JULY 1, 2023-JUNE 30, 2024
As the sun sets on another successful year, I reflect on the countless memories and adventures created within our beloved parks, recreation centers, and vibrant tourist destinations It is with a mixture of nostalgia and anticipation that I write to you today, bidding farewell as I embark on the journey of retirement and eagerly welcome the future leadership in our esteemed department
For 44 years, it has been both an honor and a privilege to serve the City of Rock Hill’s Parks, Recreation & Tourism department. From the laughter echoing through our playgrounds to the serene tranquility of our scenic trails, each moment has been a testament to the enduring spirit of our community, the joy of shared experiences, and the beauty of our diverse community coming together in celebration and recreation
As I step back from my role, I am filled with immense gratitude for the unwavering support, dedication, and passion demonstrated by our City Council, City Management, exceptional staff, and our community partners Tireless efforts and commitment to enriching the lives of our citizens and visitors have been the cornerstone of our success, and I have every confidence that you will continue to inspire and uplift all who cross our path
While farewells are bittersweet, they also mark the beginning of new chapters and fresh perspectives. With great enthusiasm, I welcome Mark Sexton as the incoming Director of our department. His wealth of experience, visionary leadership, and deep-rooted commitment to our community make him the ideal candidate to lead us into an exciting future filled with promise and possibility
To Mark, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and offer my full support as you embark on this esteemed role May your tenure be marked by innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast dedication to preserving and enhancing the beauty and accessibility of our parks, recreational facilities, and tourism offerings
As I bid farewell, I am reminded that while individuals may come and go, the spirit of community endures. Together, let us continue to nurture, protect, and celebrate the natural treasures and shared spaces that unite us all.
In closing, I extend my deepest gratitude to every one of you for the privilege of serving as your Parks, Recreation & Tourism Director May the coming year be filled with boundless joy, adventure, and discovery for us all
Parks, Recreation & Tourism Director FY24 Financial Report
Population: 74,170 (2022 census)
Service-Area Population: 118,049 (Rock Hill Schools) Over 2.5 million individuals utilized PRT facilities or events in Fiscal Year 2024 as represented below:
Maintenance and Infrastructure Needs of Existing Facilities
Provision of Open Space through Partnerships
Major Tourism Venues and Regional Park Facilities
Connectivity for Bicyclists and Pedestrians
Purpose:Tocreatepoliciesforandassistintheadministrationofcoordinated recreationservicefortheCityofRockHill.
Supported the City’s focus on weekday tourism sales to help increase revenue sources
Supported community workshops for the next regional park in south Rock Hill, focusing on the importance of recognizing the vision and history of the south side
Worked with Staff to create a vision statement for the Department.
Approved funding for the Undiscovered SC grant wh is designed to assist communities with the development of publicly owned tourism products an attractions that encourage visitation to South Carolin for stairs and a sidewalk connector at the Rock Hill B Supercross Track.
Supported the partnership with Visit York County to improve event recruitment efficiency, share operatio and hospitality duties, and provide parity in economi impact reporting
Assisted 16 advisory committees by serving as liaison to support communication and action to help meet established goals
ACCOMMODATIONSTAX/ TOURISMCOMMISSION
Purpose:TomakerecommendationstotheCityCouncilontheexpenditures ofrevenuegeneratedfromtheAccommodationsTaxasrequiredbySCCode ofLawsTitle6,Chapter4,AllocationofAccommodationTaxRevenues.
Recommended to City Council distribution of $564,934 14 in grant funding to 19 organizations for tourism-related projects
Participated in workshops to discuss the application and grant funding process with potential applicants
COMMISSIONFORCHILDRENANDYOUTH
Purpose: Toenhanceandpromotethepositivedevelopmentofallchildrenand youththroughcomprehensivecollaborativeactionsbyutilizingallofthe community’sresources,publicandprivateagencies,businesses,churchandcivic organizationstopromotethehealth,safety,educationandsocialwell-beingofall childrenandyouth
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: healthcare (physical and mental) through the Affinity Health Center located at Belleview. ACES and mental health needs through a local pediatrician and a representative from the Department of Juvenile Justice. Job training for youth and services in the community through Carolina Community Actions. housing needs for families of all income levels by a city representative
MAYOR’SCOMMITTEEFORPEOPLEWITH DISABILITIES
Purpose: Topromotepublicawarenessandunderstandingofthecapabilitiesof personswithdisablingconditions
Promoted the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department’s Journalism Contest by: sharing the contest’s guidelines with local public and private school districts encouraging students to research the four-year college scholarship opportunity offering to connect students to citizens who live and work with physical and intellectual disabilities.
TheRockHillParksFoundationisanonprofit organizationcreatedundertheFoundationforthe Carolinas501(c)3taxexemptstatus.Itsmissionisto enhanceourcommunity’squalityoflifeaboveand beyondtheParks,Recreation&TourismDepartment’s normaloperatingbudget
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 3 M in assets
Since 2018, the Rock Hill Parks Foundation has distributed approximately $720,000 to City of Rock Hill parks, programs, and facilities.
10 Member Advisory Board
In FY2024, the Rock Hill Parks Foundation donated $44,000, which assisted with the following projects:
Turf projects at Manchester Meadows and Fountain Park.
Improvements to Emmett Scott playground equipment and picnic shelter.
Repairs to the patio doors at the main building at Manchester Meadows.
Repairs to the handrails on the Japanese footbridge at Glencairn Garden.
Remodel of Glencairn Garden Learning Center.
Supplies for REC in a Box, which is a truck that staff utilizes to bring recreation and education to groups of all ages in Rock Hill.
A trip for Miracle League athletes (and their families) to attend the annual All-Star Game in Florida.
Sponsorship of community amenities is a win-win opportunity for both the City of Rock Hill and sponsors. Individuals, families or businesses interested in sponsoring programs, facilities or events are encouraged to contact the Rock Hill Parks Foundation Corporate Relations & Sponsorship Coordinator Becky Adams at 803-326-3787.
An AARP Community Challenge Grant was awarded to the Pollinator Garden at Northside Recreation Center A Pollinator Garden provides food and shelter to bees, butterflies and other pollinating animals that support the local ecosystem.
Jesse Holliman, Parks Division Supervisor, received the South Carolina Recreation & Parks Association (SCRPA), Professional of the Year for the Park Maintenance Institute.
TheJuliaPostActivitiesAwardrecognizes dedicationtothepreservationofthesocial andculturalwell-beingofthecommunity TerryWestphalreceivedtheawardfor2023
TheG.C.RayAthleticAwardrecognizes dedicationtothepromotionandteachingof athletics MattFailereceivedtheawardfor 2023
TheHiramHutchisonTherapeutic Awardrecognizesdedicationtoproviding recreationservicestothespecialpopulation oftheRockHillarea. DeniseSatterfield receivedtheawardfor2023
TheBettyJoRheaTourismAwardrecognizes assistancetothecommunityinpromotingand conductingtourismopportunitiesintheRock Hillarea Adidasreceivedtheawardfor2023
TheDavidBooneAdvisoryAwardrecognizes dedicationtoprovidingvolunteerservicesto PRTadvisorycommittees CoachJimmy “Moose”Wallacereceivedtheawardfor2023
PREFERRED HOTEL PROGRAM
A 2% Destination Marketing fee, which is collected by participating hotels, assists in the marketing and promotion of Rock Hill and York County as a premier destination
Preferred Hotels in Rock Hill:
Best Western
Cambria Hotel University Center
Clarion Pointe
Comfort Inn & Suites
Comfort Suites
Courtyard by Marriott
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Hampton Inn
Hilton Garden Inn
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Home2 Suites by Hilton
LaQuinta Inn & Suites
Staybridge Suites
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
Tru by Hilton
Wingate by Wyndham
Program is managed through a partnership with Visit York County
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Parks, Recreation & Tourism staff served in key roles with major boards and associations, including but not limited to:
Area Eleven Special Olympics
ChristmasVille
Clemson University School of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management
Clemson Cooperative Extension Service
Clinton ConNEXTion
Come-See-Me Festival
Independence Soccer Club
Leadership York County Planning Committee
Municipal Recreation Association of York County
National Recreation and Park Association
Old Town Association
Rock Hill Sports Commission
SC Recreation and Parks Association
SC Sports Alliance
SC Tourism Expenditure Review Committee
Southeast Festivals & Event Association
The Works! High School Career Exploration Program
Visit York County
York County Agri-Tourism Committee
43 Countries Represented by 3,314 Riders
Total Unique Attendance over 8 days: 32,720
Total Overall Attendance over 8 days: 57,700
Reach: January 1 - May 30, 2024: 949,500
Clicks: 2,500
Page visits: 118,400
Views of our webpage: 120,418
Mobile App
Total number of users: 66,751 May 12-18, 2024 | Rock Hill BMX Supercross Track UCILivestreamStats
YouTube Videos
Women Under 23 Highlights: 1,500 views
Women Elite Highlights: 3,900 views
Men Elite Highlights: 9,600 views
Men Junior Highlights: 3,400 views
Women Junior Highlights: 1,600 views
Downloads/Users: 5,580
ChallengeEventDay1: 121,000views
ChallengeEventDay2: 118,000views
ChallengeEventDay3: 134,000views
ChallengeEventDay4: 139,000views
Elite1/8Finals: 3,400views
EliteFinals: 10,000Views
