SOUTH CAROLINA
SPRING 2014
RECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION
The Oakbrook Nature Trail Summerville’s Newest Facility
Wescott Park The Lowcountry’s Premier Baseball and Softball Facility
Health & Wellness Resolutions in the City of Florence
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Built on a strong foundation that has spanned three generations, Cunningham Recreation is dedicated to creating unique, fun playgrounds that provide meaningful play experiences for children of all ages and abilities. From lightly themed play areas to complete themed designation parks, if you can imagine it, we can build it!
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Spring 2014 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 3
SOUTH CAROLINA
TABLE OF CONTENTS Association Report............................................................................. 5 If the Park Bench Could Talk.............................................................. 7 Wescott Park........................................................................................ 8 In No Time At All: New Workout Program Maximizes
RECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION
the Lunch Hour.................................................................................. 10 Health & Wellness Resolutions in the City of Florence..................11
2013 Board of Directors
Enhancing Senior Programs Through Partnerships.......................12 The Hanahan Amphitheater and City Park.....................................14
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Oakbrook Nature Trail...............................................................16
President Don Shuman Greenville County
Past President Mark Sexton City of Rock Hill
President Elect Jeff Metz City of Aiken
Central VP Ashley Smith Irmo-Chapin
Vice President Eric Stewart Charleston County
Eastern VP Callie Wise City of North Myrtle Beach
Secretary Jessica Campbell City of Aiken
Southern VP Jason Woodrum Charleston County
Treasurer Randy Gibson Lexington County
Western VP Jamie Cathey City of Clemson
The Newness Never Gets Old..........................................................17 Turning an Old Park into a New One.............................................. 18 Saluda Shoals Park Partners with Dutch Fork Elementary............19 Greenville County Park Hop............................................................ 20 Economic Field of Dreams............................................................... 22
ADVERTISER INDEX Advanced Coating Systems..............................................................19 Cunningham Recreation..................................................................... 3 Churchich Recreation & Design........................................................ 5 General Recreation............................................................................15 Most Dependable Fountains............................... Inside Front Cover Musco................................................................................................... 3
BRANCHES
Playgrounds of the Carolinas............................................Back Cover
CBM Branch Scott Wilhide Irmo-Chapin
RAP Branch Bonnie Fitz Horry County
R.J. Thomas......................................................................................... 9
ELM Branch Joe Eason Kershaw County
SCAP Branch Matt Watts City of Florence
EMB Joey Freeman Greenville County
Student Branch Pam Davis City of Greenville
Thank you to our advertisers for your help in supporting SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks magazine. We kindly ask members to please support our advertisers. Interested in advertising? Contact Todd Pernsteiner at 877-694-1999 or info@pernsteiner.com.
PRM Branch Bill Berry City of Rock Hill
Wellness Branch
Wood + Partners............................................................................... 23
On the Cover: Wescott Park is the Lowcountry’s premier baseball and softball facility, featuring a Ripken Training Facility, meticulously designed and built for the best experience for players and spectators.
SCRPA EXECUTIVE STAFF Executive Director: James E. Headley jim@scrpa.org
Membership Services Coordinator: Melissa Williams melissa@scrpa.org
THE
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Elizabeth Harm City of Aiken
Bonnie Fitz Horry County
Chris Pounder Charleston County PRC
Dena Long Irmo Chapin
Paul Ellis Greenville County PRT
P.O. Box 1046 • Lexington, SC 29071-1046 (p) 803-808-7753 (f) 803-808-7754 www.scrpa.org, info@scrpa.org
4 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org
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THE ASSOCIATION REPORT
by Jim Headley & Don Shuman
From 70 degrees to snow then ice; back to snow; earthquakes and now 80 degrees...It’s been an intriguing start to the year. We were quickly reminded that the spring season brings unpredictable weather and events. Your Association is trying to be more predictable than the weather with training events. We have offered over 50 hours of training thus far with many more to go. Each of our districts has met with a large number of members attending. The next round of district meetings will each have a session from our RAP and SCAP branches for more education and networking opportunities closer to home. The General Assembly is in full swing. There are two items we are following closely as they have a direct impact on your services at home. The first issue broadens the use of hospitality tax revenues to any road, street or bridge. This means the pot holes in front of your home may be fixed (not all bad) but it takes away from the intent for that use. It allows a “very large hog to be at the trough.” Currently H-Tax can be utilized for “tourism related”
roads and bridges, so there’s plenty of flexibility already. To open it up to all roads has the potential to deplete those funds quickly and take away from the operations and maintenance of the facilities that bring in the H-Tax dollars. The second issue is licensure through DSS for all afterschool programs and summer day camps (with the exception of schools and churches). We are currently working with other related organizations to place an emphasis on all that we do for safety and security of our young folks that sign up for our programs. We want to share with everyone what our profession does in regards to background checks and training. The SC Afterschool Care Alliance, YMCA’s and Boys and Girls Clubs will also be involved in our discussions. We will certainly keep everyone abreast of any updates as they progress.
Innovative solutions, materials, and project
know-how to help you create outdoor experiences that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Our SC Lead Class will have completed half of its training by the time you receive this issue. We are certainly impressed by their knowledge, willingness and abilities. This is another outstanding class. Jim & Don
www.churchichrecreation.com
Spring 2014 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Park 5 CRD403A1_SCRPA_VRT_01.indd 1
3/16/2014 6:06:30 PM
Saluda Shoals Park Partners with Dutch Fork Elementary School to offer Environmental Education Programs Students at Dutch Fork Elementary School will begin learning in a new classroom next fall…Saluda Shoals Park (SSP), a naturally diverse, 400-acre riverfront park perfect for learning adventures. Saluda Shoals Park is proud to have been selected as the primary environmental education partner for Dutch Fork Elementary School’s newly formed Academy of Environmental Science. Through the Academy of Science, students will participate in a comprehensive program which includes inquiry-based, hands-on studies of the environment with emphasis on discovery and exploration, scientific research and the use of scientific tools and technology. This exciting partnership offers students the opportunity for hands-on learning in a diverse outdoor classroom where the environment is a catalyst for learning.
Saluda Shoals Park Rangers will develop the outdoor lessons for K-5 students based on the new curriculum set by the school, as well as state and national science standards. Students from each grade will visit Saluda Shoals Park four times during the school year to explore outdoor habitats and actively use scientific methodology to make their own discoveries. Children will explore the natural world, giving real-life meaning to academic learning while deepening their understanding of the environment. The curriculum will combine ecosystem science with community building in safe yet challenging adventures that cultivate stewardship. Saluda Shoals Park has also donated science materials and equipment, valued at $25,000, to Dutch Fork Elementary School’s environmental education program. These materials were made available
6 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org
By Lori Shaffer
through a partnership with the Saluda Shoals Foundation and Carolina Biological Supply Company, a leading supplier of science teaching materials. This partnership will enhance the Academy of Environmental Science curriculum, allowing for greater hand-on learning opportunities. Putting science into the hands of young learners will teach them the joys of exploration and discovery.
By Paul B. Ellis, III – Greenville County PRT Frances A. Simon - Editor
Be it a simple wood seat and back, or fancy wrought-iron or vinyl covered metal, a park bench in the right location serves many purposes. It may be used by two persons in love or one person reflecting on an important issue. It may be used only once by visiting tourists or it may be used weekly by the same individual.
If the park bench could talk routines using the bench as a prop. There are also some undesirable park bench uses especially at benches that are out of the public eye. Sometimes a bench can be used as a bed for the homeless, for teens drinking and druggin’, a graffiti tag location or a place for park vandals.
Park benches are popular items in agency gift catalogs and offer an excellent The most famous park bench is the one that Tom Hanks sat on in the movie opportunity for plaques to honor people and institutions. The Central Park Forrest Gump where he delivered his popular quote - “Life is like a box Conservancy in NYC has an Adopt-a-Bench program that has of chocolates”. The second most important park bench is in generated over $2,000,000 since 1986 at $5,000 each. Although Washington D.C. In the late 1940s while sitting on a park bench, “Truly, the bench now out of favor, benches were often used for advertising with the Charles Hard Townes, a native South Carolinian, pulled an envelope is a boon to name of company on the backrest. Generally, these benches were and pen from his coat pocket and came up with the concept that idlers. Whoever donated by the company in exchange for allowing their advertisement would lead to the development of the laser. He would later receive to be placed in a public spot. the Nobel Peace Prize in Physics for his innovation which is widely first came up used today in a vast array with other inventions. That particular with the idea General guidelines include a seat height of 18”. The seat depth for bench is now the property of the Smithsonian Museum. a backless bench is 24”-30” and 12”-18” for benches with backs. is genius: free Typically, an adult needs 24” of seat space, but 18” will work if you The right location for a park bench depends on many factors which public resting don’t mind close company. The top of the backrest should be 18”impact the type and the frequency of its use. The highest use is places where 20” above the seat height to support one’s back and shoulders. The generally a bench beside a playground where parents can sit and you can take front of the bench should be placed at least 24” off the trail to avoid watch their children and others at play. This location offers little time out from conflict with passing pedestrians. privacy for discreet conversations but it can be a “hot bed” of activity the bustle and as a venue to eat lunch, keep personal toys and extra clothing Often, two benches are placed at 90 degrees to each other in an for the children. It is a resting spot for tired children and it makes brouhaha of the “L” shape to facilitate a group conversation. This arrangement is very granddad’s playground visit easier and longer. Similarly, benches city, and simply popular near a picnic grill so the cook is involved with the group and next to picnic shelters get a lot of use during group outings. has a place to rest while cooking. If the bench and/or grill are an insit and watch ground mounted model, a concrete footpad will prevent a mud hole The right location may be in a quiet spot with little park activity, near and reflect.” from forming. One last design guideline is that wood is the preferred convenient parking and with summer shade and winter sun. This is –Tom Hodgkinson seat and back material since it does not transfer heat or cold as easily a location where an employee or two have lunch away from work. as other materials like metal, plastic or concrete. It can serve as a temporary outdoor office or a small conference room, or a great spot to read a book. Due to greater privacy, but The British writer, Tom Hodgkinson wrote, “Truly, the bench is a boon still offering enough public exposure for a feeling of safety, this bench will be to idlers. Whoever first came up with the idea is genius: free public resting places used for many types of conversation. where you can take time out from the bustle and brouhaha of the city, and simply sit and watch and reflect.” If park benches had ears, they would hear all types of conversations, from passionate words of love to negative words of anger. Marriage proposals will Another bench quote is from the American painter Georgia O’Keeffe: “I often lay happen here and break ups will also occur. Business plans will be hatched and on that bench looking up into the tree, past the trunk and up into the branches. It an employee can be counseled in privacy. Perhaps this bench will host two was particularly fine at night with the stars above the tree.” criminals plotting their next crime. Parents go there to discuss what to do about If park benches could talk, the stories they could tell and the sights they have their finances and other issues like how they are going to address the problems of witnessed would be enlightening. In a new park, benches would be my first a child, relative or friend. amenity and their maintenance a priority. Many parks have trails where benches are located. It may be at a scenic vista, a trailhead or a spot along the trail for rest. There are websites that offer exercise
Spring 2014 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 7
Wescott Pa By TJ Rostin
W
escott Park is the Lowcountry’s premier baseball and softball facility, featuring a Ripken Training Facility, meticulously designed and built for the best experience for players and spectators. The City’s goal was to create a park capable of holding high level baseball tournaments, while still providing a park setting for the community as a whole. The result is a split park with two distinct areas (sports fields and park) connected by a series of educational nature trails that highlight the wetlands, native tress, and wildlife. 8 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org
Each of the three ball fields at Wescott Park are designed to scale of Boston Red Sox’s Fenway Park, Atlanta Braves’ Turner Field, and San Francisco Giants’ AT&T Park. Each field is equipped for baseball and softball for athletes 12 years old and under. A Ripken Training Circle, patented by Cal and Bill Ripken, is incorporated into the facility for instruction and practice of our rising ball players. The design of the Circle allows for bases and home plates to be substituted for teaching of fundamentals and drills, maximizing the efficiency of instruction. To complete the
ark park as a Ripken Training Facility, batting cages and pitching mounds are incorporated. Apart from being a sports complex, Wescott Park features passive areas for visitors to enjoy, including an amphitheater for outdoor performances, greenspaces and multi-purpose fields, walking trails through the park’s wetlands, a dog park, and a number of enclosed and open air shelters for a variety of community and family events.
Spring 2014 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 9
In No
Time at All: New Workout Program Maximizes the Lunch Hour By Dana Rasmussen for the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission
One of the most common excuses regarding working out is that there just isn’t enough time in the day. Well, the time has come for that excuse to go right out the window, especially at the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC). The agency launched a pilot program this year that was provided free of charge to CCPRC full-time employees through a Health and Wellness Core Values Committee initiative. CCPRC’s short workouts offer a variety of ways to add physical activity to almost every lifestyle in less than an hour, so those clinging to the time excuse may have to throw in the towel and start working out. Short Circuit is among CCPRC’s new fitness programs designed to maximize workouts in a given time frame. Held outdoors at James Island County Park, the circuit training class takes just 45 minutes and is designed for maximizing calorie burn in an efficient get-in,
“Nothing like a co-worker calling you out for not doing your pushups on your toes to keep you motivated. And the hallway chatter – well, you can imagine.” – Allison Foster, fitness and wellness manager for CCPRC
get-out style of workout. Fitness professionals work all major muscle groups keeping balance and safety in mind so that participants can get an effective, fullbody workout. Currently, the pilot program’s participants are volunteer members of CCPRC’s staff. This spring, the program will launch to the general public. According to Allison Foster, who is in charge of the programming as the fitness and wellness manager for CCPRC, participants will rotate through a strategic, resultsoriented sequence of stations or circuits for a total body workout. “The vibe is light and social with energizing music, jeering, cheering, and downright prodding and jabbing going on all in the name of fun and fitness,” Foster said. “Nothing like a co-worker calling you out for
10 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org
not doing your pushups on your toes to keep you motivated. And the hallway chatter – well, you can imagine.” Short Circuit is one of a number of new outdoor fitness programs that CCPRC will offer to the public this year. Other new classes have included Walk and Restore, which combines restorative yoga with rejuvenating walks through park trails, and Stand Up Paddleboarding fitness classes that combine the paddlesport with Barre, Pilates and yoga. Additional fitness classes can be found by visiting www. charlestoncountyparks.com and selecting fitness classes from the menu. Contact CCPRC at 843-795-4386 for additional information about the fitness and wellness programs.
What’s new about this year’s resolutions? There are several new programs offered by the City of Florence to promote health and wealth for its employees, and both its senior and teen target age groups. The City has initiated a comprehensive Employee Wellness Program that is aimed at improving the overall health of its employees. One of the many program components includes the pairing with Ann Kulze, MD, South Carolina’s advocate against the “great white hazards,” to provide webinars that can be viewed from the employee’s desktop. Dr. Ann’s 30 minute program, Eat Right for Life: The 5 Steps to Success shares information and encouragement in an easy to understand plan. Dr. Ann says, “Wellness delivered. Pure and Simple.” Kimberly Mitchell, Community Center Coordinator, and community center staff are developing a Health Aging Program for senior adult participants, ages 50 and over. The elements of the program include physical fitness, nutrition, healthcare, mental wellness, social wellness and financial wellness (including information on retirement planning), which aim to help participants live a healthier and more active lifestyle. Participants in this program will have the opportunity to complete a Living Will in the Five Wishes format. They will be able to take evidence-based exercise courses such as the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program taught by community center staff that have been certified through the Arthritis Foundation and DHEC.
Heatlh & Wealth resolutions
IN THE CITY OF FLORENCE By Teresa Simmons
April Alston, Activity Coordinator at the Barnes Street Activity Center is working with Will Crosswell, a member of the City of Florence Parks and Beautification Commission and local financial expert, to offer the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) to teen participants. The program provides personal financial training for teens and promotes financial literacy. April is using the program to empower and motivate teens and their families to make sound financial decisions. The City of Florence also continues its quest to provide programs that promote health and wellness for its citizens through programs that teach lifetime skills such as tennis. Robert Hill, a USPTA Certified professional, joined the staff as the new Director of Tennis in December 2013, and has been eagerly working towards the development of an array of programs for players of every skill level. He has put together an impressive calendar of instructional opportunities as well as organized tournaments. A complete calendar of planned events is available by visiting the athletics website for the City of Florence. The website address is included below. Information on these New Year’s resolution programs and other programs can be found at: www.Dr.Annwellness.com plasscf@dhec.sc.gov www.cityofflorenceathletics.com www.nefe.org Dr. Ann
Spring 2014 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 11
ENHANCING
SENIOR
PROGRAMS By Frances Deschenes
12 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org
The City of Charleston Recreation Department and the Lowcountry Senior Center have recently teamed up with local hospital Roper St. Francis to create new and extended programs for our area senior citizens. The Lowcountry Senior Center is a partnership between the City of Charleston and Roper St. Francis that welcomes and provides adults age 50 and older to come for exercise, socializing and to broaden their horizons through a wide array of classes. Here they emphasize lifelong wellness with a focus on fun and learning, and offer a multitude of opportunities for seniors to try new things and meet new people. In 1998, Roper St. Francis Healthcare became involved when the City of Charleston sought a manager for the project for a new senior center. Charleston County aided as a financial partner, and a strong alliance was formed. This collaboration allowed financial resources to be shared for the benefit of our citizens. In May of 2003, the Lowcountry Senior Center opened its doors to the public. Currently there are more than 1,500 members, and an average of 250 members and visitors are served each day.
As Charleston continues to expand as a city, the Recreation Department sees the need to extend this partnership and senior programing beyond the Lowcountry Senior Center on James Island. Together with Roper St. Francis, the Recreation Department has made strides to create a senior center feel at our Bees Landing Recreation Complex located in the Grand Oaks Subdivision of West Ashley. Traditionally the Recreation Department has offered low impact exercise classes and a couple area trips for our seniors at a number of our facilities around Charleston. Seeing the growing need Roper St. Francis and the Recreation Department have been able to expand our programing far beyond what was previously offered. We are now able to offer an AARP driver safety course, classes to inform about lower back pain prevention and treatment, expanded trip opportunities, home and garden classes, bridge club, coffee and social clubs, and a strong bones and healthy heart class. Together the City and Roper have successfully created a place for seniors to go from 8:30 am until 3:30 pm Monday through Friday, during school days. The goal of these new programs is to create a place for seniors to go and enjoy theirs days while the City of Charleston explores the option of building a new West Ashley Senior Center. The partnership between the Recreation Department, Roper St. Francis, and Roper St. Francis Advantage continues to be one that looks to our seniors and strives to enrich their lives through health, wellness and social well-being. This partnership is a great model for other cities in South Carolina who are looking to enhance the lives of their senior citizens.
Spring 2014 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 13
The Hanahan
Amphitheater and City Park A Lowcountry Treasure The City of Hanahan proudly unveiled its’ newest addition, the Hanahan Amphitheater and City Park in the Fall of 2013 to a receptive and enthusiastic community. Located at 3100 Mabeline Drive in Hanahan, South Carolina behind the Hanahan Senior Center and near Trident Technical College, this gorgeous modern entertainment facility offers both tremendous beauty and functionality for hosting special events, concerts, live theater, weddings, festivals as well as many other community and corporate activities. The Hanahan Amphitheater and City Park was designed and built to be a one of a kind venue in the Tri-County area. Initially conceived by the City of Hanahan and community leaders nearly a decade ago, the Hanahan Amphitheater and City Park boasts an impressive stage area with a covered roof which has been designed with both acoustics and beauty in mind along with a seating capacity of over one thousand. It provides the
14 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org
By Randy Moneymaker
opportunity to host everything from a large community and stage events or concerts to more intimate events such as weddings. This unique five acre venue is centrally located in beautiful Hanahan, South Carolina with a stunning view of the Goose Creek reservoir and meticulous landscaping as well as a serene and scenic one mile walking trail. The construction of the Amphitheater brings to conclusion phase 1 of this beautiful recreation site. Future phases of this park will include numerous picnic pavilions, a fishing pier, a children’s play area as well as additional walking trails connecting other recreation facilities in Hanahan. The Hanahan Amphitheater and City Park is truly a gem that is comfortably located to serve Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. For more information or to reserve the Hanahan Amphitheater and City Park for your next event, please contact the Hanahan Recreation and Parks Department at 843-266-0723.
The k oo r b Oak Nature Traiillle’s Summerv ility Newest Fac
Doyle Best, Parks & Recreation Director, Town of Summerville
One of America’s original conservationists, John Muir, once said, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” The Town of Summerville certainly hopes that’s the case for their patrons, as they prepare to open their newest facility – the Oakbrook Nature Trail. As its name suggests, the Oakbrook Nature Trail resides in the Oakbrook area of Summerville, a rapidly growing area. The Oakbrook Nature Trail provides a welcoming green space and an escape from the daily hustle and bustle. The three-quarter mile loop through the woods takes walkers and joggers through a forest of large loblolly and spruce pines, over three wetland areas, and in close proximity to a bevy of Lowcountry wildlife. Previously owned by the Westvaco Development Corporation, the property was designated as a ‘Conservation Area’ by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1989 as part of an overall wetlands management plan for the area. In 2001, the Town took over ownership, but it was not until 2011 that
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir
town administration started seriously tossing around ideas for converting the property into a recreation facility. After some back and forth with USACE, it was finally agreed that the Town could build a walking trail. The Town broke ground in earnest on the project in August 2013, clearing and constructing the entire trail in-house. Slag “fines” provide the surface course, reclaimed railroad timbers border the trail, and boardwalks span delineated wetlands crossings. Any trees that had to be taken down to clear the trail could not be removed from the site. Rather, they could only be placed to the side in piles, as dead trees (regardless of how unpleasing to the eye) make great wildlife habitat. The Town was fortunate to have two great partners on this
16 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org
project – Summerville Medical Center and the Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest. A land-use agreement with Summerville Med afforded a parking area for trail users, and the Audubon staff provided value-adding interpretive information for signage along the trail. With the help of their partners, the Town is also planning to add programming after the facility is opened - the
“Walk with a Doc” program (www.walkwithadoc.org) with Summerville Med’s partnering physicians, as well as monthly interpretive walks with Audubon Center staff. The next time you’re in Summerville, take a few minutes to check out the Oakbrook Nature Trail – a little slice of nature in the middle of town.
Spring 2014 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 16
The Newness Never Gets Old By Zenethia Brown
Having been awarded a $50 million General Obligation Bond in 2008, the Richland County Recreation Commission has had the pleasure of being surrounded by “new.” New facilities, new ball fields, new land, new equipment, new shelters, and new opportunities. As it states in our mission statement, the Richland County Recreation Commission is dedicated to enriching lives and connecting communities through diverse recreational opportunities. With our mission statement in mind the agency approached the Bond Projects as a way to fill gaps within areas of service. One very important gap that we were able to fill was the lack of facilities and recreational services available for adults in one of our older, less serviced areas. As the baby-boomers, our most populous generation, continue to age, so does the need for adult services. Physical activity and exercise can help adults stay healthy, energetic and independent as they get older. Understanding this fact alone, it would have been fitting for the Commission to develop an adult gym or fitness center where adults in the area could go to exercise. However, there were other factors that the agency also took into account. The relationship between physical activity and vitality is well-documented, but multiple recent studies have also revealed an increasingly stronger link between social interaction and mental and physical well-being for seniors.
While socialization is critical for all people, regardless of age, seniors can be more susceptible to isolation. Studies indicate that an active social lifestyle is more important than ever in helping seniors maintain a sharp mind, remain connected to the world around them, increase feelings of happiness, and develop a sense of belonging. Considering all factors involved, the Commission decided to build a facility that would not only provide opportunities for physical activity and challenges, but one that would also serve as the social “hub” of the community On Monday, July 1, 2013, the Richland County Recreation Commission held the Grand Opening of the Garners Ferry Adult Activity Center and Technology Center, fulfilling a five year promise made to the residents of Richland County. The Garners Ferry Adult Activity Center is an adults only center focused on health and wellness. The center features three classrooms, a kitchen, a snack room, conference room, multi-purpose room and fitness center staffed by a certified trainer. A variety of classes are offered year-round at the center that not only promote physical well-being, but social interaction as well. There are book clubs, bridge clubs, travel clubs and knitting clubs, just to name a few. The center is open to adults only, ages 21+, and offers an affordable environment for socializing, fitness, wellness education, and fun leisure experiences.
Spring 2014 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 17
Turning an Old Park
into a New One
to attend in the future. With four basketball courts, the facility was built with an eye toward hosting local and regional 3-on-3 basketball tournaments, with the first being planned for May 2014. The City’s new Park Improvement Program is off to a successful start with the improvements to Vincent Street Park and has fueled excitement for future renovations over the next ten years.
After
Vincent Street Park – Newberry, SC
Before By Scott Sawyer
Vincent Street Park was built in 1970 on the site of the former Peoples Hospital, which was the first and only hospital for AfricanAmericans in Newberry County. The hospital, built in the 1930’s was vacated in 1952 when Newberry County Memorial Hospital was built. From 1952 to 1970, the former hospital housed the Vincent Street Community Center and was then demolished to build Vincent Street Park. The park contained a bathroom, playground equipment, a shelter and two basketball courts. City Council has recognized the need to make improvements to the City’s aging parks and Vincent Street Park is the first to be renovated as a part of the Park Improvement Program, which aims to renovate a park a year for the next 10 years. The renovated Vincent Street Park contains the same amenities that were originally included in 1970, a bathroom, playground equipment, a shelter and basketball courts. But, the “new” park is on a first class level with a finished parking lot and two additional basketball courts with basketball goals that have glass backboards. Since the ribbon cutting for the park, the first ceremony of that kind for a new park in Newberry in over 40 years, the park has remained very active with visits from people from all over the community. The Newberry High School and Newberry College basketball teams attended the ribbon cutting and are even considering playing some scrimmages for the public
18 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org
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Park Hop By Melissa Fair
20 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks â&#x20AC;˘ www.scrpa.org
ways to become more active by utilizing existing community amenities. With a wealth of parks that have playgrounds, ball fields, walking trails, and numerous other interactive features, connecting people to these fun, cost-effective, familyfriendly community assets is a way not only to help Greenville County residents meet fitness goals, but build a sense of community as well. Over the course of the summer more than 300 families participated in Park Hop visiting 17 different parks, from multiple local agencies, across Greenville County. Participants used a Park Passport to guide them on their summer adventure, and could submit their Park Passport for a chance to win cool adventure-themed prizes. At the close of the campaign participants celebrated by attending a block party style event at Conestee Park. This event included an onsite scavenger hunt, music, and an award ceremony hosted by local anchorman for WYFF News 4, Geoff Hart. Participants were awarded fun prizes from local business including camping gear from REI, a bike donated by the City of Fountain Inn, bike rentals from Reedy Rides, and a year-long membership to the Greenville Zoo.
IN LATE SPRING THROUGH SUMMER of 2013, LiveWell Greenville, launched the Greenville County Park Hop targeting families and children that could be replicated as an annual campaign for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. Park Hop featured a scavenger hunt developed in partnership with all of the county’s park and recreation agencies including Greenville County, the City of Greenville, the City of Fountain Inn, the City of Mauldin, the City of Greer, the City of Simpsonville, and Paris Mountain State
Park. This adventure-themed scavenger hunt incentivized children and families to visit featured parks throughout the summer while searching for answers to clues within each park. LiveWell Greenville is a coalition that partners with public and private organizations to make Greenville County a healthier place to live, work, and play. With over 50% of Americans not meeting the minimum guidelines for physical activity participation, one of LiveWell Greenville’s central goals is to help residents find fun
Park Hop 2014 will introduce some new features, including a smart phone application. LiveWell Greenville, with the support of Spinx Corporation, headquartered in Greenville, SC, has partnered with Gamemaster to create the Park Hop phone application. Gamemaster is a local start up technology company that specializes in creating online quests. Key features of the application include GPS enabled technology that unlock physical activity themed clues that are designed to get children exploring and using park features and amenities. For more information about Park Hop contact Melissa Fair at mfair@livewellgreenville.org , or visit www.parkhop.org
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Economic
Field of Dreams! By Linda Youst (WPi), Beth Goodale (Park and Recreation Director at Georgetown Co.), and Kyle Theodore (WPi)
S
ummer in Georgetown County is always a busy time; but the summer of 2012 was especially exciting for Georgetown County Parks & Recreation Director Beth Goodale and her staff. In July of 2012, the Department opened the first of a series of new parks. 8 Oaks Park, the first to open, hosted both the Dixie Baseball State Championship tournament and the Dixie Youth Softball Angels and Darlings World Series in the first month of operation. The economic impact of these tournament visitors and their tourism dollars are paying dividends to locals. 8 Oaks is part of the county’s $82 million dollar, 20 year master recreation plan. Development of this citizen driven plan
began in 2004. Currently approx. $35 million in projects have been completed and/or are under construction. (To date the following projects have been completed / are under construction acquisition of approx. 600 acres of park lands, master site planning for 8 regional parks, construction of 5 new parks, tournament tennis complex, 1 new regional recreation center , 1 Community Center, 5 community parks, a tournament fishing venue plus renovation of 3 renovated parks and two recreation centers.)
renovated/expanded facilities are serving local residents as well as becoming a new destination for out-of-towners participating in tournaments. One of Georgetown County‘s goals when they began planning their tournament level facilities was to increase economic impacts by attracting sports tourism. The Dixie Youth Softball Angels and Darlings World Series attracted more than 3,000 daily spectators, booking hotels and other lodging in the County and providing revenue to local
A variety of funding sources are funding these projects including accommodation and hospitality tax funds revenue and GO bonds and dedicated millage (increase in 2009 passed for this specific purpose). 8 New and
merchants and restaurants. As for the costs of hosting these tournaments; they are covered entirely by revenues generated from admissions, sponsorships and concession sales. Conservative estimated economic
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Construction Cost: 8 Oaks total cost (not including land) site work, design and construction $8.8 million
Design Team: OWNER: Georgetown County Parks & Recreation Department RECREATION PLANNING & LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE: Wood+Partners Inc., Hilton Head Island, SC ARCHITECTURE: SGA, Charleston, SC CIVIL ENGINEERING: HGBD, Mt. Pleasant, SC LIGHTING: DWG, Columbia, SC IRRIGATION: Clark Irrigation Design, Alpharetta, GA
impact of the Dixie Youth World Series is $800,000. Many visitors extend their stay following tournament play to soak in the local charm and enjoy the lowcountry cuisine. Community leaders hope that once discovered, visitors will make Georgetown County a destination for future family vacations or even a place to retire. 8 Oaks Park is located on US Highway 521/17 (Highmarket Street) just outside Georgetown and consists of 6 ballfields, a pressbox and ample parking. Future plans include completion of two additional ballfields, a baseball stadium, 10 tennis courts, 4 soccer fields and miles of leisure and interpretive trails. Spring 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 23
SOUTH CAROLINA RECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 1046 Lexington, SC 29071-1046