South Carolina Recreation & Park Magazine Winter 2018

SOUTH CAROLINA RECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION

2018 SCRPA

AWARDS

WINTER 2018

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TABLE OF CONTENTS The Association Report.............................................................................................4 2018 SCRPA Awards..............................................................................................6-11 Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve.................................................................. 12-14 Everyone Can Make a Difference..................................................................... 16-20

ADVERTISER INDEX

RECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION

2018 Board of Directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President T.J. Rostin City of Goose Creek

Secretary Laurie Helms City of Rock Hill

Eastern VP Bridget Elvington City of Dillon

President Elect Doyle Best Town of Summerville

Treasurer Randy Woodard Charleston County

Southern VP Love Ishie Charleston County

Vice President Kevin Stiens Spartanburg County

Past President Lawanda Curry Greenville County

Western VP Ted Lambrecht Greenville County

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On the cover:

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Lori Porwoll, a volunteer at Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission’s (CCPRC) McLeod Plantation Historic Site

Central VP Shane Duncan Kershaw County

BRANCHES - 1 YEAR COMMITMENTS ELM Branch Chanell Moore Greenville County PRM Branch Adam Scull City of Rock Hill

Programming Branch Mike Barnes Lancaster County SCAP Branch Cheri Anthony City of Pickens

Student Branch Jamie Cathey Clemson University SC PRT Representative Matt Elswick South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism

Discover the unsearchable Discover the forest

SCRPA EXECUTIVE STAFF T:21”

S:21”

Membership Services Coordinator: Melissa Williams melissa@scrpa.org

SCRPA MAGAZINE/MARKETING COMMITTEE Jason Burton Chair Horry County

Amy Gonzalez Central Town of Clover

Pamela Davis Southern City of Barnwell

Bethany Doman Vice Chair City of Charleston

Joshua Singleton Eastern St. Andrews Parks & Playground

Kristen Guilfoos Western Spartanburg County

South Carolina Recreation & Parks Association P.O. Box 1046, Lexington, SC 29071 (p) 803-808-7753 • (f) 803-808-7754 www.scrpa.org • info@scrpa.org To advertise in SCRPA magazine, contact Todd at todd@pernsteiner.com or (952) 841-1111.

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Executive Director: James E. Headley jim@scrpa.org

THE ASSOCIATION REPORT T.J. Rostin

Welcome to the winter issue, “Everyone Can Make a Difference”.

We are continually supporting our members to help you make a difference in your communities by offering over 100 hours of continuing education, providing avenues for you to network with your peers and educating our elected leaders about our profession.

This year’s Board has been extremely busy helping each of you.

For those of you that have filled a leadership role, you know that one year is not a long time to set goals and then accomplish them.

Sometimes things do not happen as quickly as we all would like, but if we continue our laser focus and vision, we can and will make positive changes. This year’s Board has focused on the notion that our profession is the people we serve. In the case of the Association, we serve the professionals that serve our communities. We need to continually attract and retain high quality professionals in our state and part of that goal process includes competitive salary rates. We started a process to study the rate of pay, some job classifications and overall job availability.

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4 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org

Jim Headley

Several baseline numbers had to be established in order to start that process. First, we have approximately 100 public park and recreation agencies in the state of South Carolina. Some of these agencies are part time or a single person department. Through this process, we found a number that never had been quantified in our state’s history. We have in excess of 2,010 full time employees through public park and recreation departments and over 4,450 part time employees. There were 590 “entry level jobs”, 428 midlevel jobs, 235 upper-level jobs and 95 executive level positions.

That, coupled with 443 entry-level maintenance and 223 skilled laborers, makes for a large number of recreation professionals state-wide. We released the full study at our annual conference in Greenville and will look at these numbers in greater detail at the Southern Leisure Management and Trends Conference in 2019.

We also will be presenting this data at the SC City County Managers Association annual meeting.

Our branches continue to be leaders in our profession nationwide.

The Athletic Branch continued with their bi-annual Statewide Policy and Programs Resource Guide. This guide lists every sport offered and the various policies for athletic departments. No other state in the country offers this service. It was so well received that the Programming Branch is currently embarking on a similar project.

We will provide to our members all recreation programs and events that each of you hold throughout the year. Again, this project will be the first of its kind in the country!

In closing, we would like to express our sincere thanks to each and every one of our members. The 2018 SCRPA Board has worked very hard this year on numerous topics and challenges, but we could not have accomplished anything without the support of our membership. Your commitment to our profession and your willingness to support our Association make South Carolina a leader in our field!

T.J. & Jim The 2018 SCRPA Board has worked very hard this year on numerous topics and challenges, but we could not have accomplished anything without the support of our membership.

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2019 SCRPA Magazine Topics & Deadlines

A new, stand-alone SCRPA Commercial Buyer’s Guide will be inserted into the Spring 2019 issue of SOUTH CAROLINA magazine. The Guide will mail to all SCRPA members and also be used at SCRPA events throughout the year. All corporate SCRPA members get one free listing and discounted ad rates. This is a great place to reach key park and recreation purchasing decision-makers!

To advertise, contact Todd: (952) 841-1111 or email todd@pernsteiner.com

Download the rate card: www.bit.ly/SCRPA2019

Spring 2019 Buyer’s Guide Issue Deadline: January 24, 2019 Summer 2019 SCRPA Member Directory Issue Deadline: April 24, 2019 *Source: 2016 Mequoda, the “American Magazine Reader Study & Handbook” **Source: www.thedma.org

SOUTH CAROLINA RECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION

Fall 2019 2019 Annual Conference Issue Deadline: June 25, 2019 Winter 2019 SCRPA Awards Issue Deadline: October 23, 2019

Winter 2018 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 5

2018 SCRPA

AWARDS

Following another successful and enjoyable SCRPA Annual Conference, we would like to share the stories of the individuals and organizations who were recognized by the Association’s 2018 Awards Program. Congratulations to all the recipients!

Champions for Our Community John McMahan and Stephen Peterson

Tami Dennis

A community champion can be defined as someone who gives freely of their time, skills and talents to improve the quality of life for those in their community.

In 1974, the City of Aiken Department of Parks and Recreation was lucky to find two dedicated volunteers who have graciously served in many different ways – John McMahon and Stephen Peterson, “The Sound Guys.” Most notably, they have given countless hours of their time to the Hopelands Summer Concert Series, providing technical sound support for the program the last 44 years. Just in the last decade, they have enhanced the experience for 74,703 people who attended performances in Hopelands. While volunteers who dedicate their unwavering support to Parks and Recreation are hard to come by, those willing to dedicate 44 years are nearly unheard of.

Few people are able to say they have a calling in life, and even fewer are able to say they’ve followed that calling. Fortunately for the Mount Pleasant Recreation Department, Tami Dennis was one of these few.

Tami has known since the age of 10 that she wanted to be a coach, and in 2002 when her family relocated to Mount Pleasant, Tami stayed true to her calling and established the Mount Pleasant Track Club. Under her leadership, the club grew from a team of 20 to the largest track club in the state and one of the nation’s premier youth track and field programs, producing countless All-Americans, national champions, and Division I scholarship athletes. Tami is in both the Road Runners Club of America and USA Track and Field halls of fame. Her contributions to the sport of track and field and the Town of Mount Pleasant cannot be emphasized enough.

6 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org

Pearse Tormey Soccer has helped shape, form, and enrich Pearse Tormey’s life. In turn, through his passion and dedication, Pearse has helped shape, form, and enrich Greenville’s soccer community, the lives of many athletes, and the overall quality of life within Greenville County. It is through Pearse’s ongoing hard work, commitment, and tenacity that Greenville County Parks, Recreation, & Tourism has made incredible strides in expanding youth soccer for all ages and skill levels. This includes the ability to now regularly host local, state, and major regional soccer tournaments, which has a tremendous economic impact on the area. He also makes it a priority every year to reach out and work closely with those in need, ranging from inner city kids to children with disabilities and innumerable charitable organizations.

Greenville County Parks, Recreation & Tourism is grateful for the passion, influence, dedication, and leadership through which Pearse has spent his life touching and improving individual lives.

The Champion for our Community award recognizes individuals and organizations who support our membership’s vision of creating community through people, parks and programs. This year, four individuals received the honor.

Programming Excellence Awards Population under 30,000 City of Dillon Holiday Goodness Program On November 19, 2011, the City of Dillon Parks and Recreation Department hosted the first Holiday Goodness: Arts, Crafts & Baked Goods Bazaar. This free one-day shopping event allows the community the opportunity to check out talented local artists, crafters, painters, bakers and other vendors in Dillon. The program is also a great way for citizens to network, vendors to get information about their items out to the public, and to promote the importance of shopping local.

In 2016, the city started partnering with the Humane Society of Dillon County to co-host a chili cook-off at the Holiday Goodness in an effort to raise awareness for the society. Wellembraced by the community, the cook-off’s teams are all from Dillon, and the event has even expanded to neighboring towns.

Unique to Dillon County, the Holiday Goodness is an event that is for the community, by the community and gives back to the community. As with any special event, the city could not do this alone. By partnering with the Humane Society of Dillon County and dozens of volunteers, the city is able to continue to keep the event fresh and expand every year. Citizens young and old alike cannot wait until the third Saturday in November when they can come to the event to learn about their neighbors, shop, give back to their community, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and even have a little chili.

City of Dillon Holiday Goodness Program

Winter 2018 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 7

Population over 30,000 Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission Summer Adventure Squad The Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission’s “Summer Adventure Squad” program began as an inspirational idea to create an experiential program for disadvantaged children and has become a life-changing experience for not only the children themselves, but the program’s volunteers and staff.

This outdoor adventure program was created in partnership with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department and Riverland Hills Baptist Church to bring at-risk youth from low-income communities into Saluda Shoals Park to learn, explore, and connect to nature and each other. During the summer, six adventure days are held, engaging more than 120 youth aged 6 to 12. Each adventure includes environmental education, outdoor recreation, and a healthy meal with opportunities to learn vital life and social skills.

Children in this program have had little or no chance to explore nature, travel outside their communities, or learn from positive role models and community leaders other than teachers. With each new experience, Summer Adventure Squad improves the lives of the children who participate and helps their development in every major way – intellectually, emotionally, socially, spiritually, and physically. The program also answers the needs of families who cannot provide this kind of essential developmental growth experience for their children. By exposing them to exciting, new recreation activities, the Summer Adventure Squad program helps children cultivate new skills, opens new avenues for wellness and fitness, and expands their vision of what’s possible.

The Programming Excellence award is given to agencies in two different population categories: under 30,000 and over 30,000. The Programming Excellence award honors a recreation program or special event.

Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission Summer Adventure Squad

88SOUTH SOUTHCAROLINA CAROLINARecreation Recreationand andParks Parks••www.scrpa.org www.scrpa.org

Parks Excellence Awards Population under 30,000 The City of Newberry’s Oakland Park Tennis Center Project The goal: “We are not intending to build a tennis center. We are intending to build a tennis program.” Leading up to the start of the Oakland Park Tennis Center Renovations Project, City of Newberry staff stated this goal at every public meeting.

Oakland Park had been home to the city’s youth baseball and softball programs since the 1970s. Adult softball and volleyball also called the park home over the years. But, as parks that are approaching their 50th year often do, Oakland Park needed a face lift.

With a ribbon cutting ceremony held on January 3, 2018, the facility features 6 hard courts and 3 hybrid clay courts with LED lights, restrooms and a pro shop. The $1.6 million project was financed without any taxpayer dollars. The city benefitted from mill renovations as part of a Multi-County Industrial Park designation, hospitality and accommodations funds, economic development monies, and a public-led fundraising campaign that raised over $100,000. New facilities were built across town, so no existing programs were displaced by the renovation. Through a partnership between the City of Newberry and Newberry College, college tennis teams can now call the new facility home and the head coach is also the center’s Director of Tennis. Area youth will also benefit from a memorial scholarship established in memory of a fallen former Newberry tennis player. The center is poised to build a lasting tennis program that will benefit the community for years to come.

The City of Newberry’s Oakland Park Tennis Center Project

Population over 30,000 Greenville County Parks, Recreation, & Tourism’s Mesa Soccer Complex Sports tourism is growing every year in South Carolina, and Mesa Soccer Complex in Greenville County is helping to lead the way. Originally built by the Carolina Elite Soccer Academy in the early 1990s with 10 fields, the need for expansion was anticipated. After Greenville County passed a hospitality tax in 2006, funding became available for major recreation facilities that served local communities and regional events. Greenville County Parks, Recreation & Tourism (PRT) purchased property adjacent to the complex and constructed 6 more rectangular fields to make Mesa the largest complex of its kind in the state.

And in 2014, with a grant from the state of South Carolina, Greenville County PRT doubled down on more adjacent property, building a parking lot for 500 more vehicles and grading land for 5 more fields.

Mesa Soccer Complex is an ever-improving facility that is being revitalized every few years to keep pace with the demand for youth sports tourism. The public-private partnership that led to the development, and re-development, of Mesa is a testament to organizations working together toward a common goal to provide elite-level recreation facilities serving citizens and visitors. Mesa hosts up to ten major tournaments a year, including the prestigious USYS Presidents Cup in 2018. Since 2008, the 16-field complex has had an estimated economic impact of $55 million dollars on the local economy. Greenville County PRT and Carolina Elite Soccer Academy continue their goal of working together toward ever-improving recreation.

The Parks Excellence award is given to agencies in two different population categories: under 30,000 and over 30,000.

The Parks Excellence award recognizes a new, renovated or revitalized park.

Greenville County Parks, Recreation, & Tourism’s Mesa Soccer Complex

Winter 2018 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 9

Individual SCRPA Member Awards Young Professional of the Year

Professional of the Year

Dustin Jordan, City of Myrtle Beach

Jan Cox, City of Greenville

A Clemson University graduate and supervisor at The General Robert H. Reed Recreation Center, Dustin Jordan is very active throughout the Myrtle Beach community and the state. He is a Certified Playground Safety Inspector, inspecting all of the City of Myrtle Beach’s playgrounds.

Dustin is a recent graduate from the NRPA Revenue School, his city’s leadership program, and the 2012 SC Lead Class, and also maintains a national CPRP certification.

Jan Cox has worked for the City of Greenville since 1987 and has been active in the city, state and nation throughout her entire career. A quiet and unassuming professional, Jan earned an associate’s degree from Anderson College in 1985, a BS in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management from Clemson in 1987, and a master’s in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management from Clemson in 2002.

Prior to coming to Myrtle Beach, he worked for Spartanburg County Parks and Recreation and the City of Clemson. Since becoming supervisor at the Robert H. Reed Recreation Center, rental numbers have almost tripled. Dustin supervises the center’s staff and takes great pride in the building’s appearance, sometimes serving as the janitor, painter, programmer and maintenance man.

In 2017, Dustin led the city’s United Way campaign for 900+ employees. He currently serves as chairman of the City of Myrtle Beach Grievance Committee.

Giving back to the profession, Dustin was a 2017 SC/ NC Joint State Recreation Conference committee member, and will serve as chair on the 2019 Joint Conference Committee.

Originally from Conway, Dustin and his wife Ashley have two children, Easton and Katie Beth.

“Dustin has been a great asset to the City of Myrtle Beach and our profession,” said Pam Stone, the city’s director for recreation services. “His hard work and dedication to our City is outstanding! The sky is the limit for this young man.”

The SCRPA Young Professional of the Year nominee must be in the parks and recreation profession for at least 3 years and no more than 15 years and a member in good standing of SCRPA and professionally certified through the NRPA. This award considers service, leadership, and character.

As part of her NRPA certification in 1995, Jan set several goals for herself, and has been highly successful in accomplishing them in subsequent years. She served NRPA by being involved in the nation’s premier programming conference, “The Edith Upchurch Programming Forum.” She has served SCRPA in a wide range of roles, including that of president in 2011. Another of Jan’s goals was to plan education sessions for conferences at all levels within the industry, and encourage others’ involvement. Her passion has helped her succeed in this goal for years, including chairing the SCRPA Programming Summit.

In her role with the City of Greenville, Jan has enhanced the quality of life for citizens by planning and implementing innovative programs. She has been a member of the Pleasantburg Rotary Club for 12 years, even serving as secretary/treasurer and president. Through Rotary, she has also participated in two mission trips to Haiti.

Through the years, colleagues have had great things to say about Jan. In 1995, Paul Ellis III, City of Greenville Parks and Recreation Director, said “Jan has held a variety of positions with the department and performed each of those in a highly professional manner. Her interest in the profession has led her to volunteer her personal time toward community leisure events of all kinds.” Ann Cunningham, City of Greer Parks and Recreation Director says, “Jan has always shown a passion for helping people. She displays a high level of self-motivation and portrays the attributes of a team player. She’s a dynamic and visionary leader.”

And Nancy Callahan, Recreation Division Director for Greenville County Parks, Recreation and Tourism says, “If you want something done, call Jan. If you need advice on a program, call Jan. If you need an advocate, call Jan. Among other things, she has led many program committees for our conference and is a strong proponent of LiveWell Greenville and a huge part of its accomplishments.”

Jan’s love of recreation extends into her personal leisure time. She has hiked Mt. Leconte in Tennessee nearly every year for the last 30 years.

She has run half marathons all over the US and Canada. With her husband, Rodney, Jan enjoys annual trips to Disney World, even running the Disney half marathon later the same year after having open heart surgery. Jan and Rodney have been married 22 years and they share a passion of restoring old cars and trucks – they even left their wedding in a ‘57 Chevy that Rodney restored. Congratulations to Jan! The SCRPA Professional of the Year nominee must be in the parks and recreation profession at least 15 years and a member of SCRPA for at least five years and professionally certified through the NRPA. This award considers service, leadership, and character.

10 10SOUTH SOUTHCAROLINA CAROLINARecreation Recreationand andParks Parks••www.scrpa.org www.scrpa.org

Individual SCRPA Member Awards Robert L. Reid Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame Award Joe Eason

had full responsibility for the department’s operation for 15 years. In 2013, he accepted the role of director for the Kershaw County Recreation Department, putting his experience and dedication to work in yet another part of our state.

A passionate Special Olympics supporter and volunteer for many years, Joe was honored by Special Olympics South Carolina as Volunteer Coach of the Year in 1994. He has also been active with the board for the Florence County Disabilities Foundation, Young Life of Florence, the SC Football Official’s Association, and coached youth softball. In 2008, Winthrop University recognized him with a Distinguished Alumni Award from the Department of Physical Education, Sport and Human Performance.

For more than 33 years, Joe Eason has given of himself to his community as well as the agencies he’s led. Joe Eason earned a BS in Physical Education with a concentration in Teacher Certification from Winthrop University in 1985, but began his college career as a Clemson Tiger and remains a loyal fan. After college, he worked 5 years at the YMCA in Rock Hill as youth sports director and then as fitness director. In 1990, he joined the City of Rock Hill Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department, serving as athletics supervisor and later as park supervisor of Cherry Park. In 1998, Joe became director of Florence County Parks and Recreation, where he

One of Joe’s colleagues, John Taylor, describes him as a constant professional who works diligently in everything he does to make the communities he serves better each day. According to John, “Not only does Joe do a great job, but he’s fun to be around and his employees always have the utmost respect for him.”

To top all of this off, Joe has been a strong contributor to SCRPA, serving in many leadership roles, including that of president in 2002. In 2006, he was SCRPA Professional of the Year.

Many will agree, however, that his most enduring contribution to parks and recreation is his involvement with the SC LEAD program. To date, the SC LEAD program has mentored 93 graduates who have gone on to serve as leaders in their agencies and in SCRPA. Another

colleague, Tom O’Rourke, says “Along with our executive director, Joe was the spark for this program. Joe started it, managed it, and remained the leader since its inception in 2003. Each year we see the growth, both professional and personal, of our LEAD graduates.

It never ceases to amaze me the heights they reach.”

Joe’s ability to give his talents and heart to his profession and the communities he’s served has been supported by his biggest fans — his daughters, Morgan, Hannah and Emma, and his wife, Annette. Joe’s work in the parks and recreation field embodies two beliefs held by scouting movement founder Robert Baden-Powell: “Leave this world a little better than you found it,” and a motto, familiar to Joe as a Boy Scout: “be prepared.” With the contributions that Joe Eason has given to his profession and his communities, he has certainly left them better than he found them. And through his work with our future leaders, Joe has ensured that they are prepared to do the same.

The Robert L. Reid Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame Award recognizes lifetime achievement in the parks and recreation profession and is awarded to a professional or citizen with a minimum of 20 years of service to the profession. The recipient must have actively promoted the parks and recreation profession through presentations, writings and service in their community, the state and our nation.

Joe’s work in the parks and recreation field embodies two beliefs held by scouting movement founder Robert BadenPowell: “Leave this world a little better than you found it,” and a motto, familiar to Joe as a Boy Scout: “be prepared.”

Winter 2018 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 11

Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve: Making a Difference to Preserve and Protect a Historic Site

By Mary Ashton Watson, Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission The Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve at Folly Beach has become a popular destination for tourists and local residents.

This unique park features a breathtaking view of the Morris Island Lighthouse while simultaneously offering a peaceful sanctuary for surf fishing, beachside strolls, wildlife observation and photography. Owned and operated by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC), the property is home to marshland and maritime forest habitats that house diverse species of plants and animals, and is a preserve wellknown for its birding opportunities.

Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve also has a storied historical background. This property played a critical role in the Civil War while under Union occupation during the siege of Charleston. In the years to follow, this site was home to a Loran station owned by the U.S. Coast Guard. Remnants of this history remain in the park today. As stewards of this unique property, CCPRC works to preserve its natural beauty along with its rich history.

However, in recent years a challenge arose as Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve has become a target for graffiti vandalism.

Today, graffiti covers the cement structures on the property, the pavement, trees and rocks surrounding the areas. Area residents and others who visit the park regularly have voiced their displeasure at the vandalism.

12 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org

Two of CCPRC’s core values are safety and stewardship. The agency aims to ensure safe and secure environments as well as to preserve cultural, natural and historical resources.

Winter 2018 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 13

CCPRC’s efforts to clean the graffiti have proven to be a much more difficult task than expected since the vandalism always reappears on the property within days of the restoration efforts.

The property is not staffed on a daily basis, which makes these preventive measures difficult to implement. While the graffiti is considered “art” by some and could be overlooked as an unfortunate by-product of a passive park in a popular beach area, CCPRC’s staff continues to research long-term preservation efforts to keep the preserve in top condition.

CCPRC plans to launch an awareness campaign to educate the surrounding community about the impact of graffiti vandalism.

CCPRC staff members are also working closely with the local public safety departments to deter future offenders by erecting “No Trespassing” signage on the property, along with solar-powered cameras, and increasing police patrol when the park is closed.

CCPRC recently demolished several unused cement structures on the property that were popular targets for graffiti. Additionally, CCPRC is researching long-term cleanup options that include applying special sprays that paint cannot adhere to, resealing the roadway entering the park, as well as pressure washing and using barrier coats on the remaining structures.

Two of CCPRC’s core values are safety and stewardship. The agency aims to ensure safe and secure environments as well as to preserve cultural, natural and historical resources. Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve is a beautiful and diverse park where CCPRC is making a difference by keeping it safe and pristine for many years to come.

14 SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks • www.scrpa.org

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Citizen Heroes: Our Volunteer Docents

By Hampton C. Wayt, Tourism Coordinator, City of Aiken Visitors Center & Train Museum spending their precious time greeting the thousands of people who walk through our doors each year is manifold. For some, they feel it is their civic and moral duty to give back to their community.

Others enjoy the social aspect or sharing their love of Aiken and its rich history with visitors.

The many docents who volunteer at the City of Aiken Visitors Center & Train Museum are, without a doubt, some of the greatest assets of our beautiful town.

We simply could not operate without them, and we wouldn’t want to.

Numbering close to thirty and coming from all walks of life, their motivation for

The reason why these individuals volunteer, however, is ultimately far less significant than the incredible life experiences they share each day with those seeking information about Aiken.

Several have worked as executives in major firms or governmental agencies in urban centers such as New York and Chicago. Some are nationally renowned horse experts, competitors, and judges.

We have academics and human resource professionals. One volunteer even worked for world-famous industrial designer Raymond Loewy.

Our docents have lived fascinating lives, and yet, their unassuming nature means our patrons rarely learn just how special the volunteers they are conversing with truly are. Even so, visitors do recognize how genuine our volunteers are. They appreciate the fact they are getting an informed and honest perspective.

Although we do have docents who often go above and beyond, each and every one of them deserve incredible praise for just showing up and sharing their lives with us.

Our docents have lived fascinating lives, and yet, their unassuming nature means our patrons rarely learn just how special the volunteers they are conversing with truly are.

Winter 2018 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 17

Fossils: Alive and Active in Rock Hill

By Kim Ozmon, Tennis Center Supervisor, Rock Hill Parks, Recreation and Tourism In 2014, men ages 50 and over decided to make tennis a weekly activity at the Rock Hill Tennis Center (RHTC). Since then, this group has grown to become over 60 men who play on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays! The oldest member is 82!

When Tennis Center Supervisor, Kim Ozmon, was first asked to reserve courts for the group by Dan Cotter, she saw a great opportunity to encourage senior players to be social, active and healthy. Clearly, it was an easy decision to add this as a program to the Tennis Center schedule.

The RHTC and its programming is part of the City of Rock Hill Parks, Recreation and Tourism (PRT) Department. Yet, group members Bill Weaver and Tom Ellison volunteer and take turns coordinating the tennis activity. They send a welcome email to new members, and on a weekly basis, they coordinate who will play.

Early on, knowing that this was a group of tennis fanatics who enjoyed a good laugh, Kim wanted to find an appropriate name for them. Thinking of their age, and the fact that their devotion seemed to be cast in stone, she asked the group if she could fondly name them the “Fossils”. They loved it, and they totally own it!

Not only is the group devoted to playing tennis, they are dedicated to supporting the RHTC as well. All of the Fossils are members of the Tennis Center and they feel this is an important requirement for their group. They understand that their support helps provide quality programs to the local community.

Fossils group members Bill Weaver and Tom Ellison volunteer and take turns coordinating the tennis activity.

When the RHTC was hosting its largest tournament, the Rock Hill Rocks Open, a USTA $25K Women’s Pro Circuit event, the Fossils were easily identified as the “Red Shirt” volunteers. Kim says, “When the Fossils were on duty, I had no worries that

things would get taken care of and carried out the right way.

Not only did they show up in force when needed, they provided whatever service we asked.” Most importantly, they were active sponsors of the tournament, raising over $1000 each year.

The Fossils don’t just jump into action during major events, they help in many ways throughout the year. They have purchased tennis caddies for each tennis court and are “on call” anytime extra hands are needed.

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The Fossils don’t just jump into action during major events, they help in many ways throughout the year. They have purchased tennis caddies for each tennis court and are “on call” anytime extra hands are needed. Recently, when Hurricane Michael made its way through Rock Hill, the Fossils helped take down and secure all the windscreens.

Additionally, they help repair gates and tennis ball mowers when needed.

Kim states, “In my opinion they are simply irreplaceable and the Rock Hill Tennis Center is a better place due to their volunteer efforts.”

Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism, John Taylor agrees. He says, “What a great opportunity for these guys to get out, be active, and be happy! We appreciate all they do for our department.”

The Fossils have spun off to make several USTA league teams. The 55 and Over and 65 and Over teams have been very successful in the local league as well as bringing home state championships!

Here in Rock Hill, we think Fossils are great! We look forward to continuing to see their smiling faces and at times, their knee and elbow braces, too.

That’s dedication!

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Holding History in Your Hands

By Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission Lori Porwoll asks a visitor at McLeod Plantation Historic Site to hold out his hands and close his eyes. In one hand she places a piece of high quality pima cotton and in the other a tuft of Sea Island cotton. “Do you feel the difference?” she asks. “I feel one but is there even anything in my other hand?” the visitor responds. The airy texture of the Sea Island cotton is so soft it’s like it’s not even there. Lori’s face lights up as she says, “Open your eyes and see for yourself.”

For the past two years Lori, a volunteer at Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission’s (CCPRC) McLeod Plantation Historic Site, has been cultivating Sea Island cotton. Initially it was feared that the seeds to this fine fiber, unique to the Lowcountry, were gone forever. Yet after some resourceful sleuthing by local farmer Bill McLean, a small number were found at a USDA seed repository in Texas.

“I’ve always loved digging in the dirt,” says Lori, who became involved with CCPRC after

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completing the agency’s Coastal Master Naturalist program. When she came to McLeod Plantation, she was the site’s first and only volunteer, and for someone who loves the outdoors, cultivating Sea Island cotton made perfect sense.

That idea began as a way to demonstrate the importance of Sea Island cotton at McLeod before and after the Civil War. “Last year several volunteers planted our first plot, a quarter acre, because that was the size typically tasked to one enslaved person,” Lori says. “I think we were all shocked with the time and energy it demanded.” Those demands almost ended the experiment.

Today, Lori’s tufts of cotton are her memorial to the blood, sweat and tears of enslaved families like the Dawsons, Forrests and others. They provide visitors a way to begin to understand the resiliency of those enslaved people.

“Lori’s the only reason the cotton is still being grown,” says Shawn Halifax, CCPRC’s Cultural History Interpretation Coordinator. “When Shawn asked me earlier this year if I’d take an active role in growing the cotton again, I answered absolutely!” Lori says. “Our cotton makes the story of McLeod Plantation come alive.”

A single airy bloom in the hand doesn’t convey the weighty and oppressive history of cotton. Consider that in 1860, the enslaved toiled to plant, pick, and process 43,500 pounds of it. Today, Lori’s tufts of cotton are her memorial to the blood, sweat and tears of enslaved families like the Dawsons, Forrests and others. They provide visitors a way to begin to understand the resiliency of those enslaved people.

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Marty Bridges – Unparalleled Volunteerism!

By Brian Riddle, Seven Oaks Park Athletic Director Dependability, integrity, honesty, great attitude, helpful, let’s just go ahead and get those out of the way for Marty Bridges. Marty has served the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission (ICRC) for over 40 years, filling various volunteer roles at our Parks including a youth football coach, Advisory Council member, Seven Oaks Park Improvement committee member, Saluda Shoals Foundation board member, and Strategic Plan Task Force member. If we asked Marty to hop into a phone booth and suit up as Superman, he would be one step ahead with his cape on already!

Marty began coaching youth football in 1978 at Seven Oaks Park and has coached the same 11-12 age group for all but five years since then (1987-1992).

As a coach, he takes the time to learn about his players, helping instill a work ethic and shape them into stellar athletes.

He is a role model that is unparalleled, with a humble and genuine caring heart that seeks only to serve the families in our community without recognition or fanfare.

purchase 12 scoreboards for athletic fields throughout the district. Marty is currently working diligently with the Saluda Shoals Foundation on their capital campaign to build a universally inclusive playground at Saluda Shoals Park for the children of the Midlands to enjoy.

Marty has also supported ICRC by serving on the Saluda Shoals Foundation board for the past five years. In his role as a Foundation board member, he was instrumental in securing a $200,000 sponsorship from Palmetto Health for ICRC’s new athletic complex at Saluda Shoals Park. He also helped secure a total of $48,000 in sponsorship to

In addition to his community volunteering, Marty has also taken on the role of a Strategic Plan Task Force member to help ICRC develop a conceptual framework for the Commission’s operations and capital improvement over the next ten years. With his passion for the community and his invaluable vision, ICRC is poised and ready to move into the future with Marty helping to shape the path forward.

Marty can always be counted on to support ICRC, whether coaching community youth or offering insight and political support to the Commission.

But most importantly, Marty, through his years of dedication to youth athletic programs, has served as a mentor and helped shape the lives of many children in our community for the last 40 years.

In addition to his community volunteering, Marty has also taken on the role of a Strategic Plan Task Force member to help ICRC develop a conceptual framework for the Commission’s operations and capital improvement over the next ten years. With his passion for the community and his invaluable vision, ICRC is poised and ready to move into the future with Marty helping to shape the path forward.

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”

– Dr. Seuss

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