South Carolina Recreation & Parks Association Fall 2015

FALL 2015

SOUTH CAROLINASOUTH CAROLINASOUTH CAROLINASOUTH CAROLINASOUTH CAROLINASOUTH CAROLINASOUTH CAROLINASOUTH CAROLINA

RECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATIONRECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATIONRECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION

Fitness Program Provides Care for Every Level



Innovations in the Delivery of

Parks & Rec.


Parks & Rec.


Parks & Rec.

Changing the GameChanging the GameChanging the GameCity of Charleston Changes Approach to Youth Fitness City of Charleston Changes Approach to Youth Fitness City of Charleston Changes Approach to Youth Fitness

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Fall 2015 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 3

SOUTH CAROLINARECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION

CBM Branch Scott Wilhide (2015)

ELM Branch Phil Macchia (2015)

PRM Branch Bill Berry (2015)

RAP Branch Bonnie Fitz (2015)

SCAP Branch B.J. Belville (2015)

Student Branch Leslie Ballard (2015)

SC PRT Representative Matt Elswick (2015)

BRANCHES

SCRPA EXECUTIVE STAFF

Executive Director: James E. Headley [email protected]

Membership Services Coordinator: Melissa Williams [email protected]

2015 Board of Directors

President Jeff Metz (2016)

President Elect Eric Stewart (2017)

Vice President Lawanda Curry (2018)

Secretary T.J. Rostin (2015)

Treasurer Randy Gibson (2016)

Past President Don Shuman (2015)

Central VP Ashley Smith (2015)

Eastern VP David Williams (2016)

Southern VP Doyle Best (2016)

Western VP Jamie Cathey (2015)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Association Report ............................................................................ 5

Conference Encourages “Change Agents” .................................... 6

Fitness Program Provides Care for Every Level .............................. 8

Innovations in Delivery of Parks & Rec: Greenville ....................... 10

Innovations in Delivery of Parks & Rec: Aiken ................................12

Horry County Parks & Recreation: Vereen Memorial Gardens ....13

Changing the Game: Charleston Youth Fitness ............................14

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Thank you to our advertisers for your help in supporting SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks magazine. We kindly ask members to please support our advertisers. Interested in advertising? Contact Todd Pernsteiner at 877-694-1999 or [email protected].

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With the temperatures finally starting to cool a bit, we wanted to give you several important updates concerning and how and where SCRPA has been representing you and our profession.

Physical activity and wellness continue to be a priority in our profession.

SCRPA serves on the SCale Down Initiative. SCale Down is a collaborative initiative engaging key stakeholders in focused actions to achieve the objectives outlined in the South Carolina Obesity Action Plan. SCale Down also seeks to connect and mobilize stakeholders who are working to reduce and prevent obesity in the Palmetto State to help eliminate duplication of efforts and better promote achieved successes. We serve on this board with the South Carolina Medical Association, BlueCross BlueShield Foundation, the Department of Social Services, the Department of Health and Environmental Control, (DHEC), Eat Smart Move More South Carolina, and the South Carolina Hospital Association. This effort is being conducted and coordinated by The South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health (IMPH).

Additionally, we are also collaborating with SC DHEC on an effort to inventory and make school districts aware of Open Use Agreements. These are little more than joint use agreements and are intended to open up the campuses of our state’s school districts to your communities. We are currently sending questionnaires to all school districts/superintendents as well as working specifically with some targeted districts with higher health disparities. The South Carolina School Boards Association is in process of adopting model policies for each of the districts to utilize.

These efforts, coupled with what each of you do on an everyday basis in our profession, continue to show how we can assist in remedying the obesity epidemic plaguing our state and nation.

We also are working with SCPRT in establishing the initial criteria for the Sports Marketing Grant program that we helped get through the general assembly.

Please remember that the grant program is a first of its kind in South Carolina so there may be a bump or two along the way. However, if you continue to communicate to us, we will work with PRT to ensure this program meets the needs of the industry.

Also, the two-year cycle for LWCF will be coming up shortly. Please be on the outlook for this announcement from PRT.

As a reminder, we have six outstanding training opportunities for you coming up in next quarter. The Certified Playground Safety Inspectors course and exam; the 15th Annual Sports Management Institute in December; the 2nd Annual Parks Maintenance Institute in January; the 25th Annual Southern Leisure Management and

Trends Institute in February; and the 4th Annual Programming Summit in late February.

And of course, we look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s joint conference in Myrtle Beach October 18-20. With over 64 sessions, 2 Keynotes, 24 speakers from our profession, 16 from outside our profession, 7 speakers from our 2 states’ colleges and universities, and 9 speakers from other states. We are guaranteed to have great sessions, a great exhibit hall, and certainly great people.

As always, please never hesitate to contact any one of us or your board members with questions or suggestions that you may have concerning your association.

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As programmers in parks and recreation, we’re constantly challenged to be creative, find the new trend, and think outside the box in order to keep our programs and events fresh. Yet somehow we still fall into the pits of complacency. It’s easy to do! We are all strapped for time and resources so we choose to stay on the path of the normal routine,

with the thought that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” However, The Programming Summit (TPS) has consistently challenged programmers to avoid this all too common mistake.

Created in 2013, TPS was designed to be a conference planned by programmers for programmers. TPS provides attendees a glimpse of

innovative programs and events, offers insight into making the transition from programmer to supervisor, encourages professional networking with other professionals, and best of all, reminds us why we chose our career field.

At this year’s summit, programmers were challenged to “Get Ignited” with educational sessions ranging from urban beekeeping to learning to play pickleball, and from experimenting with watercolor paintings to pet events. At its conclusion, attendees were given a glimpse of 2016’s theme: Be a Change Agent! The TPS Committee is already working hard to develop innovative and fun sessions and socials that are sure to inspire everyone who attends. The committee will post “missions” in the months leading up to the conference to keep SCRPA members engaged. You are challenged to accept these missions and to attend TPS 2016 which will be held at Springmaid Beach Resort on February 24-26. Registration is now open! Visit www.scrpa.org. Session proposals will be accepted July 31 through September 15. Speaker line-up and socials will be posted as they are finalized.

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What sets MoveIT! apart from other fitness programs and facilities is an innovative idea: a

continuum of care for all participants, no matter

what fitness level.

By Jenna Massengale, Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission

A breath of fresh care describes MoveIT! Charleston County, a growing fitness program developed by the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) and Roper St. Francis Physicians Endowment. While MoveIT! is still in its adolescent stages, the program has experienced exponential growth since its launch just over a year ago.What sets MoveIT! apart from other fitness programs and facilities is an innovative idea: a continuum of care for all participants, no matter what fitness level. MoveIT! incorporates two facets into the program: physician-referred and self-referred. The physician-referred aspect is designed for people with chronic conditions who would benefit from physical activity. These programs serve as a middle ground between a rehabilitation center and a traditional gym or fitness facility, bridging the gap by providing a nurturing and specialized environment without being too restricting or intimidating.

FITNESS PROGRAM PROVIDES CARE

FOR EVERY LEVEL


Specialized trainers conduct a baseline assessment for each participant at the beginning of the physician-referred stage and then begin training at the appropriate level. Quarterly assessments track participants’ progress to ensure trainers provide appropriate challenges. Participants can start at the very beginning of the physician-referred stage, then with adequate support, can develop their fitness abilities until they reach the self-referred aspect of the program.

“Providing both physician-referred programs and self-referred programs ensure that everyone can find what they need, at any given time or stage of their life, regardless of physical ability,” said Allison Foster, MoveIT! Fitness and Wellness Program Manager. “Our park system provides a specialized environment for everyone, from patients with chronic health conditions to seasoned athletes.”

Indeed, many of MoveIT!’s self-referred programs take place outdoors in various parks operated by CCPRC. Contact with

the outdoors has been proven to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as provide a nurturing environment for mental health. MoveIT! relies on exercise and sunshine to heal patients, instead of drugs and rehab. It’s this approach that’s causing the program to grow so rapidly.

The program had humble beginnings, with just three physicians from Roper St. Francis referring patients to the program. Now, after less than a year, MoveIT! is treating patients referred from over 50 different physicians. And success is on the horizon, according to Foster. She expects to start graduating participants from the physician-referred program to the self-referred program in the coming months.

“It’s been a pleasure to witness the milestones our participants are reaching,” Foster said. “Most importantly, participants are happier and more motivated to improve their quality of life.”

For more information, go to CharlestonCountyParks.com.

“Providing both physician-referred programs and self-referred programs ensure that everyone can find what they need, at any given time or stage of their life, regardless of physical ability.”

- Allison Foster, MoveIT! Fitness and Wellness Program Manager

The program had humble beginnings, with just three physicians from Roper

St. Francis referring patients to the program. Now, after less than a year,

MoveIT! is treating patients referred from over 50 different physicians.


BY TARA GILRAIN, RECREATION PROGRAMS MANAGER

Childhood obesity is transforming the way children engage or rather disengage in recreational and physical activity. The popularity of computers, tablets and phones promote an environment of physical inactivity rather than one that engages children in one of the simplest yet most influential aspects of childhood: Play!

Beginning in the fall of 2012, the City of Greenville Parks and Recreation Department was part of a collaboration with the Riley Institute for Diversity in Leadership at Furman University to bring quality and structured play to underserved communities in the City of Greenville. Through a vision and a realization of the importance that play has on children’s growth and development, the idea of a mobile recreation vehicle took shape. Several local organizations in the Greenville community – TD Bank, United Way, Greenville Hospital System and Bon Secours St. Francis Health System – donated funds to this initiative which helped purchase the Mobile Recreation Vehicle “Mobi-Rec”.

Mobi-Rec promotes the Department’s wellness and physical activity and gives new meaning to “being on the move”. It creates opportunities for those who may not have the means, transportation or ability to participate in quality, organized and structured play. Through strategic planning and programming, the Mobi-Rec vehicle is enhancing play in communities across the City of Greenville and Greenville County. Stocked with an abundance of recreation

equipment, Mobi-Rec and the energetic staff can engage youth and families in active behavior through sports, games, and other activities that pique the interests of these participants.

As Mobi-Rec traverses through the neighborhood streets of Greenville, the goal is to encourage children to come outside and play. Mobi-Rec’s mission is to be a small driving force in helping to combat childhood obesity and to captivate children and families in the realm of active play and exercise. In partnership with LiveWell Greenville, and with funding received through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mobi-Rec will now be able to expand its efforts and promote behavior change in communities that lack accessible park and recreation facilities and areas that have youth obesity rates higher than the national average.

The future of recreation is on the move. Disparities in income continue to create barriers for communities and residents, especially children, to access quality play and recreation opportunities. Lack of transportation and a deficiency in resources contribute to the inaccessibility to and inadequacy of programs and facilities in neighborhoods. We can set the wheels in motion and stimulate change by continuing to provide safe, structured and positive play environments to those who lack opportunities or adequate recreation facilities in their

Innovations in the Delivery of Parks & Rec.

City of Greenville Parks and Recreation Department’s

Mobile Recreation Vehicle

Fall 2015 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 11Fall 2015 • SOUTH CAROLINA Recreation and Parks 11


BY SAMANTHA RADFORD AND JENNY BURGHARDT, CITY OF AIKEN PRT

The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department offers a Citywide Arboretum with a diverse collection of trees, shrubbery, and flowers. A mild climate, adequate rainfall, a variety of soil types, and habitats ranging from wetlands to desert-like sandhills support a rich and diverse native flora in the Aiken area. These conditions are likewise favorable to a wide variety of trees and other plants introduced by man from various places. The Citywide Arboretum covers everything within a four mile radius of downtown; however, visitors are encouraged to begin their exploration by discovering a sampling of Aiken’s trees on Colleton Avenue, the designated one mile Arboretum Trail, or following the mile long trail inside Hopelands Gardens. Each tree and plant included in these trails is labeled with their common and scientific names, as well as a toll free number. By simply dialing the phone number and entering the tree number listed, guests can discover the history, origin, and unique features of each tree and plant along the trail. The cell phone tour transforms the method of delivery from brochure to mobile device.

The plan for the Citywide Arboretum Trail began in the

early 1990s when a group including City of Aiken staff and local horticulturist Bob McCartney wanted to shine light on the diverse and interesting collection of trees in Aiken. Originally, signs were to be posted on each specimen included in the trail, but the allure of a cell phone tour proved to be more appealing and informative. With the help of volunteers and a local radio station, WKSX-FM, narratives were recorded and uploaded to the cell phone tour. The addition

of the Hopelands Arboretum Trail began in February 2014 and has been led by the Friends of Hopelands and Rye Patch, Inc. alongside the City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department. The Hopelands Gardens Arboretum Trail will officially be unveiled later this year. Narratives for each specimen were recorded by trustees of the Friends of Hopelands and Rye Patch, Inc.

Each tree has a story to tell, and needing nothing more than tennis shoes and a cell phone, tourists, locals, and plant enthusiasts can discover those stories. By producing the interactive trail in this manner, the City of Aiken has found a way to keep up with the innovative trends in the delivery of parks and recreation.

Innovations in the Delivery of Parks & Rec.

Beyond the Brochure in the City of Aiken


Our largest nature park area is Vereen Memorial Gardens (VMG) which I call our hidden secret treasure. It is close to the North Carolina/South Carolina border nestled between Highway 17 and the intercoastal waterway. The development of this nature park began with the property donation of 114 acres by Jackson Vereen to Horry County in 1973 for the purpose of developing a historical museum, formal gardens, nature trails, etc. Horry County Parks and Recreation wasn’t formed until 1997. This nature park is a great example of partnership that benefits the community. The board walk to the intercoastal waterway and fishing pier was added by the parks and recreation department. The nature park has an established volunteer board that helps maintain the property on a weekly basis and assists with raising funds to add/develop features. With this park being our “hidden secret treasure”, we have recently tried to develop the use of technology to bring exposure to it as well as programs both to locals and visitors.

The Horry County Patriot Tree project is a project that we joined to incorporate technology into the use of parks and as part of a program. The Horry County Patriot Tree project pairs live oaks with soldiers from Horry County who served during the Civil War. The Horry County Board of Architectural Review and Historic Preservation, the Yaupon Garden Club, and the Horry County Historical Society hosted a dedication ceremony on April 25, 2014 at VMG in Little River, SC. Each tree has a QR code marker which will direct smart phone users to a website listing the soldier’s name, birth date, birth place, death date, burial

place, and other details of the soldier’s service. The Yaupon Garden Club meets at VMG for their meetings.

The garden club picked eleven live oaks in VMG to be paired with Civil War veterans. Five of the eleven soldiers selected were Vereen family members in order to play tribute to this family who was so gracious to donate this land and nature park area to Horry County. This past summer, we implemented a lunch and learn program. We placed a QR code on marketing material for this program that would take interested parties to our homepage of our website to obtain more information or to register.

The lunch and learn program had two guest speakers. One was Ben Burroughs who spoke on the history of the old Kings Highway (George Washington traveled this road) which goes through VMG. The other was Adam Emrick of our planning department, who spoke on the Horry County Patriot Tree project. After the presentations, we had lunch and the recreation staff took participants on a nature walk through VMG. On the nature walk, we visited the Patriot Trees selected in VMG that had the QR code markers. For those that did not have the QR code app on the phone, we taught them to go the app store, search QR code, and download the QR Code Reader app for free. If interested in viewing the dedication ceremony at VMG, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7SpY7sBvFk. This project is a perfect example of “Creating Communities through people, parks, and programs.”

BY BONNIE FITZ, RECREATION SUPERINTENDENT, DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS, CULTURAL AND LEISURE SERVICES, HORRY COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION

Horry County Parks and Recreation

Vereen Memorial Gardens


The City of Charleston Changes Approach to Youth Fitness Programs

Changing the Game


The City of Charleston Department of Recreation has looked at surveys, listened to comments, and viewed national trends. These trends show us children of younger ages need more of a fun and fitness approach to sports than that of a competition based atmosphere. In one of the articles studied and taken into consideration, the Change the Game Project states that “the goal of athletics for your very young child is to help him or her acquire Physical Literacy. A Physically Literate child has the fundamental movement skills and sport skills are learned as a child.” The article goes on to say “ Children ages 0-6 need to engage in daily, unstructured play by themselves, and with their peers, in order to develop the foundational physical literacy needed to become active for life.” With these findings in mind the City of Charleston Recreation Department has decided to take a leap of faith and overhaul the 3-6 age groups. These changes will be put into place in the spring of 2016.

Our 3-4 year old division will shift to a

non-sport specific clinic based program. These clinics will begin with dynamic stretching and then move into teaching the concepts of running, jumping, throwing, development of hand eye coordination, socialization in sports and love and exposure of all sports.

Our 5-6 year old division will do a combo clinic format that transitions into small sided games. This age group will be sport specific to soccer, football, basketball and baseball. Each clinic will start with a dynamic stretching drill then progress to cover a certain skill or aspect of the sport being taught. After the skill has been covered the coached will transition into small sided games and game play for the duration of the time.

Our staff has been working on this change for the past 10 months. Our goal is to make the transition as seamless as possible. We are also providing each volunteer coach with a coach’s manual as well as a coach training class on how to run the new program. The training sessions will cover a planned activity or

skill development that aims to increase the child’s sport specific learning. Coaches in both age groups will be trained to think outside of the box when it comes to their clinic. Coaches will be told to allow the kids to use their imagination when playing small sided games of teaching a skill. For example instead of telling the kids to take a lap to warm up and stretch, coaches will tell the kids that we are going to “warm up” by playing a game of tag or red-light green-light. The thought behind this is that kids ages 3-6 will want to play tag and will be more willing to leave their parents’ car or side instead of being told to run a lap which is not as fun.

We are looking into partnering with local organizations to help with training and supervision of both coaches and participants. Our hopes are to create healthier children, more skilled volunteers and instill a foundation for a lifetime of healthy play. We will complement this program and monitor numbers as well as survey participants afterwards in an effort to continually make improvements.

P.O. Box 1046Lexington, SC 29071-1046

SOUTH CAROLINARECREATION & PARKS ASSOCIATION

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South Carolina Recreation & Parks Association Fall 2015