DearPRTFamilyandCommunityPartners,
AswereflectonFiscalYear2025,Ifeelimmenseprideandgratitudeforourremarkableachievementsasa departmentandcommunity.Thisyear,muchlikebakingaperfectcake,wecombinedthefinestingredients, eachplayinganessentialroleinoursharedsuccess.
Ournationalaccreditationstandsasatestamenttoourunwaveringcommitmenttoexcellence.Wearenot afraidtobecritiqued,especiallyifitmeansadheringtothehigheststandards.TheMcGirtAuditorium renovationshavereinvigoratedabelovedcommunityspaceandreenergizedtheculturethatdefinesourcity. Additionally,celebratingthe5thanniversaryofLifelongLearning@RockHillhasdeepenedourconnectionwith ourresidentsaged50andolder,nurturingapassionforgrowthandexplorationwithinourcommunity.Tourism remainsakeydriverofourcommunity'seconomicstrength.Thisyear,weproudlyexceededourambitiousgoal of$100millionindirectestimatedeconomicimpact,demonstratingnotonlythestrengthofRockHill’sappeal, especiallyinsportstourism,butalsotheeffectivenessofpartnershipsandsouthernhospitality.Thismilestone highlightsthesignificanceoftourismasavitaldriveroflocalrevenue,jobcreation,andsustainedcommunity development.
Noneoftheseachievementswouldhavebeenpossiblewithouttheperfectblendofcontributionsfromevery cornerofournetwork.GuidedbyourCityCouncilandmanagement,thevaluableinputfromourcommissions andadvisorycommitteeshasbeencrucialinshapingthevisionandexecutionofourdailyoperations.Most importantly,thehardwork,passion,anddedicationofouroutstandingstaffhavebeenthesecretingredientthat madeFiscalYear2025anabsolutesuccess.
AswelookforwardtoFiscalYear2026,letuscontinuetoupholdthevaluesthatguideus—ensuringsafetyin everythingwedoforstaffandourcitizens,embracingcreativityatalllevelsofprogramming,andadvancingour localeconomythroughtourism.Together,withthesamespiritofcollaborationandexcellence,wewillcontinue tocrafttheperfectrecipethatdefinestheCityofRockHill’sParks,Recreation&Tourismdepartment.
Thankyouforyourunwaveringcommitmentandthepassioneachofyoubringstoourmissionofprovidinga wholesomeprogramofleisure,recreation,tourism,andculturalopportunitiesandfacilitiestoenhancethe qualityoflifefortheresidentsandvisitorsofRockHill.
Respectfullyyours,
In Fiscal Year 2025, the Parks Division achieved significant milestones that exemplify PRT’s dedication to service excellence, asset oversight, and community enhancement. Our team delivered impactful results across operations, capital development, and workforce advancement.
Supported Over 230 Premier Events and Tournaments
The Parks staff was pivotal in executing more than 230 high-profile events and tournaments, including regional athletics, national qualifiers, and community-wide festivals. They ensured exceptional venue readiness, customer service, and operational support through meticulous planning, logistical coordination, and cross-team collaboration. These events collectively contributed over $113 million in direct economic impact, supporting local businesses, hospitality, and tourism.
Efficiently Maintained 1,600 Acres of Parkland and Recreational Space
Staff sustained a high standard of care across a diverse mixture of sports complexes, greenways, neighborhood parks, and natural preserves. This broad scope of work reflects the operational scale and commitment to quality. Our proactive maintenance strategy preserves the landscape’s integrity and enhances public access, safety, and enjoyment.
Applied 7,000 Bales of Pine Straw to Enhance Landscape Health and Aesthetics
The strategic application of pine straw across parks and facility grounds helps control weeds, retain soil moisture, and prevent erosion, while improving visual appeal. This annual initiative requires an “allhands-on” approach.
Managed $50 million in Capital Construction Projects
Our team led the planning and execution of major capital projects from concept to completion, including new park amenities, facility upgrades, and infrastructure enhancements. Staff coordinated contractors, managed budgets and compliance, and engaged stakeholders, delivering results aligned with long-term strategic plans and community needs.
Completed Over 550+ Work Orders to Ensure Operational Continuity
From critical repairs to routine maintenance, our Parks Division addressed over 550 work orders with precision and timeliness. This minimized service disruption demonstrated our responsiveness to maintaining safe, functional, and welcoming environments.
xcellence through Professional Certification
ment by supporting multiple team members in obtaining industry-recognized taff’s skills, enhancing service quality
The Recreation Division expanded in more ways than one this past year! We added several new programs and proudly served over 12,000 participants. This growth demonstrates our commitment to meeting community needs and increasing engagement across all age groups. We also grew as a staff, as the Recreation Division now includes youth outdoor athletics, the outdoor center, the tennis center, our four recreation centers, and all special events. Teamwork truly makes our dreams come alive!
The Recreation Division expanded ways than past year! We added several programs and over 12,000 participants. This demonstrates and increasing engagement across all age groups. We also as a staff, as Recreation Division now athletics, center, center, our recreation centers, and all special events. Teamwork makes dreams alive!
In September 2024, 27 seniors took the Alaska Discovery Land and Cruise trip. Some key sightseeing highlights included Fairbanks, Denali National Park, Anchorage, and Glacier Bay.
In September 2024, Alaska Discovery Land and Cruise trip. Some Fairbanks, Denali National Park, Anchorage, and Glacier Bay.
Our fall season of Miracle League set a record with 149 participants, ages 6 to 85. Along with Miracle League, a select group of athletes (ML Competitive) were chosen to compete against Charlotte, NC, where we continued our undefeated streak since the battle across the border began in 2022!
Our fall season Miracle League participants, ages 85. Along Miracle League, athletes (ML Competitive) against Charlotte, NC, undefeated streak battle across began 2022!
In February, Krista Hayes, Lifelong Learning Coordinator, was awarded Programmer of the Year, a statewide honor given by the SC Parks and Recreation Association. Thanks to Krista’s dedication to our Lifelong Learning @ Rock Hill program, it has grown more than 40% since last year!
In February, Krista Hayes, Lifelong Learning Coordinator, was awarded Programmer Year, statewide Parks and Recreation Association. Thanks Krista’s dedication Lifelong Learning Rock Hill program, has than 40% last year!
Also, February, Rock Hill Sports Event Center Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night Shine. This allowed adults special formal food, dancing, and red-carpet experience! About attendees transported staff prom decorated recreation buses!
Also, in February, the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center hosted the Tim Tebow Foundation’s Night to Shine. This inclusive event allowed adults with special needs to enjoy a formal night out with food, dancing, and a red-carpet experience! About 250 attendees were transported by PRT staff to the prom in our decorated recreation buses!
In March, we hosted a new outing for seniors on Pi Day (3/14). Over 20 attendees went to four local pizza eateries to rate their slices of ‘pi’ . After tasting all four, they voted for the best pizza overall, with Emilio’s Pizza Kitchen winning!
In March, Pi Day (3/14). Over attendees local pizza eateries rate ‘pi’. After tasting all four, pizza overall, Emilio’s Pizza Kitchen winning!
Additionally, multiple camps year community, popular being: Emmett Scott’s Fun Sun Summer Camp, Fewell Park Explorers, Box Camp, and Camp ARC. The Fun in Sun camp an eight-week, all-day program participants variety activities, cooking, swimming, and trips. Fewell Park Explorers one-week, half-day camp in sessions, campers learn and various nature-based activities. The in Box Camp has expanded offerings at various locations, allowing youth across parts community. Finally, Camp mainstream one-week day camp, offered eight weeks, youth and adults with intellectual disabilities. Camp participants with participate in sports, arts and crafts, and swimming activities. As you can see, there’s something for everyone at camps!
Additionally, we offer multiple camps throughout the year for our community, with four of the most popular being: Emmett Scott’s Fun in the Sun Summer Camp, Fewell Park Explorers, REC in a Box Camp, and Camp ARC. The Fun in the Sun camp is an eight-week, all-day program where participants enjoy a variety of leisure activities, including cooking, swimming, and field trips. Fewell Park Explorers is a one-week, half-day camp offered in four unique sessions, where campers learn and explore through various nature-based activities. The REC in a Box Camp has expanded its summer offerings to four different weeks at various locations, allowing us to serve youth across different parts of our community. Finally, Camp ARC is a mainstream one-week day camp, offered for eight consecutive weeks, for youth and adults with intellectual disabilities. Camp ARC provides participants with opportunities to participate in sports, arts and crafts, and swimming activities. As you can see, there’s something for everyone at our camps!
As a team, our goal for the upcoming year is to expand our programs by adding ten new youth programs. Through diverse and inclusive recreation services, we continue to bring people together, foster connections, and support a healthier, happier community!
As team, goal for the upcoming year expand programs by adding youth programs. Through and recreation services, bring people together, foster connections, and healthier, happier community!
The Tourism Division works year-round to recruit new events and maintain relationships with our recurring event rights holders who utilize the City of Rock Hill’s Parks, Recreation & Tourism facilities. In FY25, the City of Rock Hill continued to prioritize the strategic recruitment and support of non-athletic tourism events.
Rock Hill welcomed adidas 3SSB Basketball back for both boys' and girls' teams. In July 2024, this event recorded an exceptional attendance of 25,662 and an estimated direct economic impact of $14 million for all five tournaments. In addition to this fantastic event, adidas also introduced three new events to Rock Hill this fiscal year, taking place in April, May, and June.
With the renovations of McGirt Auditorium, the City of Rock Hill’s PRT sales team can use the facility to host events that require a theater-style setting. Since its opening in February 2025, eight tourism events have taken place, seven of which have been dance events.
This was the first year the City of Rock Hill hosted the prestigious NBPA Top 100 Camp, and it proved its significance for our community with a unique attendance of 3,782 across the 5-day camp, with an estimated direct economic impact of $2.3 million.
507,827
McGirt Auditorium Renovation Celebration
WewerethrilledtocelebratethecompletionofrenovationsatMcGirt Auditorium,ahistoricandcherishedvenuethathashostedcountless performances,gatherings,andmomentsofinspirationthroughoutthe years.Withtheserenovations,weusherinaneweraofcreativity, community,andexcellence,ensuringthatMcGirtAuditoriumremainsa dynamicspaceforgenerationstocome.
Thistransformationhasbeenmadepossiblethroughthededication andhardworkofmanyindividuals visionaryleaders,committed partners,andpassionatesupporters whorecognizethesignificance ofpreservingandenhancingthisculturallandmark.Fromupgraded seatingandacousticstomodernlightingandimprovementsin accessibility,everydetailhasbeencarefullydesignedtocreatean unforgettableexperienceforallwhowalkthroughitsdoors
Lifelong Learning @ Rock Hill’s 5th Anniversary
LifelongLearning@RockHill(LL@RH)isaninclusive communityforadultsaged50andolderwhoshare knowledgethroughuniquelearningopportunitiesand localexcursions.Eachsemester,outstandingvolunteer instructorsprovideawidevarietyofclassesand fascinatingexperiencesforinterestedadultlearners.The onlyprerequisiteisacuriositytolearn!
Overthepastfiveyears,thisprogramhasempowered adultstoexplorenewskills,embracecreativity,and remainengagedinaworldwherelearningneverends Fromcareergrowthtopersonalenrichment,everyclass, workshop,andconversationhasreinforcedour community’scommitmenttolifelongdiscovery
Thismilestoneismorethanjustacelebration it’sa testamenttothededicationofourparticipants, educators,andsupporterswhohavemadethisprogram athrivingsuccess.Here’stofiveyearsofcuriosity, knowledge,andtransformation andtomanymore ahead!
The City of Rock Hill Parks, Recreation & Tourism has earned national accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA), joining an elite group of park and recreation agencies nationwide.
National Recreation & Park Association’s Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) delivers quality assurance and improvement to accredited park and recreation departments throughout the United States.
CAPRA is the only national accreditation of park and recreation departments and is a valuable measure of a department’s overall quality of operation, management, and service to the community. Achieving CAPRA accreditation is the best way to demonstrate that our department and our staff provide the Rock Hill community with the highest level of service.
For Our Community
Demonstrates that the department meets national standards of best practice
Recognizes the community as a great place to live Helps secure external financial support and reduce costs for the community
Holds the park and recreation department accountable to the public and ensures responsiveness to meet their needs
Ensures that all staff are providing quality customer service.
For Our PRT Staff
Proves to decision-makers, stakeholders, and the public that your department is operating with the best practices of the profession.
Increases credibility and can improve internal and external funding.
Improves overall operations and increases efficiency
Enhances staff teamwork and pride by engaging all staff in the process
Creates an environment for regularly reviewing operations, policies, and procedures and promotes continual improvement
Parks,Recreation&Tourismstaffservedkeyroles onboardsandassociations,includingbutnot limitedto:
AreaElevenSpecialOlympics
ChristmasVille
Come-See-MeFestival
MaxibilitiesofYorkCounty’sFoundationBoardof Directors
MiracleParkExecutiveCommittee
MunicipalRecreationAssociationofYorkCounty
NationalRecreationandParkAssociation
OldTownAssociation
RockHillParksFoundation
RockHillSportsCommission
SCRecreationandParksAssociation
SCSportsAlliance
SCTourismExpenditureReviewCommittee
SoutheastFestivals&EventAssociation
SoutheasternTourismSociety
SoutheasternTourismSociety’sAdvocacyCommittee
VisitYorkCounty
YorkCountyAgri-TourismCommittee
YorkCountyRegionalChamberofCommerce
YorkTechnicalCollegeAdministrativeOffice
TechnologyDepartment’sAdvisoryBoard
Capital projects are not just buildings or infrastructure but about people, places, and potential. They lay the foundation for stronger, healthier, more connected communities and serve as a long-term investment in a shared future. Rock Hill City Council, Management, and its Parks, Recreation & Tourism staff are currently working on the following capital projects in our community:
Armory Park is undergoing a $2.4 million renovation that will introduce synthetic turf to the ballfield, a new playground, walking trails, and a basketball court.
The Bleachery Fieldhouse is an addition to the Rock Hill Sports and Events Center, valued at $17.6 million. It will feature four basketball courts, eight volleyball courts, and twelve pickleball courts. This development will address our recreational needs and the growing demand for more tourism opportunities.
Southside Regional Park is a new development on the south side of Rock Hill that will be built in several phases. Phase one will feature synthetic turf ballfields and other park amenities which will help address our recreational needs and meet the demand for additional tourism opportunities.
PUBLICPARKSANDRECREATIONCOMMISSION
Purpose:Tocreatepoliciesforandassistintheadministrationofcoordinatedrecreation servicesfortheCityofRockHill.
Assisted staff with the support needed and documentation of policies and procedures to become the sixth accredited agency through the Commission of Accredited Parks and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) within South Carolina, with only 213 nationally.
Supported the City’s focus on tourism sales to help increase revenue sources. Supported community workshops for the next regional park in south Rock Hill, focusing on recognizing the south side’s vision and history.
Created a new Advisory Committee that was approved to help steer the new regional park’s design, development, and eventual operations. Supported the partnership with Visit York County to improve event recruitment efficiency, share operational and hospitality duties, and provide parity in economic impact reporting.
Assisted 16 advisory committees by serving as liaisons to support communication and action to help meet established goals.
Developed a Memorandum of Understanding for the Rock Hill Boxing Club’s use of the Emmett Scott Recreation Center with staff assistance. Supported staff in providing feedback regarding the community's wants and needs for the new Bleachery Fieldhouse.
Actively participated in the Municipal Recreation Coalition of York County’s (formerly York County Recreation Coalition) efforts to educate the York County Council about the fair distribution of recreation tax funds.
ACCOMMODATIONSTAX/TOURISMCOMMISSION
Purpose:TomakerecommendationstotheCityCouncilontheexpendituresofrevenuegenerated fromtheAccommodationsTaxasrequiredbySCCodeofLawsTitl
Recommended to City Council distribution of $661,680 in grant funding to 18 organizations for tourism-related projects.
Participated in workshops to discuss the application and grant funding process with potential applicants.
COMMISSIONFORCHILDRENANDYOUTH
Purpose: Toenhanceandpromotethepositivedevelopmentofallchildrenandyouth throughcomprehensive,collaborativeactionsbyutilizingallofthecommunity’s resources,publicandprivateagencies,businesses,church,andcivicorganizationsto promotethehealth,safety,educationandsocialwell-beingofallchildrenandyouth.
Supported the Rock Hill Youth Council and the Youth Service League.
Expanded the commission’s understanding of youth and family needs in the community by hosting speakers who covered the topics of:
Mental health services from newborn to adult through Catawba Mental Health.
The Leader In Me program through Rock Hill Schools. Educational, medical, legal, and career services for young men through the SC Center for Fathers and Families. Downtown events for children and families through City of Rock Hill staff members.
MAYOR’SCOMMITTEEFORPEOPLEWITH DISABILITIES
Purpose: Topromotepublicawarenessandunderstandingofthecapabilitiesof personswithdisablingconditions.
Promoted the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department’s annual Journalism Contest:
Shared the contest guidelines with local public and private school districts, city employees, and parent groups. Offered to connect students with local citizens with physical and/or intellectual disabilities and live and work in the Rock Hill community.
Assisted a local Rock Hill High School student in researching and submitting his essay to the 2025 Journalism Contest.
Volunteered for and supported the City of Rock Hill Parks, Recreation & Tourism department’s therapeutic recreation programs at Boyd Hill Center and Miracle Park.
TheRockHillParksFoundationisanonprofitorganizationcreated undertheFoundationfortheCarolinas501(c)3tax-exemptstatus Its missionistoenhanceourcommunity’squalityoflifeaboveand beyondtheParks,Recreation&TourismDepartment’sregular operatingbudget
Started in 2004 as an account with the Foundation for the Carolinas (fund management/501(c)(3) status)
15 Separately Designated Funds, providing donor assurance of purpose for funds $3.5M in assets
Since 2018, the Rock Hill Parks Foundation has distributed over $920,000 to the City of Rock Hill’s parks, programs, and facilities. 10 Advisory Board Members
It has been an exciting year for the Rock Hill Parks Foundation! This year, the Rock Hill Parks Foundation welcomed several new sponsors, including Sully’s Steamers. These sponsors generated awareness by participating in community events, such as Parks, Recreation & Tourism’s Senior Health Fair. Staff also hosted a fundraiser called Garden & Gather at Glencairn Garden, where over 200 donors came to support the Parks Foundation.
In FY25, the Parks Foundation raised over $100,000 and donated approximately $200,000 to the following PRT programs and initiatives:
Landscaping and building improvements to Manchester Meadows.
Repairs to sidewalks, fountains, and the addition of Christmas lights and infrastructure at Glencairn Garden. Sports equipment and program supplies for Boyd Hill Recreation Center, as well as for therapeutic recreation’s Camp Arc, pottery programs, and their annual photography trip.
Office storage and equipment at Miracle Park. Recreation supplies for REC in a Box, a truck that staff utilize to bring recreation and education to groups of all ages in Rock Hill.
Lifelong Learning @ Rock Hill’s 5 anniversary celebration. th
Hayes was awarded the South Carolina Recreation & Parks Association’s (SCRPA) Programming Branch Professional of the Year
Sharod Williams earned the Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) designation from the National Recreation and Park Association
Terry Hagen, our Gnom of the Year, and Patti Panetti, this year’s Thumbs Up Award recipient, were both recognized for their exceptional dedication and holiday spirit – a t testament to the mag they bring to our community
Andrea Barnette completed SC LEAD, which stands for South Carolina Leadership Enhancement And Development Institute, through SCRPA
Lifelong Learnings 5-Year Celebration
Cherry Park and the City of Rock Hill were recently awarded the National Park Award and National Partnership Award from the National Softball Association (NSA)
After being recognized as the SCRPA’s Central District Merit Award winner, Leslie Ballard was recognized as the State Merit Award winner while attending SCRPA’s Annual Conference for her 20+ years of outstanding service
G.C.RayAthleticAwardrecognizesdedicationtothepromotionandteachingofathletics. ShauntoriaCurrencereceivedtheawardfor2024. TheHiramHutchisonTherapeuticAwardrecognizesdedicationtoprovidingrecreationservicesto thespecialpopulationoftheRockHillarea. BlakeDavisreceivedtheawardfor2024.
TheBettyJoRheaTourismAwardrecognizesassistancetothecommunityinpromotingand conductingtourismopportunitiesintheRockHillarea ChipandSherryHutchisonacceptedthe awardonbehalfofthe2024UCIBMXRacingWorldChampionshipVolunteersfor2024. TheDavidBooneAdvisoryAwardrecognizesdedicationtoprovidingvolunteerservicestoPRT advisorycommittees JohnColemanreceivedtheawardfor2024
