SCRPA South Carolina Magazine - Winter 2020

SOUTH CAROLINA RECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION

WINTER 2020

2020 SCRPA AWARDS INSIDE: Spartanburg County Celebrates EGGtober Volunteers in Bloom

e n o y r e v E is Invited!

SCRPA Members Work to Expand Access to Programs & Facilities for Residents of ALL Ages and Abilities

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SOUTH CAROLINA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

RECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION

2020 Board of Directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President Kevin Stiens Spartanburg County President Elect Randy Woodard Charleston County Vice President Dustin Jordan City of Myrtle Beach

Secretary Open Treasurer Amy Evans Town of Summerville Past President Doyle Best City of North Charleston Central VP Katherine Small Lancaster County

Eastern VP Nathan Dawsey Florence County Southern VP Shaniqua Simmons City of Orangeburg Western VP Brad Cuttino City of Greenville

BRANCHES - 1 YEAR COMMITMENTS ELM Branch Eric Stewart Charleston County

Programming Amy Peebles Kershaw County

PRM Branch Darien Alston Richland County

SCAP Branch BJ Bellville Lexington County Student Branch Leslie Ballard City of Rock Hill

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

The Association Report............................................................................4 2021 Programming Summit......................................................................5 Here’s What’s Happening.........................................................................6 Spartanburg County EGGtober Event....................................................8 2020 SCRPA Awards.............................................................................9-13 Volunteers in Bloom in North Charleston.......................................14-15 Everyone is Invited............................................................................. 16-29 Therapeutic Programs in City of Goose Creek............................... 17 Pickleball in Fairfield County............................................................18 Improving Accessibility in Charleston County......................... 20-21 Leo’s Landing in Irmo Chapin..................................................... 22-23 Inclusion in an Unexpected Way in Charleston County................24 Therapeutic Programs in City of Goose Creek............................... 17 Inclusive Play in Cherokee County............................................. 26-27 Inclusive Marketplace........................................................................ 28-30

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Creating Great Places!

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

Membership Services Coordinator Melissa Williams melissa@scrpa.org

SCRPA MAGAZINE/MARKETING COMMITTEE Kristen Guilfoos Chair Spartanburg County

Lucas Vance Central Rep Fairfield County

Gina Ellis-Strother Southern Rep Charleston County

Bethany Doman Vice Chair City of Charleston

Victoria Singeltary Eastern Rep City of Florence

Gabriella Porter Western Rep City of Greenville

Park Planning & Design Greenways & Trails Recreation Needs Assessments Sports Complexes

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 SCRPA magazine, contact Todd Pernsteiner at todd@pernsteiner.com or (952) 841-1111.

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Winter 2020 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 3

THE ASSOCIATION REPORT Kevin Stiens

Jim Headley

The End of a Challenging Year; Looking Toward 2021 As 2020 comes to a close, it has been the most challenging year our profession has faced – we have dealt with how to interface with the public while managing public safety and COVID-19. While this year has been extremely challenging, Jim and I have marveled at the work all of you have done throughout the state to improve the quality of life of those you serve. Our communities need parks and recreation more than ever and you have met that need. Parks and recreation professionals have gone above and beyond to open facilities and offer programs to ensure all are included and everyone is invited to participate…even in the midst of a pandemic.

Hosting our Annual Conference, in Spartanburg, was an incredible accomplishment. While there were many logistical challenges and COVID protocols to implement, our conference was a tremendous success. SCRPA would like to thank all of you that made the 2020 Annual Conference a success as we could not have done it without you. We would like to thank Jon Woodsby and the rest of the conference committee, for a tremendous job hosting the conference. We had 110 delegates this year representing 36% of our usual attendance. We also had 29 companies taking 32 booth spaces representing 49% of our normal spaces taken.

In addition to our annual conference, SCRPA hosted several other events over the past couple of months: • The CPSI course and exam were offered virtually and we had 20 participants.

• The 18th Annual SCRPA Golf Tournament was held on October 22 at LinRick Golf Course and was a tremendous success with 18 teams. We would like to thank Richland County Recreation Commission for hosting the event this year. A special thanks also goes to Dustin Jordan for his leadership in the event’s success. We are excited to announce that this year’s golf tournament set the record for the most money ever raised with $13,956.85! We sincerely appreciate all of you who donated their time, got hole/tent sponsors and door prizes. It all set the new bar for future fundraisers.

• Continue to represent you in areas of reopening procedures for your programs and facilities.

• Served on the Municipal Association of SC Legislative Committee.

SCRPA is actively working on the following professional development opportunities for 2021: • Park Maintenance Institute A one day Institute this year, scheduled on January 20 at Saluda Shoals Park • The Programming Summit To be held on Hilton Head Island February 24-26 • The Southern Leisure Management and Trends Institute To be held in Columbia February 4-5 It has been a pleasure to serve you this year and we would like to wish each of you a wonderful holiday season. As always, please let us know if we can ever be of any assistance.

Scenes from the 2020 socially distanced Annual Conference

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

Meet us at the Summi t!

SCRPA Programming Summit

February 24-26, 2021 The Beach House, Hilton Head Join us for the 9th annual Programming Summit, hosted by SCRPA! Make plans now to attend this exciting, educational experience tailored to park and recreation programmers. Learn from professionals in the field, network with colleagues from across the region, get motivated, and have fun! Despite the current circumstances, we as programmers have to adapt and learn how to serve our community and what better way than to learn from others across the state at this conference.

Registration fees: •

Early Bird Rate (through January 29, 2021) Member: $200 | Non-Member: $250

•

Regular Rate (through February 12, 2021) Member: $250 | Non-Member: $300

Lodging: Hotel room rate is $94.05 per night. Book by calling 855.474.1441 (mention room block code: SCR), or book online at www.bit.ly/SCSummit21.

Tentative Schedule* Wednesday, February 24 1-2 p.m................................................................. Conference Check-In 2-3 p.m.................................................................... Conference Kickoff 3:15-4:30 p.m...........................................................Education Sessions 4:30-5:15 p.m......................................................Hotel Check-In Begins 5:30-9 p.m................................. Conference Dinner (provided) & Social

Thursday, February 25 7:45-8:45 a.m.........................................................Breakfast (provided) 9-10:15 a.m..............................................................Education Sessions 10:25-11:40 a.m.......................................................Education Sessions 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m................................................... Lunch (provided) 1:15-2:30 p.m...........................................................Education Sessions 2:40-3:55 p.m..........................................................Education Sessions 4:00-6:45 p.m.................... Explore Hilton Head & Dinner on Your Own 7:00-10:00 p.m..........................................................Conference Social

Games, Outdoor Movie, Music

Friday, February 26 7:30-8:20 a.m.............................................................Hotel Check Out 8:30-9:45 a.m..........................................................Education Sessions 9:50-11:05 a.m......................................................Joint Closing Session 11:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m.............. Brunch (provided) and Conference Finale * Tentative schedule subject to change based on programming needs and weather

Register at www.scrpa.org

#HeresWhatsHappening

Snapshots of programming in SCRPA member agencies le Beach City of My rt s g in Happen

ation My rtle Beach Recre nce routines.

Cli nics, organ ized by eer and beg inner da Ch of ls nta (Above) Youth Cheer me da fun the ren ild ch t gh tau Leader Lisa Lesnick, coa ches. different volunteer er Mi ke Ea ch cli nic wa s led by ach Recreation Lead ills led by My rtle Be Dr & tba ll ills foo Sk th ll tba you Foo the funda menta ls of (Upper Rig ht) Youth ed to tea ch ch ild ren ign des s wa m gra Foltz. Th is pro ic Coord inator wit hout contact. organ ized by Ath let ch ine Pitch Leag ue Ma all ls of youth baseba ll. seb nta Ba ll me Fa da (Bottom Rig ht) e is to tea ch the fun gu lea s thi of us foc ma in s.

Ch ris Mi llsaps. The n by volunteer coa che ag ue is co-ed and ru The Ma ch ine Pitch Le

ick or City of Charleston Tr ru Th o Treat Bo tober 30, the (Left) On Friday, Oc creation Re on est arl Ch of City ick or Tr d ste Depa rtment ho ton mp Ha in ru Th o Bo Treat thr u ve dri a s Pa rk, wh ich wa un ity mm Co nt. eve en we Ha llo siness organ izations and bu ile wh dy, can out ed ha nd orated areas recreation sta ff dec d up like of the pa rk and dresse lon g line the te spi cha racters. De iles! sm all saw we , ffic of tra

y SCRPA Anniversar 75K Finisher (R ight) Mount Pleasa nt’s Shell i Davis fin ished the “2020 Vir tua l 75K Ru n. Wa lk. Roll.” in 6.1 hours throu gh a combination of wa lki ng, ru nn ing, bik ing, and rol ler skatin g.

Spartanburg County Slime Day

Aiken Cou Distributi nty Food on

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

(Lef t) Members of the Aiken Cou nty Park s, Recreat ion, and Tou rism depa rtment, alon g with Golden Har vest Food Ban k, Sen ior center volu nteers, and members of the Wagener-Sal ley HS football team dist ributed food to over 200 needy fam ilies in the com mun ity on Aug ust 27.

(Above) There’s happ y and then there’s “oh my gosh!

It’s sli me day!” happy. Th is act ivity is always a favorite am on g ou r after school progra m pa rti cipants!

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Spartanburg County Celebrates First-Ever EGGtober By: Kristen Guilfoos, Spartanburg County Parks Department

In a year when many families didn’t feel safe trick-or-treating for health reasons, the Spartanburg County Parks Department brought the Halloween fun to them, making sure no one missed out on a spooky celebration.

We turned October into EGGtober, using unused Easter eggs from events COVID cancelled this spring. It was a win-win for everyone, because it gave us something to do with the 3,500+ eggs, already filled with candy, toys and stickers, that were sitting in a storage closet, and it spread some Halloween happiness to local families amid a trying time. We put Halloween themed stickers on each egg and suddenly, they went from a springtime staple to a new fall favorite!

Families had the opportunity to purchase up to 5 dozen eggs for $10 per dozen, and then we divided our staff up into Boo Crews (sets of two people), and went to each family’s house, hiding the eggs in their yards so the children could go on a Halloween hunt. We told families we would be coming on two specific days, and then put signs in their yard to let them know we were there.

EGGtober was a huge hit and we sold out very quickly! Parents sent in so many photos of their children searching for the eggs, and were quick to comment on our Facebook page, letting us know how much they enjoyed this brand new activity.

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

A few of our favorite comments were:

“OMG! My girls went nuts when they saw the eggs! Your staff did an awesome job hiding them. Thanks for helping make a memorable Halloween after all we’ve been through this year.”

“My kids loved the surprise! Thank you so much!”

“My girls really enjoyed finding all the eggs and they’ve been hidden and found multiple times since then!”

What started as a way to give families a way to celebrate the season safely amid a health crisis, may turn into an annual trickor-treat tradition.

2020 SCRPA

AWARDS

Following another successful and enjoyable SCRPA Annual Conference, we would like to share the stories of the individuals and organizations who were recognized by the Association’s 2020 Awards Program.

Congratulations to all recipients!

Celebrating People, Parks & Programs 2020 SCRPA Awards Presented at the SCRPA Conference September 14, 2020 Spartanburg, SC

Winter 2020 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 9

2020 SCRPA AWARDS Champions for Our Community Awards Sammy Macy Sammy Macy’s influence in the Lancaster Community spans across a 50-year period.

Sammy began his coaching career with youth basketball at a local church league in 1980. Since that time, he has coached over 90 basketball teams. At times, he even coached up to five teams during a season.

In 1984, he started coaching softball at Camp Clyburn, a part of the Moriah Baptist Association. He started out with the boys and then eventually coached the women’s team. In 1996, Sammy began coaching soccer. This became his passion. No matter the age or talent, Sammy has always had way of bridging the gaps, treating everyone the same. Every year, we can count on Sammy to call us to let us know that he was available to coach, anywhere we needed. Sammy has also been influential in the creation of several programs within the high school and local Moriah Association.

Mari Matamoros Mari Matamoros joined the Gallery 120 board in 2017 and immediately became an integral part, taking on the role of the gallery curator. Mari manages collections of a works of art and is responsible for presenting and displaying artistic collections, and producing 10-12 exhibitions per year. Mari is a fearless advocate who is not afraid to use her voice and artistic talents to raise awareness of the importance the arts has within a community. She volunteers countless hours to the gallery. Mari’s efforts have helped sustain and develop an already beautiful Clover community, giving it a unique identity and showing its sense of pride, making the Town of Clover more inviting for all to enjoy. Gallery 120 exhibits artwork created by artists who are professional and whose works are exceptional in skill and presentation. The gallery also showcases artwork crafted by students in our school district, from the elementary level through high school level, and works of emerging artists.

Mari Matamoros, far right

State Merit Award Herb Poole Herb Poole is one of those rare individuals who “gives to give.” He epitomizes the servant’s heart and inspires others to give back and pay it forward as well. The Mayor of Westminster, Bryan Ramey, recently summarized what Herb means to his community. “The folks of Westminster would never be able to pay Herb his worth in dollar amounts. For the size of our recreation department, Herb is one of the best directors in the state at resolving conflict, working resourcefully and negotiating a small budget, planning and improvising, dealing with changes in city council leadership, mentoring kids and the list goes on and on. We are grateful that he has never forgotten his small-town roots.”

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

2020 SCRPA AWARDS Parks Excellence Award - Under 30,000 Residents Orangeburg Recreation Park, City of Orangeburg Orangeburg Recreation Park, the City of Orangeburg’s new baseball complex, is the city’s latest facility with nine fields divided into two clusters with two towers, four batting cages, 1.9 miles of paved walking trails, picnic areas, and abundant green space. Sitting on 90 acres of land, the city can host all of its baseball and softball recreational practices and play, Dixie district and state tournaments, high school and travel ball games and tournaments, and college softball play. Each tower contains restrooms, a concession stand, office, conference room, and press boxes for each field. A picnic area with ceiling fans and green space also contains a restroom along the walking trail.

A playground will soon to be added to make this complex fully family and pet friendly.

Congratulations ORANGEBURG PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT for winning the

PARKS EXCELLENCE AWARD! We are grateful to have been able to work on such an incredible project alongside your team.

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Winter 2020 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 11

2020 SCRPA AWARDS Parks Excellence Award - More than 30,000 Residents Berea Community Center, Greenville County Berea Community Center was originally a Blockbuster Video store until the company’s demise earlier in the decade. Renewed with life and activity, the new community center ties the neighborhood together as a gathering place, fitness center, continuing-education classroom, and cultural affairs hub. The center includes a large multipurpose activity room, two smaller breakout rooms, a warming kitchen, ADA accessible restrooms, and a large outdoor patio and open space. It is equipped with Wi-Fi internet, a wall projector, and TVs to serve the technical needs of the community center.

Programming Excellence Award - Under 30,000 Residents Loris Christmas Program, City of Loris The 2019 Loris Christmas Program was much larger than the city had ever experienced before, with 30,000 feet of Christmas lights, a 12 Days of Christmas display on Main Street, mailboxes to send letters to Santa, reindeer photo boards, a speaker system installed throughout the city to play Christmas music, a 25-foot-tall Christmas Tree, the City Mayor in a tractor covered in Christmas lights, and Santa Claus in a firetruck. For a town with less than 3,000 people, the Christmas Program turned out to be the highlight of the year for much of the community.

The members of the community came together to help with this project in ways that our department could not have imagined.

Programming Excellence Award - More than 30,000 Residents Back to School Bash, Lancaster County The Back to School Bash, hosted at the Springdale Recreation Center, a part of the Lancaster County Parks and Recreation, primarily serves the inner city population of the City of Lancaster.

Event staff washed the feet of the kids there, provided new socks and new shoes to around 800 kids, provided new school supplies to around 1,100 kids, offered free haircuts from local stylists, did crafts with kids, distributed free books from the Lancaster County library, fed hot dogs, chips, and drinks to approximately 2,000 kids and family members, and had many different community partners located inside and in our parking lot helping support our local families.

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

2020 SCRPA AWARDS Young Professional of the Year

Professional of the Year

Katherine Small

Ray Dunham Katherine Small graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Exercise Science. She has been certified as a parks and recreation professional, CYSA and Certified Pool Operator.

She was award the top 40 under 40 by the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce.

She currently serves as the Central District Vice President and was a proud graduate form the 2018 SCRPA LEAD Class.

Katherine has been described by other professionals across the state as: “a true professional and an emerging leader in our state and country,” “Energetic, vibrant, and ready to tackle anything,” and “An amazing young leader who will help SCRPA continue to grow.”

Katherine has provided great leadership for Lancaster County Parks and Recreation. She is a team player and thinks outside the box. Her youthful fun personality brings a fresh perspective to the department. Lancaster County is very lucky to have her as an advocate and leader in an ever changing and growing department.

2020 SCRPA

AWARDS

What do you get when you combine a lifelong passion for parks & recreation, focus & tenacity, a keen sense of business, a cando spirit, and a heartfelt concern about people and community? The answer is Ray Dunham. Ray, a CPRP, is a long-time active member of both SCRPA and NRPA, and since 2016, has also served as an Adjunct Professor in Clemson University’s PRTM program. Ray received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation Management in from Flagler College, in St. Augustine, Florida. Today he serves as Deputy Director and is directly responsible for an operating budget of more than $4 million for the management, maintenance and operations of 3 waterparks, an indoor competitive swim complex, an ice arena, and more. He would be quick to tell you that his career accomplishments were never achieved on his own, but were a result of the strong and committed team of professionals he has had the honor of working with through the years. From the lifeguard stand on the sandy beaches of Florida twenty-nine years ago, to the desk he now occupies as a Deputy Director & Special Use Facilities Division Director of GCPRT, Ray Dunham has carried his innovative spirit forward to improve the places he works, the communities he serves, and the people who work with him.

Congratulations to all 2020 award winners!

Winter 2020 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 13

Volunteers

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

in Bloom By: Carmen Hanlon, Beautification Coordinator, City of North Charleston During the COVID-19 pandemic, Keep North Charleston Beautiful (KNCB) staff members have been tasked with coming up with creative ideas in order to maintain programs and events within the City of North Charleston. The challenge is to maintain the KNCB butterfly gardens with a smaller number of large groups regularly volunteering. This limitation took some careful planning and much hard work to overcome. After returning from mandatory closures, KNCB staff started promoting several independent volunteer opportunities, such as the bloom kit program and providing free litter supply kits to the community so that volunteers could work with their own small groups, limiting their exposure to others who they were not normally around.

Despite the limited number of large volunteer groups due to COVID-19, KNCB has been working hard to maintain many programs and events, particularly in the Park Circle Butterfly Garden which has seen an increase in the number of visitors. With safety guidelines recommending outdoor activities, KNCB’s project sites have become even more popular with individuals and families looking for a safe space for outdoor recreation.

Since returning to work after the mandatory closures, KNCB has been able to have several small volunteer events each week where staff members work

one-on-one with individual volunteers.

This allows KNCB staff to focus attention on more individualized projects that are best suited to each volunteer, which aids in volunteer recruitment and retention.

KNCB has found that volunteers return on a weekly basis now, where the trend in the past has been one-time volunteering.

KNCB offers volunteer incentives based on the number of hours volunteers have served.

This new trend in volunteering has given KNCB the opportunity to work with preschool children and high school students more as school schedules are more flexible due to the school closures and hybrid schedules. This provides a

valuable educational opportunity, as staff can spend more time emphasizing to students the need to become life-long environmental stewards.

Through all of these activities, volunteers are required to follow safety guidelines, including following CDC recommended social distancing protocols, wearing masks when interacting with staff and other volunteers, and consistently sanitizing any shared tools or equipment.

KNCB’s ultimate goal is to keep all volunteers safe and healthy while they are volunteering to make North Charleston bloom with beauty!

Winter 2020 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 15

e n o y Ever ! d e t i v is In

SCRPA Members Work to Expand Access to Programs and Facilities for Residents of ALL Ages and Abilities 16 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org

Therapeutic Programs Thrive Amid COVID-19 Pandemic By: TJ Rostin, City of Goose Creek Recreation Department The year 2020 has been filled with difficult challenges for every American, and yet even the year that will forever be remembered for COVID-19 has seen its share of success stories.

watch our participants go from being reluctant to get in the water, to enjoy splashing and playing with their peers,” Herrera said.

One such bright spot can be found at the City of Goose Creek Recreation Department; specifically, its thriving Therapeutic Division. Against the backdrop of a stressful pandemic, the Division, under the leadership of Nicole Herrera, has blossomed.

• Therapeutic Bowling gives athletes the chance to be on a team and learn the fundamentals of bowling. Herrera said, “Our athletes look forward to cheering each other during practice and have fun rooting for their teammates’ victories.”

Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Recreation Department’s Social Squad was its only therapeutic offering. The Social Squad is itself a success story, as it offers a multitude of varied and engaging options for the community. In fact, the number of participants Social Squad attracted was a sign that the Therapeutic Division had an important role to play in Goose Creek.

• Therapeutic Mommy & Me Gymnastics is a new take on the popular program. It is designed for therapeutic participants ages 1 to 5. Children build their core strength, gaining a sense of confidence in a safe and inviting environment. One recent participant was still new to walking and made tremendous progress over the weeks and months at Goose Creek Recreation.

Over the past six months, three new classes have been created.

The classes that meet a challenging yet simple requirement all therapeutic parents share: that their children be given the opportunity to enjoy the same activities as their peers.

The Therapeutic Division’s success in 2020 paved the way for even more programs that are coming soon. Those include Therapeutic Pottery, Therapeutic Basketball, Music Therapy, Wheelchair Basketball, Therapeutic Yoga and Full Family Social Outings.

The new programs have been met with enthusiasm:

The Therapeutic Division in Goose Creek is a valued asset in our department, and we are so excited to expand on the many great strides we have already taken to create inclusivity in our community.

• Aqua-Play offers one-on-one interaction with a certified lifeguard, allowing participants to feel comfortable in the pool in a relaxed and safe environment. “It is absolutely amazing to

Winter 2020 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 17

Pickleball Winning Over Fairfield County By: Lucas Vance, Fairfield County Parks and Recreation Fairfield County Parks and Recreation has seen a recent boom in Pickleball play. You might ask ‘What is Pickleball?’

Pickleball is similar to other sports like tennis, ping pong, racquetball and badminton. Players say the sport is fun, social and easy for beginners to learn.

The game appeals to people of all ages and skill levels.

The department has focused on expanding access to programs for all ages and abilities when social distancing is vital to maintaining a healthy community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pickleball has seen so much growth in the community that players have gone from playing once a week to filling up the courts three times a week!

Despite the funny name, pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. It is estimated that over 3 million people are playing the sport nationwide.

Over the last six years, pickleball has seen a 650 percent increase over the last six years making it the fastest growing net sport. Fairfield County has seen growth in the sport as well. In the past year, Fairfield County Parks and Recreation has built four new courts and made renovations to accommodate the growing interest from the population.

The feedback Fairfield County Parks and Recreation Director Russell Price has received from the community has been exceptional. Players shared with Price that their social life reduced their dependency on medications and increased their connection to a younger generation.

Price could not be more pleased with pickleball in Fairfield County.

“It is so great to see all ages and levels come together. It has truly made a positive impact in our community,” Price said.

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

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Improving Accessibility at Charleston County Parks

By: Thomas McNerney, Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission At Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC), inclusivity is more than just a buzz word. CCPRC believes in offering equal opportunities and necessary modifications to make all feel welcome. At the center of CCPRC’s culture are their core values, one of which is accessibility.

Over the past 24 months, CCPRC recognized a need to improve accessibility and began developing a plan to be more accommodating to all people. In March of 2019, CCPRC hired the WT Group’s Accessibility Practice to conduct an ADA and accessibility audit of all parks, programs and services, and to develop a Transition Plan as required by the ADA. The full report was presented to CCPRC’s Commission in August 2020.

The audit revealed that despite recent efforts, there is still room for improvement. A three-phase plan has been devised to be completed over the next 11 years.

While the completed audit provides an outline for long-term improvement, CCPRC has started taking steps toward greater accessibility today. Recently, an Accessibility Core Value Committee was established to spread awareness among staff and build momentum for efforts to improve accessibility. Staff members Steve Hutton and Ashley Houdyschell were certified as ADA coordinators through the University of Missouri College of Human and Environmental Sciences and the Great Plains ADA Center, and will serve as leaders in the efforts. Their knowledge and insight will help guide the committee with agency-wide training initiatives and push CCPRC’s accessibility growth.

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CCPRC is also in the process of establishing an Accessibility Citizen’s Advisory Committee, which will provide valuable feedback to CCPRC staff about the services they believe are most needed by the public they represent.

Opened in April 2020, the new Dunes House at Folly Beach County Park was rebuilt with full accessibility in mind and currently represents CCPRC’s most accessible beach park.

Although slowed by the pandemic, CCPRC has continued to offer a variety of inclusive programs including Inclusive Swim Nights, an upcoming Inclusive Silent Disco, and sponsorship of the local Special Olympics Kayak Team. Plans are also in the works for inclusive Santa visits at this year’s Holiday Festival of Lights. Offering programs and events for all populations has been a priority at CCPRC for years.

CCPRC is proud of the steps the agency has taken to become more accessible and inclusive, and is excited to continue improving. Awareness of the concepts of accessibility is at an all-time high within CCPRC and the staff look forward to building on this momentum.

CCPRC is in the process of establishing an Accessibility Citizen’s Advisory Committee, which will provide valuable feedback to CCPRC staff about the services they believe are most needed by the public they represent.

Play doesn’t care what a body can or cannot do.

Because play lives inside us.

All of us.

And as we grow older.

As the world comes at us with you can’t or don’t or you shouldn’t or you won’t.

We come back to what we know.

That imagination will never fail us.

To see the That words will never hurt us.

We-Go-Round®, visit playlsi.com/we-go-round.

That play will always shape us.

Contact your local playground consultant:

919.469.9188 877.686.9188 carolinaparksandplay.com ©2019 Landscape Structures Inc. All rights reserved.

Winter 2020 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 21

Leo’s Landing: Where Play Knows No Bounds By: Lori M. Shaffer, Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission If childhood had a bill of rights, among them would be “the right to play” and “the right to play with your family and friends.”

Saluda Shoals Park has been making that a greater reality for everyone with the opening of Leo’s Landing in August of 2019. This twoacre universally inclusive playground provides a sensory-rich, developmentally appropriate, fun and safe playground where children and adults of all abilities can play together.

Realizing Leo’s Landing wasn’t quick and it wasn’t easy. It took three years, many meetings, a dedicated team of community volunteers and park staff, much research and brainstorming, and $1.7 million to build. Since opening in August 2019, more than 30,000 have played there, taking advantage of a truly inclusive play space where a child in a power chair can swing with his brother; where an autistic child can engage in the natural world without becoming overwhelmed; and where a mother in a wheelchair can play music in a nature sound garden with her child in a barrier-free environment.

Leo’s Landing was inspired by Leo Bugenske, a six-year old born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a terminal neuromuscular disease that is the top genetic killer of young children.

It occurs in nearly one out of every 6,000 births and requires 24-hour skilled care.

In 2015, the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) and the Saluda Shoals Foundation received an email from Leo’s mother, Meredith. She requested a platform swing so Leo, and other children like him who are confined to a mobility device, could experience swinging. This email was the catalyst to develop an interactive and accessible playground for children and adults of all abilities.

ICRC and the Saluda Shoals Foundation Board of Directors recognized this unique playground would address a need in the Midlands community.

A team was formed comprised of staff, Leo’s family, and community volunteers to research, plan, and raise private funds for the inclusive playground. In 2016, the team partnered with Shane’s Inspiration, a non-

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

profit organization dedicated to creating inclusive playgrounds and programs that unite children of all abilities.

Shane’s Inspiration provided project development guidance from conception through design at no cost. A Request for Qualifications was issued and a Columbia area landscape architect was hired. A two-day brainstorming session was held at Saluda Shoals Park with teachers, school administrative staff, special needs nonprofit organization representatives, parents, community leaders, business representatives, board members, and park staff.

This group participated in exercises designed to discover and imagine a playground that would address the needs of all people, of all ages, with and without disabilities. Ideas included having bathrooms with adult hydraulic changing tables; having bathrooms large enough to accommodate wheelchairs and caregivers at the same time; and a metal slide for children with cochlear implants.

Once disabilities were identified and information collected, the planning team

worked to select inclusive equipment for the playground and a Request for Proposal was issued for the initial $300,000 equipment budget based on a Community Development Block Grant. Over the next two years, the Saluda Shoals Foundation raised an additional $1.4 million in private funds and expanded the scope of the project.

The research, brainstorming and planning resulted in a colorful playground that includes a tree house play structure, tunnel, musical instruments, a glider, animal sculptures, slides, several types of swings, a We Go Round, and an entryway bridge over a small pond. With the help of the SC Arts Commission, a call for artists was held to solicit design ideas for artwork to distinguish the bridge as well as the donor recognition wall. Greg

Fitzpatrick, a nationally recognized artist from Lexington, S.C., was selected for his unique design that expressed joy while acknowledging Leo Bugenske.

ICRC and the Saluda Shoals Foundation are committed to maintaining Leo’s Landing and making sure it remains a vibrant, safe, clean, and up-to-date playground that all children and families can enjoy. The benefits of an inclusive, accessible playground extend to all and add value to our community.

BLENDING ART & DESIGN WITH INCLUSIVITY Miracle League of Highpoint Field High Point, NC

www.benesch.com Civil Engineering | Landscape Architecture | Structural Engineering | System Wide Master Plans Site Specific Master Plans | Construction Documents | Cost Estimates | Community Engagement Grant Assistance | Construction Administration for Parks, Greenways, and Infrastructure

Winter 2020 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 23

SPONSORED LISTINGS

Inclusion in an Unexpected Way By: Gina Ellis-Strother, Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission As Park and Recreation organizations focus on creating a more inclusive visitor experience, they should consider ways to expand inclusion in their workforce. Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission (CCPRC) has found some success hiring staff with cognitive disabilities like autism. Individuals with autism range from those who may not be able to independently care for themselves to those with higher functioning cognitive abilities. Many high school graduates with autism have a difficult time finding employment.

According to a 2018 article on SpectrumNews.org, one out of five adults with autism are unemployed.

Cynthia Wilson, Beach Park Manager at Isle of Palms County Park, took an interest in finding employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Joey Sherman, a 24-year-old with autism, was hired by Cynthia three years ago as a Park Aid. During his interview, Cynthia eventually realized there was a disability, so she immediately altered the interview format by showing Joey some of the tasks he would be doing to see how he would respond. One task was using a drill to create holes in the sand for umbrellas. Once Joey showed he could do that, Cynthia was confident in his ability to do other tasks and hired him for the summer. Joey loves working at Isle of Palms, saying, “My favorite thing is handing out ice cream and drinks to customers.”

Managers looking to hire someone with autism can contact high schools and colleges with programs for students with disabilities. The College of Charleston’s REACH Program has been nationally recognized for its commitment to full-inclusion and self-determination for people with disabilities. Once hired, Cynthia suggests training new employees individually step by step on exactly how to do something, since retraining can be challenging. Also, educating other staff on the best way to work with and support this individual is very important.

Before most were thinking about inclusion in the workplace, Cynthia was doing it with great success. Her decision to hire Joey was a good one. She described him as having an amazing attitude, being very friendly with customers and a hard worker. He approached every assignment with great enthusiasm, from cleaning bathrooms to picking up trash on the beach. In 2019, Joey’s hard work paid off when he was awarded Employee of the Year by the park staff.

Inclusion in the workplace not only opens doors for the employee, but opens doors for organizations interested in creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

Managers looking to hire someone with autism can contact high schools and colleges with programs for students with disabilities.

The College of Charleston’s REACH Program has been nationally recognized for its commitment to full-inclusion and selfdetermination for people with disabilities.

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

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Cherokee County On a Mission for Inclusive Play By: Victoria Babb, Cunningham Recreation Community Resource Manager – Play 4 ALL Campaign Marcus Bradley, Cherokee Recreation District Director, had always wanted to develop an inclusive play space for Cherokee County. The higher cost for equipment and his limited budget prevented him from attaining the goal, until now.

Local resident and “mom on a mission” Stephanie Hyleman was determined to bring an inclusive playground to Cherokee County, so all children can play together regardless of their limitations.

compelling presentation to both the Recreation Commission and County Council. Both unanimously agreed that if her nonprofit organization raised the funds, they would provide the land for the project and guarantee both maintenance and insurance once it is complete. “We told S.I.L.A.S. Steps that we’re on board and will do whatever we need to do to make this happen,” says Bradley, who is ecstatic that the project is moving forward.

S.I.L.A.S. Steps and Cherokee Recreation District have partnered with Hyleman did not realize the Cunningham Recreation, difference between an ADA GameTime and Play Core. compliant play space and a The soon-to-be destination truly inclusive one until she playground was thoughtfully brought her sons Silas and designed to ensure not only Asher to area playgrounds. access to the equipment, One child was able to access but the equitable notion that the equipment, and the other all belong here. Specialized one was left on the sidelines. sensory rich equipment, Her oldest son, Silas, has ramps, safety surfacing, Cerebral Palsy and was born shade, and other unique without part of his arm. He Left: Silas and Asher Hyleman; Right: Silas and Stephanie Hyleman features are configured so was excluded from the fun. people with varying abilities Mobility was a challenge for Silas and loose surfacing was not will have meaningful recreational experiences and reap the conducive for his walker. The climbers weren’t accessible either – rewards of active play. they required him to get on elevated decks to access them, which is something he could not do.

“We were overlooked,” explained Hyleman. “Again and again communities were installing play spaces that emphasized his limitations.”

She heard the call to become the catalyst for change when her younger son, Asher, looked into her eyes and said “Mommy, I want to play on a playground with Silas.”

Hyleman founded a charitable organization called S.I.L.A.S Steps, which not only is her son’s name, but also represents what the organization stands for: Safety, Inclusion, Love, Accessibility and Socialization. She reached out to the Cherokee Recreation District asking for their help. Bradley paved the way for a partnership, inviting Hyleman to deliver her heartfelt story and

Most notably, no child will be forced on the sidelines ever again.

This playground will also serve our veterans, aging population, and caregivers with challenges and limitations.

Cunningham Recreation’s Play 4 ALL Campaign is helping S.I.L.A.S. Steps implement a fund development plan and provide the tools necessary to engage philanthropic donors.

“Funds have been coming in from various sectors like local businesses, private foundations and individuals,” says Hyleman.

“Our goal is to open Hyleman’s Humble Playground in 2021.

Every $1 counts.”

Learn more at www.silasstepsinc.com and www.play4allcampaign.com

Most notably, no child will be forced on the sidelines ever again. This playground will also serve our Veterans, aging population, and caregivers with challenges and limitations.

Opposite page (left to right): Marty Crawford, William Tate, Asher Hyleman, Silas Hyleman, and Stephanie Hyleman (founder of S.I.L.A.S. Steps)

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

Hyleman heard the call to become the catalyst for change when her younger son Asher looked into her eyes and said “Mommy, I want to play on a playground with Silas.”

Winter 2020 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 27

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Inclusive Marketplace

GT Wave™

Universal Design

Poured-in-Place Rubber Surfacing

Wheelchair Accessible Products

GT Wave™ is an innovative inclusive net climbing structure from GameTime’s custom play division. It is the industry’s first net climber with a transfer platform attached to an accessible route leading to a six-foot zip slide.

- Cunningham Recreation, www.cunninghamrec.com

Poured-in-Place (PIP) surfacing is an excellent option for playgrounds of all sizes. It provides accessibility for children and families of all abilities, complements any color scheme with a variety of color options and has a low maintenance cost. Poured-in-Place surfacing from Surface America has the toughest top coat in the industry, with a leading 2.44lbs per square foot of material.

- Barrs Recreation, www.barrsrec.com

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

Benesch believes parks and recreational facilities should hold no limitations, and that starts with the planning process.

Our team routinely evaluates existing parks and trails for local governments and applies universal design principles to guide the design of new facilities, ensuring compliance with the ADA and providing access for all.

- Alfred Benesch & Company, www.benesch.com

R.J. Thomas Mfg. understands the importance of incorporating ADA compliant amenities to all of your indoor and outdoor sites. All of our Pilot Rock® brand product lines offer wheelchair accessible options; including picnic tables, charcoal grills, waste receptacles, park benches, campfire rings and so much more. Visit our website today to see our many inclusive product options!

- R.J. Thomas / Pilot Rock, www.pilotrock.com

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Inclusive Marketplace

ADA Showers

Hoops & Lights™

SwayFun® Glider

8 ft Rectangular Punched Steel ADA Picnic Table

Outdoor Showers, Beach Showers and ADA Showers are great for beaches, public/private pools, water parks and volleyball courts. Available in 16 colors. Made in the U.S.A. - Most Dependable Fountains, www.mostdependable.com

The SwayFun Glider is one of many inclusive products by Landscape Structures and is accessible to children with a mobility device to share in the fun of gently swaying back and forth with friends and family. Visit our website to find more innovative inclusive products that bring kids together.”

- Carolina Parks & Play, www.carolinaparksandplay.com ®

Sport Court has come up with a quality in-ground basketball hoop systems to guarantee the best in performance and safety.

Our Slam Systems advanced height adjustment allows people of all ages and abilities to get in on the fun. Backboard and pole pads provide even more safety for players.

- Sport Court Carolina, www.sportcourtcarolina.com

This rectangular metal ADA picnic table looks great in many settings including parks, schools and apartments. These commercial picnic tables accommodate wheelchairs which helps your site to be more accessible to all.

- Discount Playground Supply, www.discountplaygroundsupply.com

Winter 2020 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 29

SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Inclusive Marketplace

Inclusive Play Design Guide

At Playworld, we believe that The World Needs Play - for ALL ages and abilities! To learn more about the 8 Keys to Inclusion, obtain a free copy of the Inclusive Play Design Guide or just chat about anything related to inclusive play, contact Geoff Eastman at 704-909-9017 or geoff@playworldpreferred.com - Playworld Preferred, www.playworldpreferred.com

ADA Compliant Trail Bridges

Areté Structures FRP bridges are the best choice for walking, hiking and biking pathways. The light weight structural fiberglass material does not rot, rust, or corrode. It is lightweight and easy to install using only hand tools and NO heavy equipment. Arete’ bridges are ADA compliant, made in the USA and fabricated in North Carolina.

- Arete Structures, www.aretestructures.com

Visibility That Fits Your Budget 32 FALL 2020

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

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2022 Buyer’s Guide Deadline: June 30, 2021

Winter 2021 Magazine Deadline: October 20, 2021

Multi-issue packages now available. Contact Todd Pernsteiner for more information at todd@pernsteiner.com or (952) 841-1111.

LAST CHANCE BOOK CLEARANCE!

When they’re gone, they’re gone.

This is your last chance to get your copy of the SCRPA 75th Anniversary book!

Limited supply remains at www.scrpa75.com.

The 8.5 x 11 hardcover book includes:

Submitted agency bios include:

• More than 200 full-color and black/white photos

• • • • • • •

• A historical timeline of the association’s history • Full-page bios on 20 South Carolina agencies • Notes of Congratulations from members

• Ads from supporting commercial partners

City of Aiken Charleston County City of Charleston City of Dillon City of Florence Georgetown County City of Goose Creek

• • • • • • •

City of Greenville Greenville County City of Hartsville Horry County Irmo Chapin Lexington County City of Myrtle Beach

• • • • • •

City of Newberry City of North Augusta City of North Charleston City of Rock Hill Spartanburg County Town of Summerville

CLEARANCE SALE PRICING* 1 book.....................................................................$14 (regularly $39.95)

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5 books..................................................................$44 (regularly $199.75)

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ORDER BOOKS @ WWW.SCRPA75.COM

Last chance to wear a piece of SCRPA history.

Retro Logo Tee or Tank - $32 Retro Hoodie - $48 Soft, tri-blend or 100% cotton; available in 10 colors Men’s, women’s & youth sizes

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SCRPA 75th Anniversary Tee or Tank - $32 75th Anniversary Hoodie - $48 Soft, tri-blend or 100% cotton; available in 8-10 colors Men’s, women’s & youth sizes

ORDER SHIRTS @ WWW.BIT.LY/SCRPAShirts

SOUTH CAROLINA RECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION

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

Adventure is Beckoning. Will You Answer the Call?

Intricate climbers. Fast slides. Bringing adventure back to childhood. The Next Evolution in Play is here. The only question is...

Are you ready to Join Our Movement?

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