Greenville Parks and Rec 2013 Annual Report

City of Greenville Parks & Recreation Department 2013 Fiscal Year Annual Report

Rock Quarry Falls - Greenville, SC photo by Will Harper

City of Greenville Parks and Recreation Department

AT A GLANCE...

recreation division/ page 4 - 7 parks & grounds divisions/ page 8 - 12 Greenville Zoo/ page 13 - 16 administration division/ page 17 - 20

Greenville City Council Knox White, Mayor Amy Ryberg Doyle - District 1 Lillian Brock Flemming - District 2 Jil Littlejohn - District 3 David Sudduth - District 4 Susan Reynolds - At Large Gaye G. Sprague - At Large John Castile, City Manager

boards & commissions/ page 21 - 22

Greenville Mayor, City Council and Residents, On behalf of the dedicated women and men who work for the City of Greenville Parks and Recreation Department, I am pleased to introduce the department’s Annual Report for fiscal year 2013. It has taken us (me) a little time to put this report together, but because it is our first annual report, we wanted to be certain all of the information we publish is 100% accurate.

This report provides an overview of the department’s accomplishments and challenges over the past fiscal year (July 2012 – June 2013). As represented in our mission statement, Greenville’s Parks and Recreation Department staff are devoted to providing quality parks, trails, recreation facilities and services to Greenville’s residents and visitors. We are proud to serve our community and grateful to all of the other City departments and partner agencies that help us serve our customers.

The Parks and Recreation Department is comprised of five primary areas of responsibility and concentration:

Recreation

Parks & Grounds

Greenville Zoo

Administration/Landscape Design

Sustainability

Over the course of the year, we have mowed, planted, pruned, cleaned, painted, planned, designed, constructed, conserved, repaired, played, educated and delivered. Each day, we come to work intending to be the best public parks and recreation agency we can be, and I am pleased to say on most days, we meet our intentions.

Perhaps the most significant and exciting event of the year for the Parks and Recreation Department and the greater-Greenville community was the birth of Kiko, a Masai giraffe. Kiko’s arrival at the Greenville Zoo on October 22, 2012 attracted record crowds to the Greenville Zoo throughout the year.

We greatly value the ideas and recommendations of our citizens, so feel free to contact us after reviewing the report. Your input is our most valuable tool in ensuring that we provide excellent services to Greenville residents.

Best wishes, Dana A. Souza Director

Contact us at (864) 467-4355

City of Greenville Parks & Recreation Mission Statement Providing diverse, exceptional and sustainable services to the community through innovative and collaborative practices

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RECREATION DIVISION The Recreation division has experienced a programmatic renaissance over the past 4-years.

Youth Basketball at the Nicholtown Community Center with Coach Cameron

FY12-13 RECREATION DIVISION BUDGET $229,492

After completing an operational audit and a Programs Needs Assessment, the Parks & Recreation department extended operating hours at community centers and reorganized core subsidized programs such as the Study Buddies After School Program, the Senior Program and Summer Camp. New athletic, fitness, arts and general recreation fee-based programs are now offered quarterly. These programmatic and operational changes have increased program participation, community center use and revenue.

The Recreation division has a total of twenty four (24) staff members; twelve (12) are full-time staff members and the other half are part-time staff.

The Recreation division operations budget was $1,453,969.

The department spent 88.7% of the funds.

Total Budget: $1,453,969 Community Centers Division Athletic Programs Division

$1,224,477

For FY2013-2014, the sub-division budgets have been combined into one Recreation division budget.

Source - City of Greenville Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2013

TOTAL REVENUE 5-YEAR COMPARISON $200,000

$158,215 $150,000

$160,329

$157,023

$164,448*

$127,588

$100,000

$50,000

0

20082009

20092010

20102011

20112012

20122013

*FY12-13 rentals increased as the department assumed responsibility for operating the Sears Recreation Center and decreased slightly in 2013 because the David Hellams Community Center closed for renovations.

Program participation and facility use has increased steadily over the past 5 years, with over 47,000 people using City Community Centers and attending recreation programs.

Quantifying the number of drop-in users at community centers is an important measurement because facilities are now kept open on Saturdays and until 8pm on weekdays. By extending hours, the department is serving the community at a higher level and at times service is needed.

Revenues have increased 28.9% between FY2009 & FY2013.

West African Drum & Dance at the David Hellams Community Center

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RECREATION DIVISION (cont’d) “I am delighted to have my kids in the City’s afterschool program. I like the way the staff and teachers take time to make sure my children are doing their homework and that they also communicate with my children’s school teachers. They also inform me if my children haven’t completed their work as well as where they might be struggling.”

Earline Thompson, Parent of 2 Afterschool Program participants at West Greenville

The department has increased the number of people renting City recreation facilities. Significant increases in use have occurred at Park Avenue Gymnasium and the Sears Recreation Center, which the department began operating again in FY2011. Increased program partnership opportunities with Upsouth Volleyball and Greenville Sports League have also accounted for some of the increased use of City facilities and participation in City fee-based programs.

Co-Ed Adult Softball at Cleveland Park

The center computer labs are busy, community center park users have restrooms available to them and the indoor basketball court at the West Greenville Community Center is used extensively. Participation in feebased programs has seen steady increases, particularly in the area of athletics and fitness.

Senior Prom at the TD Convention Center

ATHLETIC & RECREATION PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS 30000

Facility Rentals 25,719

25000 20000 15000 10000

Drop-Ins 13,430

“The organization of Greenville’s league is the best I’ve ever been a Facility Rentals part of. I’ve played in 10 different leagues from Programs New York, New Jersey & South Carolina.”

Drop-Ins Robert Henry

Programs 8,456

5000 0

FY13 TOTAL: 47,605 PARTICIPANTS

ATHLETIC & RECREATION FEE-BASED PROGRAM ATTENDANCE The following chart identifies the level of resident and non-resident participation in City fee-based programs.

The department receives very positive participant feedback about the organization and delivery of programs.

The positive experience by the participants results in increased participation by both Greenville and other Upstate residents, particularly in fitness and athletics Many participants work within the City limits and seek out programs they can participate in both before and after work.

Non-resident program fees are generally 20% higher than fees paid by resident participants.

Senior Softball is a new and growing program.

Total City Residents 43.3%

Total Non-Residents 56.7%

TOTAL: 8,456 PARTICIPANTS

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RECREATION DIVISION (cont’d) Total Athletics Program Attendance

By taking a closer look at resident and non-resident participation in fee-based programs, it is clear that a majority of participants in the department’s athletic programs live outside the City’s limits, while programs at the community centers support programming needs of residents, particularly those living in the City’s Special Emphasis Neighborhoods. The exception to this is the Sears Recreation Center which offers adult fitness, yoga and dance programs.

Total: 5,559 Participants David Hellams Community Center Program Attendance

Bobby Pearse Community Center Program Attendance

967 Participants

367 Participants

32.2% City Residents 67.8% Non-Residents

32.2% City Residents 67.8% Non-Residents

73% City Residents

52.9%

27% Non-Residents

47.1%

73% City Residents

52.9% City Residents

27% Non-Residents

47.1% Non-Residents

Nicholtown Community Center Program Attendance

Sears Recreation Center Program Attendance

West Greenville Community Center Program Attendance

794 Participants

601 Participants

168 Participants

76.1% City Residents

47.6% City Residents

48.2% City Res

23.9% Non-Residents

52.4% Non-Residents

51.8% Non-Res

76.1% City Residents

47.6% City Residents

48.2% City Residents

23.9% Non-Residents

52.4% Non-Residents

51.8% Non-Residents

PARKS & GROUNDS DIVISIONS The Parks & Grounds division is responsible for maintaining Greenville’s parks, historic cemeteries, public spaces, planted medians and islands, trails and the urban tree canopy. Division staff members proudly manage some of Greenville’s most beautiful and most visible locations.

FY12-13 PARKS & GROUNDS DIVISION BUDGET $834,840

Parks Maintenance Rights-of-Way Beautification Tree Maintenance Falls Park

Total Budget: $4,933,296

$696,399

The Parks & Grounds division operations budget was $4,933,296. The division spent 92.1% of the funds.

Source - City of Greenville Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2013

$1,720,243

$590,115 $1,091,699

The total division budget was $4,933,296 and was divided among the operating divisions as shown in the chart above. Funding for a replacement bucket truck for the Tree Maintenance division was not expended within the FY13, however the funding was rolled over into FY14 and the truck has been purchased.

Revenues generated in the Parks & Grounds divisions include Park and Picnic Shelter rental fees and Cemetery fees. The graphs on the next page illustrate the Park and Picnic Shelter rentals fees as well as Cemetery fees over the past 5 years.

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Cemetery Fee Revenues FY2009

Park & Picnic Shelter Rental Fee Revenues

FY2010

$20,850 $21,300

FY2012

$14,850

FY2013 0

$5,000

$34,886

FY2010

$13,850

FY2011

$36,773

FY2009

$12,764

$10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $25,000

Cemetery fees fluctuate year-to-year based on the number of interments at Springwood and Richland Cemeteries.

FY2011

$44,047 $49,589

FY2012 FY2013

$47,970 0

$10,000 $20,000 $30,000 $40,000 $50,000

Rental revenues fluctuate primarily based on the number of events and weddings in Rock Quarry Garden and Falls Park.

PARKS MAINTENANCE The Parks Maintenance division is responsible for the maintenance of all the City’s 39 parks, totaling 322 acres.

This division also cares for the Swamp Rabbit Trail, Sliding Rock Creek and two nationally registered historic cemeteries; Richland & Springwood.

To properly and consistently care for all of the community and neighborhood facilities, this division is responsible for staff members that are divided into the following work crews: • Three Park Maintenance Districts (North, Central & South) • An Athletics & Amenities crew, responsible for park furniture, playgrounds & athletic field maintenance • A Cemetery Crew responsible for cemetery internments & maintenance The Parks Maintenance operations budget was $1,720,243. The department spent 97% of the funds.

RIGHTS-OF-WAY

The Rights-of-Way division is responsible for over 354 miles of right-of-way and medians in Greenville; over 36 alley ways and the maintenance at the Mauldin Road Landfill (now closed).

The Rights-of-Way division works with the City’s Code Enforcement division to clean up non-compliant and unsightly parcels, coordinates volunteers to improve public parks and facilities and manages the Department’s Community Service Program, where non-violent offenders perform litter patrol on weekends as part of the City’s Municipal Court alternative sentencing effort.

The division now maintains I-385 interchanges. ICAR, Carolina Point Parkway and Fairforest Way, without any increased staffing levels.

The Rights-of-Way operations budget was $590,115.

The department spent 94.2% of the funds.

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BEAUTIFICATION The Beautification division is responsible for the maintenance of over 500 city-wide beautification sites, totaling over 75 acres.

In addition to landscape maintenance, the division provides landscape design, installation and repair of irrigation systems and installation of new landscaping.

Each year, the Beatification division plants over 300 trees through the Greenville Tree Foundation and over 15,000 annuals/perennials.

Additional beautification sites are added to the department’s inventory each year, and are developed as part of roadway, economic development, neighborhood and public space improvement projects that improve Greenville’s aesthetic, livability and local economy. To best manage these landscaped areas without increasing staffing levels, division managers have reorganized staffing crew assignments to better manage all beautification areas.

The Beautification operations budget was $1,091,699.

The department spent 95% of the appropriated funds.

FALLS PARK The Falls Park division is responsible for landscape maintenance in the Central Business District, Peace Center, Children’s Garden, RiverPlace and Falls Park.

The division assists with public garden tours, events and weddings in Falls Park, and is also responsible for the maintenance of all of the City’s water features and downtown public restrooms.

KEY INITIATIVES:

• Prioritize maintenance levels for all beautification sites • Update recommended plants lists for planting in beautification sites, giving additional consideration to native plants

TREE MAINTENANCE The Tree Maintenance division is responsible for the removal and pruning of all trees located on City property.

Other responsibilities include the installation of holiday lights and event banners located in the City’s Central Business District.

In FY13, the department was granted $220,000 for capital equipment including a new bucket truck ($175,000) and a new stump grinder ($45,000). The purchase of the truck could not be completed in FY13 and the funds were rolled-over into FY14 so the purchase could be completed in July 2013. Had the vehicle been purchased in FY13, spending would have been estimated at 96% of the budget.

The Tree Maintenance operations budget was $696,399. The department spent 70.9% of the funds.

The Falls Park operations budget was $834,840.

The department spent 94.2% of the funds.

KEY INITIATIVES:

• Ensure Falls Parks is attractive & inviting for public use • Maintain attractive landscaping for Greenville citizens & visitors • Keep water features safe, clean & aesthetically pleasing

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GREENVILLE ZOO The Greenville Zoo is a 14-acre facility located downtown in Cleveland Park that is home to over 300 animals. The zoo is accredited through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

In FY13, the zoo had a phenomenal year with record attendance and significant revenue increases in the areas of admissions, gifts and concessions. The catalyst for this growth was the birth of Kiko, a Masai Giraffe on October 22, 2012. The Greenville community and thousands of people worldwide tuned in to the zoo’s Giraffe Webcam that provided live coverage of the giraffe pen during the month leading up to Kiko’s birth.

Earth Cam reported that 2,243,579 people viewed the zoo’s webcam site from October 2 - November 27, 2012. Over 530,000 people in 11 countries tuned in to watch Kiko’s birth - the only webcam site busier than Greenville’s Giraffe Cam at that time was Times Square in New York City!

Kiko’s birth prompted thousands of guests to visit the zoo, causing attendance to increase 27.8% in one year.

ZOO ATTENDANCE 5 YEAR COMPARISON FY2008

GREENVILLE ATTRACTIONS ATTENDANCE COMPARISON

256,065 Peace Center

FY2009

275,439

FY2010

Children's Museum of the Upstate

243,630 258,205

FY2011

Greenville Zoo

264,466

FY2012

0

338,160

FY2013 0

50,000

150,000

250,000

350,000

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

When comparing the attendance records of the Greenville Zoo with the Peace Center and the Children’s Museum of the Upstate, it is clear that the zoo is a major destination for residents and tourists.

FY12-13 GREENVILLE ZOO BUDGET Total Budget: $2,479,648 $683,027

$1,548,092

Administration Education Public Services

The Greenville Zoo operates as an “Enterprise Fund” which functions in a manner similar to private businesses.

The zoo provides goods and services that are financed or recovered primarily through user charges. Zoo operations are funded primarily through admissions, gifts, concessions and membership and program fees. The zoo’s divisions include:

$248,529

In FY13, the zoo’s revenue projection was $2,204,837. Due to the high volume of visitors, the zoo generated $2,378,345 - $173,508 over budget projections. The increased revenue offset expenditures by $22,611.

In FY13, the Friends of the Greenville Zoo commissioned Clemson University’s Strom Thurmond Institute to conduct an economic impact study. Dr. Robert Carey conducted the study and found that the Zoo’s local economic impact totaled

$9.4 million.

This impact is projected to increase as new exhibits open in the future.

ADMINISTRATION Responsible for overall administration of the zoo, veterinary services, animal wellness and enrichment, animal care operations, conservation programs, grants and grounds maintenance EDUCATION Develops and implements education programs for the public and in schools and develops zoo overnights, birthdays and distance learning programs PUBLIC SERVICES Manages the zoo’s admissions, memberships, gift shop, food concessions, special events and community/media relations

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Greenville Zoo Awards & Recognition Top 20 Places to Visit in South Carolina #19 Greenville Zoo

One of the 25 Most Interesting Web Cams in the World

Best Place to Take Kids in the Upstate

One of the 21 Coolest Places to Charge your Electric Vehicle

Yahoo! (2011)

Greenville News “Best in the Upstate” (2010, 2011, 2012)

Earth Cam (2012)

#5 Greenville Zoo U.S. Ford Motor Company (2011)

QUARTERS FOR CONSERVATION In FY11, the Greenville Zoo initiated the Quarters for Conservation program by adding a 25 cent fee to the cost of admission to directly fund and support local and international conservation efforts.

The Zoo was able to award grants to nine different organizations and individuals totaling $8,335 and four global projects grants totaling more than $25,000.

The Greenville Zoo Conservation Fund gives preference to projects located in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. FY13 grant awards include: • Bog Turtle Habitat protection in North and

South Carolina • Citizen Science Water Monitoring in South Carolina • Pituophis (North-American non-venomous

snakes) conservation in Georgia’s upper Piedmont • Conservation of the Rothchild’s giraffe

The Greenville Zoo supported four global projects selected by zoo patrons through the Quarters for Conservation Voting Kiosks located in the zoo. Over 200,000 guests voted in FY13 to fund these animal conservation projects: • • • •

Amur Leopard and Tiger Alliance Orangutan Outreach Red Panda Network Amphibian Ark

More information about Greenville Zoo’s Quarters for Conservation program is available at the zoo’s website www.greenvillezoo.com/pages/QuartersforConservation.aspx

ZOO MASTER PLAN In FY12, the City and the Friends of the Greenville Zoo each contributed $150,000 to develop a new Zoo Master Plan. This year-long planning process included significant public participation and resulted in a plan that encourages dramatic change to the zoo over the next 20 years.

The plan will be formally revealed in 2014 once the Friends of the Zoo complete a Financial Feasibility Study and the Master Plan Phasing has been determined. This photo illustrates the proposed new zoo entrance, as Greenville Zoo aims “To Become America’s Best Small Zoo.”

THE FRIENDS OF GREENVILLE ZOO The City is grateful to the Friends of the Greenville Zoo who provide the Zoo significant moral and financial support.

The exceptional zoological experience Greenville Zoo patrons experience is a result of the contributions made by the Friends over the years. Please see how you may help the future of the Greenville Zoo by visiting the Friends webpage at www.greenvillezoo.com/pages/friendsofthezoo.aspx

BECOME A MEMBER OF THE GREENVILLE ZOO To become a supporting member of the Greenville Zoo, please visit our website at www.GreenvilleZoo.com, and be sure to follow us on Facebook & Twitter!

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ADMINISTRATION DIVISION The Administration division is responsible for the overall administration of all department divisions, the Small Engine Shop that manages the maintenance and repairs of the department’s mower fleet and power equipment, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design Services, Capital Project management, Budget Development and Administration, Boards and Commissions and Ice on Main.

The Administrative division budget was $734,601. The division spent 98% of the funds.

Source - City of Greenville Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2013

In FY13, the department oversaw the design and construction of the following projects:

MAJOR RUDOLF ANDERSON MEMORIAL October 27, 2012 was the 50th anniversary of the day that Greenville’s Major Rudolf Anderson, Jr. was shot down when flying a U2 surveillance plane over the island nation of Cuba. It was Day 12 of the Cuban Missile Crisis and Anderson was the only casualty of this conflict that brought the United States and the former Soviet Union to the brink of nuclear war.

In honor of Major Anderson, the City completely renovated the Anderson Memorial site in Cleveland Park. Those who spoke at the memorial rededication include: Mayor Knox White, Kathleen Kennedy-Townsend, the eldest child of Robert F. Kennedy, Congressman Trey Gowdy, Brigadier General Gerald McIlmoyle, former Furman University President Rod Smolla, network news anchor Jane Robelot and Furman University’s Dr. Courtney Tollison-Hartness.

The memorial renovation was designed pro bono by DP3 Architects and the Parks and Recreation Department served as the General Contractor. The project scope included the removal of an iron fence that surrounded F-86 jet, granite markers that identify the significant events for each of the 13-days of the Cuban Missile Crisis and installation of interpretative panels that document the life of Major Anderson, the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 and the Cold War.

ICE ON MAIN

MOBI-REC

Greenville’s only open-air ice skating rink

Capstone project of “The Mobilizers”

The second annual Ice on Main season saw over 16,400 skaters and generated over $132,000 in ticket sales in 8.5 weeks. The partnerships with local businesses and organizations played a critical role in the success of the event.

Through Furman University’s Riley Institute Diversity Leaders Initiative, the department received a gift of a mobile recreation vehicle, Mobi-Rec, from team Mobilizers. Members of the Mobilizers worked with department staff to develop the concept for Mobi-Rec and raise funds to stock the vehicle with supplies. The department will use Mobi-Rec to provide programs in parks and neighborhoods where more structured play and recreational activities are needed.

Sponsors for the 2012 Ice on Main included: Title Sponsor - Greenville Technical College City of Greenville Clear Channel Community Foundation of Greenville Courtyard Marriot Greenville Duke Energy Fairway Outdoor Advertising Gimme-A-Sign Co. Greenville Heath System The Greenville News

Greenville Road Warriors Greenville-Spartanburg Airport Greenville Water Hales Jewelers Pepsi Spinx Triangle Construction Windsor Aughtry Company WYFF 4

Members of the Mobilizers include: Ann Bourey April Buchanan Lynne Fowler Andreas Kalscheuer David Lominack

Arelis Moore de Peralta Michael Posey Patricia Ravenhorst Paul Thompson

Mobi-Rec at Nicholtown Community Center

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CLEVELAND ST./ GREENVILLE TECH TRAIL SECTION The department completed the construction of a new trail section along Cleveland St. from the Reedy River to S. Pleasantburg Drive. The trail section is 0.8 miles long and includes a new pedestrian bridge that spans the Reedy River and serves as an important connection to Greenville Technical College’s main campus.

HERITAGE GREEN With the help of Directors of the Heritage Green institutions, Greenville County staff and design consultant AECOM, the department developed a Heritage Green Campus Master Plan. In a unique partnership, the design and construction was funded by Greenville County and the project contracts managed by Parks and Recreation Department staff. The Heritage Green institution directors made all decisions related to the final master plan design.

The project cost $1.75 million dollars with $340,000 coming from state grants and $1.41 million from the City.

DAVID HELLAMS COMMUNITY CENTER

PARK RESTROOMS New restroom facilities were constructed at McPherson Park and Holmes Park, and plans are being developed for new restrooms at Cleveland Park.

The department completed the design and construction documents for the renovation to the David Hellams Community Center. Programs were relocated to the Sears Recreation Center at the end of FY13 so construction to the community center could begin. Renovations will be complete in Spring 2014.

FALLS PARK & PEDRICK’S GARDEN Department staff worked with the Community Foundation of Greenville, private donors and Craig Gaulden Davis Architects to build upon concept plans developed by Julie Moir Messervy Design Studio and develop construction drawings.

The project includes: • The Carolina Foothills Garden Club Arboretum • A pedestrian connection to parking at Greenville County Square • Parking lot improvements at the West End Market Parking Lot • The creation of a garden in memory of Pedrick Stall Lowrey • The Harriet Wyche Sunflower Circle and Overleaf • Improvements to the pedestrian bridge that connects Falls Park and the West End Market parking lot • Pedestrian improvements along trail at Furman Way • The Sakas Manly Bridge Mrs. Lowrey and Mrs. Wyche were leaders in the creation of Falls Park and its endowment.

CANCER SURVIVOR’S PARK In conjunction with Patients First and their consultant, Design Strategies, the department completed the design for the Cancer Survivor’s Park that will be located on the Swamp Rabbit Trail between the Cleveland St. overpass and the Church St. overpass.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2014.

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ADVISORY COMMITTEES & COMMISSIONS Advisory committees and commissions are important to Greenville’s government process. Members are appointed to advisory boards and commissions by the City Council to help shape and influence public policy. The Parks & Recreation Department is responsible for staffing the City’s Youth Commission and the Green Ribbon Advisory Committee.

GREENVILLE YOUTH COMMISSION The Youth Commission was established to advise City Council, the City Manager and other city staff and ensure that Greenville youth are involved in the city’s comprehensive planning, increasing communication between the city’s adults and youth. It also aims to integrate youth into government decision making.

During FY13, the Youth Commission was involved in several projects that include: •

•

•

•

•

•

Creating an anti-bullying Public Service Announcement (PSA) video to express their stance against bullying.

Shown in schools, to youth groups and organizations, the video was also shared through various social media and on the City’s G-TV Channel 15.

Initiating a “Don’t Text and Drive” Campaign, developing a PSA video and partnering with Fairway Advertising to run PSA’s on various digital billboards around the City. They also partnered with the Greenville Drive in their Just Drive Campaign, which encouraged Greenville teens to take a pledge to not drive distracted.

Partnering with BOOST (Building Opportunities in Out Of School Time) in the application process of the 100 Best Communities for Young People award. Greenville received the award, and the Youth Commission par ticipated in the celebration and media event.

Holding a competition between Parks & Recreation summer camp participants to help name the interactive play fountain at Riverplace.

Founding the Art Where You Park project, working with 5 Greenville High School art classes to create 8’ x 8’ murals to be mounted on each floor of the Poinsett Garage. Members of the Youth Commission made several presentations to the Art in Public Places Commission to get funding for this project. The project will be completed in the spring of 2014.

Serving on various city task forces and committees throughout the year.

Greenville Youth Commission Members Lillie Anderson Sandy Hall Katherine Brown Blakely Holcombe Osborne Brown (Chair) Anna Knight

Crawford Lewis Annie Hope Mazzola Haley Pruitt

Eric Rozelsky Mason Simmons Brad Smith

Charlie Stone Laura Woodside

GREEN RIBBON ADVISORY COMMITTEE (GRAC) The committee was created to advise City Council on sustainability and related environmentally responsible practices in city operations and when designing, constructing and managing capital improvements. The Committee also assists in developing and maintaining a Sustainability and Climate Action Plan.

In January 2012, the GRAC developed the “Greener Greenville Report – A Sustainability and Climate Action Plan.”

(The report can be found on the City’s website at www.greenvillesc.gov/Sustainability) The report includes initiatives in 4 areas: Mobility, Recycling and Waste Management, Energy and Buildings and Natural Systems and Outreach In addition to the seven Council appointed GRAC members, the committee established Ad-Hoc Committees to help develop goals in the four strategic areas of focus.

During the FY13, GRAC members reviewed the recommendations in the Greener Greenville Report and developed goals to purse in FY14 that were approved by City Council on June 10, 2013. Those goals are:

MOBILITY

1. Examine routes for a Bicycle Boulevard paralleling the Augusta St. corridor between S. Main St. & Mauldin Rd. 2. Recommend an implementation phasing plan for the Neighborhood Trail System proposed in the City’s Trails & Greenways Master Plan.

3. Examine opportunities to incorporate alternate fueled vehicles into the City’s fleet.

4. Develop a Comprehensive Plan for locating future Electric Vehicle Charging Stations within the City.

TRAILS & GREENVWAYS MASTER PLAN

1. Examine opportunities to incorporate alternate fueled vehicles into the City’s fleet.

2. Develop a Comprehensive Plan for locating future Electric Vehicle Charging Stations within the City.

RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT

1. Examine opportunities to reduce the cost of providing curbside solid waste collection.

2. Examine opportunities to convert the closed 98-acre Mauldin Rd. Landfill into a community asset.

ENERGY & BUILDINGS

1. Explore opportunities to develop a Green Purchasing Policy.

2. Explore opportunities to reduce the cost of energy and resource consumption in City buildings and operations.

3. Explore opportunities to develop Green Building Standards for the renovation and new construction of City owned buildings.

The Natural Systems and Outreach Ad-Hoc Committee is currently defining goals for FY15.

Green Ribbon Advisory Committee Members Rita Barker Nancy Fitzer Mark Godfrey Rob Howell Scott Johnston Eric Snider Doug Webster (Chair)

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Thank you to all of our partners!

City of Greenville Parks & Recreation Department 2013 Annual Report