SCRPA Magazine - Winter 2022

SOUTH CAROLINA

BEYOND THE BUSINESS CARD

SOUTH

2022 Board of Directors

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President

Dustin Jordan

City of Myrtle Beach

President Elect

Jessica Campbell City of Aiken

Vice President

Katherine Jones York County

Secretary Megan Young City of Greenville Treasurer

Brian Rogers

Spartanburg County Past President Randy Woodard Charleston County Central VP Brian Jones City of Rock Hill

Eastern VP

Beth Goodale

Georgetown County

Southern VP

Cole Thomas

Charleston County Western VP Daniel Halliman City of Spartanburg

ADVERTISER

BRANCHES

ELM Branch Kim Moultrie City of Spartanburg

PRM Branch Josh Blackstone Charleston County

Programming Shelli Davis Boesner Town of Mt. Pleasant

SCAP Branch Matt Watts Beaufort County Student Branch Kevin Lynch City of Rock Hill

SCRPA EXECUTIVE STAFF

Executive Director

James E. Headley jim@scrpa.org

SC PRT Representative Matt Elswick South Carolina

Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism

On

Membership Services Coordinator

Melissa Williams melissa@scrpa.org

MAGAZINE/MARKETING COMMITTEE

Kristen Guilfoos Chair

Spartanburg County

Vacant Vice Chair

Alison Cribb

Central Rep City of Aiken

Bruce Wilkinson Eastern Rep Georgetown County

Nick Krueger

Southern Rep Charleston County

Gina Ellis-Strother

Southern Rep Charleston County

Bobby Brandt

Western Rep Greenville County

THE ASSOCIATION REPORT

by Dustin Jordan, SCRPA President & Jim Headley, SCRPA Executive Director

Dustin Jordan Jim Headley

As we transition into the fall, the leaves will eventually start to turn, and our South Carolina landscape will become even more amazing. This issue’s “Beyond the Business Card” focus is apropos with our annual conference quickly approaching.

Just as these highlighted employees mean so much to their communities back home, SCRPA means so much to so many park and recreation professionals across the state. It is our goal to create an atmosphere where everyone works together to better serve all South Carolinians.

Our branches, committees and districts have all worked hard on your behalf this year, helping to create that atmosphere. Those on your board of directors, as well as committees, are to be commended for their efforts. We are going beyond the business card and creating a family of park and recreation professionals throughout the state and country.

The Association has been busy traveling the state, making 18 different stops and meeting with the directors and or assistant directors from over 60 agencies. We will be releasing some of the data we collected from these visits at our annual conference and in the months ahead. With this information, it is our hope that we will continue to be able to provide each of you with relevant information so you go back to your elected leaders, showing them the extent of our reach in the communities we serve.

October 4th Parks Maintenance Institute

On October 4th, the Parks Maintenance Branch hosted a 1-day parks maintenance institute designed exclusively for all parks maintenance staff in South Carolina. The institute focused on topics such as tree and shrub care, splash pad maintenance, small engine repair, sprayer and spreader calibration, field maintenance, and irrigation. Nearly 45 people attended the institute and enjoyed the variety of topics. The next parks maintenance institute will be held on January 18th. As you all know, one of the main functions of SCRPA is to provide quality educational opportunities for our members and the parks maintenance institute does that for a large, and very important, sector of our profession.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at our 77th annual conference in Hilton Head on November 14th-16th. With over 30 educational opportunities on a variety of topics, there will certainly be something beneficial for any park and recreation professional. The annual conference provides a great opportunity for professionals from across the state to come together for a time of a time of learning, socializing, and celebrating our people and profession.

Your Association stands ready with each of you to remind everyone that we are an essential part of the fabric in every community.

Upcoming 2022 Events

2022 SCRPA Annual Conference

November 14-16 | Hilton Head Island

Sports Management Institute

December 8-9 | Rock Hill

Park Maintenance Institute Wednesday, January 18 | Columbia

For more details and to register for upcoming SCRPA events, visit www.scrpa.org/events.

SCRPA Magazine Deadline

Spring 2023 - Deadline: January 15, 2023

Primary Theme Secondary Theme

Active Aging

How seniors contribute to park and recreation departments. What agencies are doing for their 50+ community.

2022 Award Winners

Recognizing outstanding achievements in South Carolina agencies

To advertise, contact Todd Pernsteiner at todd@pernsteiner.com or 952-841-1111.

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 – sharing advice, comparing agencies then to now, or simply telling their story. We hope you enjoy reading and perhaps learn some things from these well-versed perspectives.

Scott Sawyer

Last position: City of Newberry, Parks and Recreation Director

What positions/job titles have you held?

I started in North Augusta in 1987 as a Program Coordinator. I went to umpire school and then became a minor league baseball umpire in 1989 for 4 years, until I got married. I went back to North Augusta and assumed the same role as Program Coordinator until I started in January 1999 as the City of Newberry’s Parks and Recreation Director.

How did you define success in your role as Director?

Teamwork. We spend more time with our work family than we do with our own family at home. Collin Shealy (then Deputy Director, now Director) and I implemented a Teamwork Initiative that our team bought into. People make something a success. And I’ve always felt we have one of the best teams in the state! And I’ve told them that!

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as Director in Newberry?

Besides establishing our Teamwork Initiative, it would have to be our growth. We were largely a “baseball town” in 1999 and we were the Newberry Recreation Department. We are now the Newberry Parks, Recreation and Tourism

Department with the renovation to many of our 1970’s era parks and the addition of Special Events, the Newberry Firehouse Conference Center, the Newberry Arts Center, the Oakland Tennis Center and the Newberry Recreation Complex. And our staff has tripled in size.

What is the coolest thing you’ve experienced in all of your positions?

It wasn’t in Parks and Recreation, but it was still recreation. One baseball offseason I worked as a top operator on a ski lift in Vail, Colorado. One day Ski Patrol came into my lift shack and told me the vice-president needed to use the phone. I hadn’t met the vice-president of Vail Associates. But Vice-President Dan Quayle walked in to get an update on the overthrow of Manuel Noriega in Panama. The Ski Patrol were actually Secret Service and they hung up the phone as the VicePresident was speaking saying “This phone is not secure. We have to go to another location.” I thought I was in some spy thriller movie.

Who has been your favorite SCRPA Executive Director?

Jim Headley! Have there been any others? Jim did not pay me to add this. But I think

our Association needs to know how big a champion we have in Jim! Thanks, Jim!

The City of Newberry was/is a relatively small agency. What advice would you give to small agency Directors?

Be patient! Establish your vision/mission and get your staff on-board! Study your overall City/County budget, not just your department budget. Be honest with everyone, especially your Finance Director! She/he can be your best friend.

What would you say is the most unique program Newberry stakes claim to?

Horseshoes! The City Manager who hired me still says that he thought I was crazy when I told him we needed to build some horseshoe courts and host tournaments. But he said “Proceed.” Newberry hosts one of the most popular horseshoe events in the country. I have been told by several pitchers that Newberry is their favorite place to pitch outside of the World Tournament. The SummerFun Horseshoe Tournament has taken place in Newberry every year since 2000. In that time, we’ve had 6 Hall of Famers pitch with us and participants who have won a total of 52 World Championships!

What do you think about the future of Parks and Recreation in our state?

We were honored to host SCRPA’s LEAD class in Newberry in 2022. That was a sharp group of parks and recreation professionals. Our state is in good shape! I would also like to encourage any current Directors to make succession planning a priority. Ours began in 2012. And I’m confident Mr. Collin Shealy is more than capable of continuing the success Newberry has experienced, for many years to come.

What has retirement looked like from the park bench?

A couple of weeks before I retired, I did an interview at our local radio station about my next venture, and I was congratulated for “failing retirement.” My last day with the City of Newberry was July 29. Three days later I officially kicked off my involvement with Carl’s Kids with a golf camp for youth in Newberry. Carl’s Kids is a faithbased ministry of The Carl Jackson Foundation. I am the Chief Operating Officer. Carl Jackson has been Ben Crenshaw’s caddy at The Masters golf tournament for many years. Carl’s stepbrother and President of the Foundation is my lifelong friend and let me know he could use some help with the Foundation, when I called him to let him know I was retiring. We are still developing our new website but check it out at www.carlskids.org.

A

GAGA

Imagination

is our business.

We are much more than the traditional post and platform playgrounds your grandfather played on. From design to installation, our team of experts can help you create the perfect play and recreation space. If imagination is our business —imagine what we can do for you.

# HeresWhatsHappening

Snapshots of SCRPA amember agencies

North Charleston Rises Up

Seniors Take Charge inSpartanburg County

The North Charleston Recreation Department was Rising Up in celebration of July’s National Parks and Recreation Month. We celebrated with the staff throughout the month by having 70s & 80s themed outfits days, creating rec month videos, staff appreciation spotlights, and hosting a staff breakfast. In addition, we hosted pop up celebrations with our seniors, summer camps and for other City departments. Sandy the Shark even celebrated Shark Week at the Aquatic Center with some Rec Month flair!

Once a month, our 50+ Programmeets for Seniors Take Charge:Jukebox Time Machine. Eachmonth’s theme is a different decade,starting with the 1920s and workingour way up to today. The seniorshave had the best time moving and grooving to tunes across the decades, while all decked out in clothes matching the decade!

Myrtle Beach Hosts Summer CampBanner Competition

During our Summer Camps, MyrtleBeach held a competition for the bestgroup banner. The campers could choosetheir group name and theme and wegave them 1 hour a day for 4 days tocomplete their banner. Kids were ages5-12 and the groups were split by age.They really had a lot of fun thinking ofthe group name, then coming up withwhat they would design, and thenvoting on the best banner. The Group 3:Team Jawz was the winner.

North Charleston’s Liz Petit (right) with an activity participant

BEYOND THE BUSINESS CARD

As the old saying goes, teamwork makes the dream work and throughout parks departments all across the state, we are fortunate enough to have teammates who go the extra mile. They step outside their job description and go “beyond the business card” to ensure our events, programs and day-to-day operations are always the best they can be.

CITY OF NORTH CHARLESTON

LIZ PETIT

By Megan Boisvert, City of North Charleston

“Liz is more than just a great employee in our department, she is an asset to the entire North Charleston community. Her willingness to go above and beyond her day-to-day responsibilities is truly remarkable” says Recreation Director, TJ Rostin. Liz Petit has worked with the City of North Charleston for 18 years and has been with the Parks and Recreation Department for 10 of those. She currently serves as the City’s only Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI). She is responsible for the maintenance and inspection of over 40 playgrounds located across the city. In addition, she also maintains the passive parks, the Duck Pond at Quaterman Park and 4 Poles Disc Golf Course.

Liz is always the first person to raise her hand and volunteer to help when anyone in the department needs a hand. Over her many years, she has helped with countless programs and special events. She especially loves helping with the department’s therapeutic kickball, basketball, and coffee shop programs. “Liz has always wholeheartedly supported our therapeutic

BEYOND THE BUSINESS CARD

“LIZ IS MORE THAN JUST A GREAT EMPLOYEE IN OUR DEPARTMENT, SHE IS AN ASSET TO THE ENTIRE NORTH CHARLESTON COMMUNITY. HER WILLINGNESS TO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND HER DAY-TO-DAY RESPONSIBILITIES IS TRULY REMARKABLE.”

programs, sports, and events. When she comes out, Liz does more than just assist with the program, she spends time with the participants and gets to know them on a personal level. When she is out in the community, she is often greeted enthusiastically by our therapeutic teammates, like the rockstar that she is! I love to see the genuine emotions they share and the bonds they have been able to form over the years!” says Deputy Director, Kathy Kackley. Prior to working for Recreation, Liz worked for the Mayor’s Office on Aging. She was responsible for the startup of two senior center facilities. The centers were designed to promote health & wellness, encourage social interaction, and support ongoing educational opportunities. Citizens have said that the facilities and programs have enhanced their quality of life. Liz’s vision created the foundation for all senior programming since and would not exist without her hard work and dedication.

Liz constantly strives to make our playgrounds and parks the best they can be by taking the initiative to apply for PARD Grant funding and coordinating trash sweeps. She recently spearheaded a renovation project at the Mixson Dog Park. After reinventing this space, the park is now one of the most popular dog-friendly spaces in the city and sees 100+ dogs per day. In 2021, she identified the need for additional dog friendly programming and created the Howliday at the Park event. This event is designed to be a pet-friendly holiday event that features vendors, photos with Santa Paws, adoption services, and a supply drive to benefit Charleston Animal Society. In its first year, the event saw an incredible turnout and will now be an annual tradition. “We are very fortunate to have Liz on our North Charleston Recreation Team!” says Rostin. A sentiment that is felt by all those who work with Liz; thank you for going Beyond the Business Card!

Like print, but better.

5 powerful features that help showcase your programs

Upload

button

clicks

Drive web traffic with active links

page) directly

a useful way to cultivate

2

Optimize your social media presence

1 3 4 5

Custom stories are more important than ever and can be a great way to get your content noticed. Repurpose publication content for all your social channels. Issuu’s visual story and article story features can help you increase engagement through visually appealing, motion-graphic stories for Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram.

broader

well as generate interest in your department’s offerings.

Embed videos into your flipbooks

Embedding YouTube and Vimeo videos directly into your flipbook is a great way to boost engagement and deliver a multimedia experience. Videos help readers interact with your content and propels them to learn more about programs.

Make data-driven publishing decisions

Once you’ve launched and sharer your content, check out your dashboard for up-to-date information on impressions, reads, read-time, clicks and more. Unlike traditional printed publications, Issuu’s digital statistics feature allows you to track real-time data and properly evaluate the overall effectiveness of your marketing strategy. You’ll gain beneficial insight into your publication’s audience.

CHOOSE

CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA JEREMY JIUNNIES

By Randy Duteau, City of North Augusta

With the opening tipoff at the 2022 Nike EYBL Peach Jam at Riverview Activities Center in North Augusta, SC this past July, it signified a return to business as usual for the prestigious national prep basketball tournament held annually along the banks of the Savannah River. After being canceled in 2020 and played before a limited audience last year due to COVID, the competition and the crowds this year were a welcome sight. From the way the Riverview Activities Center and staff moved along through the ebb and flow of the eight-day tournament, it appeared that no rust had gathered on the machine in the waning two years. Though he’d be loathe to admit it, Jeremy Jiunnies (shown above), Supervisor of Facilities and Programs for North Augusta PRT, was a driving force behind the event’s success. With his understanding of the needs of the Nike organizers, and his ability to provide

an excellent experience for the staff and athletes, these elements are a driving force behind this successful partnership.

Jeremy has been with North Augusta PRT since 1996, and managed local logistics for Nike EYBL since 2000. “Local” logistics is a bit of a misnomer, however, as it also includes numerous venues across the river in Augusta, Georgia in addition to Riverview Activities Center. It’s a tremendous lift, but he manages it well. Nike Peach Jam could be a fulltime job, but it doesn’t stop Jeremy from carrying out the day-to-day operations of the facility.

And once the big show leaves town, the same level of customer service and care is provided for the next incoming tournament or activity. Success doesn’t rest on one man, and Jeremy is quick to praise the efforts of the North Augusta team.

With an annual economic impact of over $10 Million, North Augusta loves the Nike Peach Jam. And in keeping with this long term relationship, it seems that sentiment

is shared by Nike. Major cities across the country would love to host this tournament, but the folks at Nike, as well as the legendary coaches, pros, and athletes love their annual basketball pilgrimage to small town America.

Every July North Augusta becomes the center of the basketball world. It’s a grueling event for the North Augusta PRT staff, but everyone comes together to make it happen successfully. It’s a team effort, sure, but we feel it’s important to recognize the man, Jeremy Jiunnies, who lead the charge. He’ll oversee those eight-days in July and then ensure it’s business as usual for the citizens of North Augusta come Monday. It’s a demanding role, but one for which he is uniquely qualified for, and he manages deftly.

Major cities across the country would love to host this tournament, but the folks at Nike, as well as the legendary coaches, pros, and athletes love their annual basketball pilgrimage to small town America.

SPARTANBURG COUNTY

By: Kristen Guilfoos, Spartanburg County Parks Department

VICKY VENTH

Vicky Venth manages the Woodruff Leisure Center, one of the department’s four community centers. Her typical duties include making sure the entire operation runs smoothly, from youth programming to group workout classes to the 24/7 fitness center. She is the first one to step up, though, when a special event needs a craft, game or decoration that can’t be found at a store. Whether it’s creating games for our Halloween carnival or making wooden ornaments for the after-school program participants to paint, Vicky definitely goes “beyond the business card.”

“Whenever I get free time I will spend it crafting, so when I get the chance to bring that passion to work it’s such a satisfying feeling. I love being known as the ‘crafty one’ on our team, and working within my skill set to bring amazing ideas to life for the local communities. Working for Parks and Rec is such a rewarding job and being able to bring my talents from home and share them with others is a dream come true.” - Vicky Venth

GARRETT MITCHELL

Garrett is a member of our maintenance team and plays an integral role in general park upkeep as well as getting sports fields ready for tournament and league play.

“I have been incredibly blessed to participate in many Spartanburg County Parks Department events by performing for senior groups, as singing is an amateur hobby, and have even impersonated Elvis! Yes, he is still alive! I have also dressed as Santa Claus for parks department Christmas events at our local community centers and having the opportunity to bring joy to our local children is, undoubtedly, one of the great blessings I have experienced during my time working for the parks department. I also emcee our annual Easter Egg scramble at Tyger River Park, our largest outdoor sports and recreation complex in Spartanburg County, and that event is one which I greatly look forward to every spring.

“Of the many things that enrich me as an employee of Spartanburg County Parks and Recreation, the ability to use a different set of skills outside of the confines of my job’s responsibilities has truly been an integral part of my personal development during my time in both park operations and park maintenance. It is refreshing to be employed by an organization which also recognizes the skills and passions I possess outside of work constraints and affords and allows me the opportunity to utilize them to bring happiness to people in our community. At the end of the day, our roles are as servants to the public who visit our facilities and we strive daily to make their time with us as wholesome as possible. For me to be given the opportunity to play but a small part in making their days even brighter is an opportunity I cherish and hope to continue doing for many years to come.” - Garrett Mitchell

KYLE HARDIN

Kyle Hardin (below) manages the Chesnee Community Center, one of the department’s four community centers. His typical duties include making sure the entire operation runs smoothly, from teen programming to a food pantry to a 24/7 fitness center. Kyle is an avid golfer and volunteers to travel to other community centers to teach our after-school program and summer camp participants how to play his favorite sport.

Creating Great Places

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

“Golf has been a passion of mine since I was a kid. Being able to share that passion and enjoyment with the next generation is one of my greatest pleasures. The Parks Department affords me the outlet to do just that. Hopefully, I can ignite that same spark that was kindled in me when I was younger.” - Kyle Hardin

SMART DESIGN EQUALS SMART PLAY

At Landscape Structures, a lot of thought goes into designing our Smart Play® playstructures. Each must include a ton of activities, an equal ton of play value, yet offer a compact footprint. With a variety of innovative themes and concepts to choose from, these preconfigured playstructures are smart, whimsical and easy to order.

Easiest of all: Order a themed pair to entertain kids of all ages. playlsi.com/smart-play

DONATING TO SCRPA HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER!

www.smile.amazon.com

CITY OF AIKEN AUSTIN RIPPY

By Rakesha Gaines, City of Aiken

The City of Aiken Public Pool was among the many aquatic facilities that struggled to find staff this summer. Despite shortages, we successfully opened our pool, thanks to the dedication of Recreation Program Coordinator, Austin Rippy. Austin joined the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department in April of 2021 and began his first summer overseeing operations of the pool. Austin earned |his Aquatic Facility Operator and Lifeguard certification, but little did he know how important this decision would be a year later!

Though slated to hire ten seasonal staff, we were only able to onboard six, consisting of two Water Safety Instructors, three Lifeguards, and one slide attendant. Naturally, this decreased our available operating hours of the pool. Austin quickly adapted, and adjusted the schedule to compliment that of the Aiken County public pool. Doing so ensured the community had access to public swim every day of the week.

In mid-July, two Lifeguards resigned, which meant another review of our operating hours. Austin stepped in to work occasional lifeguard shifts in order to keep the pool open during advertised hours. At the end of July, the two Water Safety Instructors resigned. With one dedicated Lifeguard and

one slide attendant remaining, Austin had to overcome an even greater scheduling challenge. Austin adjusted the pool schedule and transitioned to a seasonal lifeguard for the remainder of the season. With his dedication, we were able to remain open!

As a Recreation Program Coordinator, Austin has additional responsibilities and programs outside of pool operations. Austin could have quickly suggested closure of the pool, but instead, he took the initiative and ensured our community needs were met. Austin is a prime example of dedication “beyond the business card!”and making the most of a less than ideal situation!

By Sarah Reynolds, Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission

In 2022, many parks and recreation agencies experienced staffing shortages like never before. Charleston County Parks was certainly no exception, with our popular waterparks experiencing a lifeguard shortage of about 50% going into the season. In previous years, lifeguard recruitment had not typically been a major issue, so we had to get very creative for the 2022 season, with an agency-wide effort. Recruitment efforts increased greatly and included marketing initiatives like paid advertising, free publicity opportunities through press releases and interviews with news media outlets, social media posts, on-site signage and much more. “We are hiring” became part of all conversations with the public.

The parks hosted job fairs, where potential employees could quickly apply and even be made conditional job offers on site. We increased our presence in local schools and other entities; for schools with limited visitor opportunities, we provided marketing

material to share with the students via email and the school’s media. We attended career chats during school lunches, partnered with career centers in Charleston County, and shared employment information with local senior centers, community centers and churches.

Wages were raised, and the many additional benefits of working for the park system, including free park admission and admission to other local attractions, were highly publicized. We also made a concerted effort to advertise the monetary benefits for lifeguards, including free uniforms, paid trainings and paid certifications.

And, as our training was provided in-house, prospective lifeguards did not have to have previous lifeguarding experience prior

ARCHITECTURAL DOG PARK PRODUCTS

A rchit e ct u ral d o g p a r k product s

DOG WASH TUBS

FUN PRODUCTS AGILITY

A rchit e ct u ral d o g p a r k product s DOG WASH TUBS FUN PRODUCTS AGILITY ITEMS

A rchit e ct u ral d o g p a r k product s

A lifeguards on duty at Splash Island waterpark.

to working for Charleston County Parks. We typically offer six training sessions for waterpark lifeguards, but in 2022 we hosted 13 trainings to capture potential guards who applied later in the season.

As summer drew closer and the waterparks opened, these efforts helped grow our lifeguard staffing to 80% capacity. To maintain the highest safety standards with the staff we had on board, we chose to close our two smaller waterparks on select days, as well as close one attraction at each of those parks, reducing admission rates accordingly. As the summer progressed, our staffing flexibility allowed us to reopen the closed attractions, as well as expand the limited waterpark operating hours.

To learn more about our current employees, we did a seasonal employee survey featuring an AirPod giveaway, and conducted interviews to be used for recruitment next winter. To reward staff for a great season, all CCPRC part-time staff were invited to an appreciation party to enjoy free food and socialize; many of the individual parks also held parties for their seasonal staff to celebrate and reward them.

We hope the fun and bonding our staff experienced this season will help with retention and recruitment next season. As we all know, recruitment starts during the season, making sure staff is well trained and having fun so they tell their friends what a great summer job it is and return next year.

Going forward, CCPRC will focus on recruitment and employee retention early each year. Recruitment efforts will begin earlier for the 2023 season, and many of our tactics from last year will become part of the regular mix.

DOG WASH TUBS FUN PRODUCTS

WATER FOUNTAINS

PLAY

James Island County Park staff speak to potential job candidates at a job fair in the park.

Lifeguard training at Splash Zone waterpark.

s Build Something Amazing

are looking for commercial

equipment, safety

outdoor fitness equipment,

park

one stop

planning and design to installation

can