports. We can’t wait to see how many kids we can impact through this great program.” For more information about grants and Every Kid Sports visit: www.everykidsports.org
Every Kid Sports encourages sport sampling, as research shows that playing a variety of sports allows for greater physical literacy, better socialization, and greater enjoyment in being physically and emotionally active. It prepares them for a lifetime of activity, connection, and positive experiences. To receive a grant, a parent applies online at least 14 days before the sport’s season start date. Applications are reviewed in five to seven business days ,and approved funds can be accessed through Chek Financial’s mobile app to pay for league registration. The overwhelmingly positive feedback Every Kid Sports receives is proof the program is working. Every Kid Sports all-star kids and families share their positive Sports Pass experiences through testimonials, videos and photos. Their
“I WILL FOREVER BE GRATEFUL TO THE EVERY KID SPORTS PASS, BECAUSE IT ALLOWED MY KIDDOS WHO HAD NEVER BEEN ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN SPORTS TO BE ACTIVE IN DIFFERENT SPORTS AS WELL AS ALLOWED THEM TO MAKE A TON OF NEW FRIENDS.” 28 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org
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Saul Alexander:
SFUSMUMMEMR ER OF O
Reimagining Play in the Community
By Amy Evans, Summerville Parks and Recreation Director The Saul Alexander Playground is a pocket park located in the heart of Downtown Summerville. It is better known as Laurel St. Playground to those who live here. In 2010, the Summerville Miracle League installed a miracle league field adjacent to the playground. It was then that members of the league began dreaming of renovating an inaccessible play space for those same children who were now able to compete next door. In 2020, the Miracle League reached out to Summerville’s Park and Recreation Director, Amy Evans, and other city leaders. “The playground was a project that I immediately knew needed to be a priority for our department,” said Amy Evans.
She began working closely with board member Steve Doniger to garner support in the community for the project. Within a few months, Dorchester County committed $100,000 to the project. This provided the necessary fuel to give the project momentum. Shortly after the county’s contribution, the project was awarded a $100,000 state grant from the Park and Recreational Development fund. The Summerville Miracle league made both a financial and talent commitment to the project. Town Council committed the remaining necessary resources to fully fund the project. The town of Summerville was fortunate to partner with visionary playground designer
Tom Norquist from GameTime on the design of the playground. Knowing the love the community and neighbors had for this park, we took the initial design concept to them in a neighborhood meeting. We received a lot of feedback on what they did not like about our design. We learned that the most important part of the playground to the neighborhood was open meadow space. They wanted to preserve that space for kids to kick a soccer ball or throw a football. GameTime took that information and went back to work to redesign the playground. The revised design now featured “rooms” along the edge of the park which were linked by sidewalks. Each room or pod
“THE PLAYGROUND WAS A PROJECT THAT I IMMEDIATELY KNEW NEEDED TO BE A PRIORITY FOR OUR DEPARTMENT.” Spring 2022 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 29
THE TOWN OF SUMMERVILLE PARKS DEPARTMENT BELIEVES PLAY IS ESSENTIAL TO EVERY DEVELOPING CHILD IN OUR COMMUNITY.
One of the most notable features of the new playground is the mounds. These were designed by Tom Norquist and his students at Auburn University.
created a new play experience. The design also allowed for future growth. Most importantly, the design provided the neighborhood more green space than they currently had. Now that the community was satisfied with the design, it was time to get our hands dirty. Due to limited funds, the Town opted to do a community build option for this playground. Parks and recreation staff members coupled with a team from GameTime spent one week installing the main play structures. In the first 90 days of the project, it rained just enough to keep the ground from drying. No matter where staff dug in the ground, they found springs. We quickly realized the drainage plan we had was insufficient for the amount of water that we would need to move. The town’s Stormwater department was quick to jump in and lend a hand. While the process was at times frustrating, the Town employees are very proud of the end results.
site are playfully linked. They have tree climbers installed in them, and an arch stretching between them. “They are a magnet for kids and have limitless play value,” said Amy Evans.
One of the most notable features of the new playground is the mounds. These were designed by Tom Norquist and his students at Auburn University. They created a kit made from rigid polyurethane that served as the form for the mounds. They were then filled in with crusher run, tamped down and covered with concrete. This design allows playground designers to choose a very specific shape and achieve the contours they desire. Saul Alexander Playground is the first to have these installed. The mounds at this
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This park also has other cuttingedge products. Every area of the park was made to be easily accessible using the topography that already existed. With gentle slopes, handrails were avoided which creates a very open and approachable feel. Saul Alexander Playground celebrated its grand opening on February 18, 2022. The Town of Summerville Parks Department believes play is essential to every developing child in our community, and we are thankful to be able to offer the first inclusive public playground in Dorchester County. We invite you to stop by and take a ride on the zip track the next time you are near Summerville.
Imagination is our business.
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800.438.2780 | cunninghamrec.com
Spring 2022 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 31
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Everyone Plays!
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Making Playgrounds & Recreation Spaces Usable by All Abilities By Joel Owen, Sales Manager, Discount Playground Supply When a playground is inclusive, everyone plays. It’s a simple thought, but not something that was always considered, especially if your playground is starting to show its age. According to the The Americans with Disabilities Act, an accessible playground is one that offers a range of play experiences to children of varying abilities. There must be an accessible path from the building or parking lot to the edge of the play area as well as an accessible path from the edge of the play area to the play equipment. ADA compliant play spaces let people of all abilities get in on the action. Handicap-accessible playground equipment should include specialized safety swings, platform swings for zed wheelchairs, wheelchair ramps and surfacing, and accessible fountains and site amentities.
Accessible Swing Sets, Seats & Platforms Riding a swing set at an outdoor park is one of those timeless joys everyone should be able to participate in. With thoughful design and planning, you can ensure your park reaches its highest level of accessibility - whether it’s a new playground or you’re looking to retrofit an existing playground. Adaptive swing sets and young child swing seats can be easily installed in existing playgrounds or added to tarmac surfaces for straight-forward loading and unloading. Handicapped-accessible swing chairs allow small children to be comfortably strapped in them which also meets ADA guidelines. Single- and double-platform swing platforms, team swings, modified swing seats, and other accessible playground equipment can be easily retrofitted to older playgrounds.
Wheelchair Ramps Plastic ADA wheelchair playground ramps allow public spaces to be enjoyed by anyone, bringing the joys of parks to those who use wheelchairs, walkers, and young children who may not be able to
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9-ft Institutional Team Swing step over a playground border. Designed to mount independent of the playground borders, ramps provide an accessible entrance to the playground while offering a clear point of entry and exit to the playground. ADA accommodations are essential for any new playground construction and retrofitting existing structures should certainly be a priority as well.
GaGa Pit Ball Games GaGa is a sport for all ages and abilities similar to dodge ball. GaGa translates as “touch, touch” in Hebrew and GaGa Ball is thought to have originated in Israel. GaGa’s popularity has continued to rise in the U.S. and is extremely popular at camps, schools and playgrounds. GaGa’s rules are simple - players assemble in the ‘pit’ and if the ball touches you below the knee, you’re out. Depending on space requirements, GaGa Ball Pits come in three sizes and are suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Pits come standard with an exclusive ADA gate for easy pit entrance and exit – accomodating wheelchair accessibility.
parts, pieces & play gear galore. Accessible Site Amenities Spending a day at the park should be comfortable for everyone; no one wants to worry about whether a space is wheelchair accessible. ADA compliant picnic tables and park grills complete an accessible playground. In order for picnic tables to be fully compliant with the specifications laid out in the 1990 ADA act, tables cannot exceed 34 inches in height and must have a minimum height of 28 inches. Typically, compliant picnic tables feature one end or side without a bench that can easily accommodate a wheelchair user.
REPlACEMENT SLIDES, SWING SEATS & PARTS
SURFACE REPAIR KITS & CONDITIONERS
Playground borders & ADA RAMPS
BENCHES, FOUNTAINS, GRILLS & RECEPTACLES
GAGA PIT BALL GAMES & ADA PRODUCTS
HOOPS, NETS, FENCES & BASEBALL GALORE
Accessible Drinking Fountains Is your municipal park’s drinking fountain equipped to cater to all users? ADAcompliant outdoor drinking fountains can easily be added to outdoor parks of any size. In high-traffic parks, drinking fountains with three different heights allow for multiple people to use it at once. Outdoor drinking fountains can also come with a water bottle filler and separate bubbler allowing people can get refill bottles without interrupting other users.
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Spring 2022 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 33
Dog Park Design & Operations Benefits for You, Your Community & Your Best Friend By John Sarver, Designer, Gyms For Dogs™ Off-leash dog parks are growing faster than any other type of park in America’s largest cities. Why? Because Americans love their pets, and dog parks make a great addition to any open public space. In fact, many people demand nearly the same amenities in their communities for their furry family members as they do for their children. For dogs, these fun areas provide safe spaces to run, play, exercise and socialize. For pet owners, these destinations encourage them to get outside, be active and interact with other pet owners. For communities, hotels, resorts and public spaces, dog parks are a cherished amenity that allows people to spend more quality time with their best friends – even when traveling. For anyone who is contemplating adding a dog park for public or private use, it’s important to remember that there are several maintenance, health and safety measures to put in place before opening the gate for common use.
Safety First When managing a dog park, know that the safety of the space is affected by these factors: location, size and design, the posting and enforcement of the necessary rules, daily maintenance, regular cleaning and inspection of the park and its elements. The larger the park the more maintenance and the more daily attention is required, so make sure you have the ability to service your park size. The park should be located in a dry area that has an even balance of shade and sunlight, while staying a safe distance from
retention ponds and still water, where insects and mosquitos can thrive. If there are any low, swampy areas within the park, resolve those immediately. Also, keep the grass groomed, especially along the fence line. It is best to use a minimum 5’ tall fence along the perimeter for large dogs (35 lbs. or more) or an all-dog size park and at least 4’ tall for smaller dogs (35 lbs. and under) – and provide a leash-up gate area that allows the main entrance to close before the secondary park entrance gate opens. Keep the front entrance area of the park free & clear of furnishings and place benches out in the park so park visitors are out in the park. This will help keep the entrance area more open and allow park users and their dogs to enter and exit the park without being too crowded. The complete perimeter of the fence should be inspected on a regular basis for any holes or areas that dogs could get out. If there are any gaps at the bottom of the fence greater than 3.5”, they should be resolved immediately. It is also good to
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For communities, hotels, resorts and public spaces, dog parks are a cherished amenity that allows people to spend more quality time with their best friends – even when traveling.
have separate park areas for small dogs versus big dogs, or even separate areas for solo dogs or even a designated area as a potty area in an effort to get the dogs to go to the bathroom prior to entering the play area. If you have artificial turf, it should be properly cleaned regularly using a pet friendly anti-bacterial cleaner. The park and its elements should be inspected and cleaned with waste disposed of before opening each morning. Perform an inspection walk-through during the course of the day and at the close of each evening to ensure your standards of cleanliness are maintained.
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completely and promptly.” We recommend using the 15-second rule, as that is all the time it takes to pick up waste to eliminate spreading germs, worms and bacteria. You can help make this easier for your guests by providing an adequate number of pet waste stations in all areas of the park. Make sure you let park users know the importance of picking up and that this is strictly enforced or they are not welcome in the park.
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Architectural dog park products The Inside Scoop A clean park is a safe park. Dog parks can be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus if not kept clean, so it is vital to have a diligent pet waste management system. Set an expectation goal for your park visitors with signage such as “Please pick up your pet’s waste
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The park should be closed during inclement weather or unique Dogs will be running and playing, so circumstances that may create providing fresh water source to PRODUCTS drink undue risk, such as flooding DOG WASHaTUBS FUN from isTUBS ideal and recommended to keep in certain areas or slick icy DOG WASH FUN PRODUCTS AGILITY them cool and hydrated. It is best to have conditions. Also, keep spaces a drinking fountain that drains so the dogs and equipment dry and clean are not sharing the same water. to help eliminate fungus or DOG WASH FUN PRODUCTS AGILITY ITEMS bacterialTUBS growth. Should you If you have any questions or would like need to use cleaners and to learn more about the process for disinfectants, make sure they developing a dog park for your space, are pet friendly. visit www.GymsForDogs.com.
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800-931-1562
Spring 2022 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 35
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SOUTH CAROLINA
RECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 1046 Lexington, SC 29071-1046
barrsrec.com | 919-781-4870
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