Charleston County Parks Will Take Advantage of That with Its WHERE: Mount Pleasant Pier, 71 Harry M

COMMISSIONERS:

Andy Thomas, Chair

Teddy Manos, Vice Chair

Collin Bruner, Secretary-Treasurer

Dale Aren

Eduardo Curry

Lisa King

Mattese Lecque

David Bennett, Executive Director

Commission Update ______

January 17, 2018

Commission Meeting – Monday, January 22, 2018 - CCPRC Headquarters at 5:30 pm

Commission Meeting Agenda Highlights

New Business:

SCDNR Take One Make One (TOMO) Program Presentation:

LCPL Mark Ferrell, a SCDNR representative, will give the Commission information on their current program.

Action Items:

There are three items that will require Commission action on Monday evening (supplemental information attached).

Planning and Capital Projects Update:

Kevin Bowie will give an overall update on the Planning and Captial Projects as well as the approved 5-Year Capital Improvements Plan Projects.

Agency Highlight: Holiday Festival of Lghts Phil and Steve will give an update on the success of the 2017 Holiday Festival of Lights.

Election of Officers The Commission will elect a Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary-Treasurer. The Chair will appoint two Commissioners to the Finance Committee and one Commissioner as The Parklands Foundation Liason.

861 Riverland Drive  Charleston, South Carolina 29412  (843) 762-2172  FAX (843) 762-2683 1 CHARLESTON COUNTY PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING 861 RIVERLAND DRIVE, CHARLESTON, SC, 29412 MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2018

AGENDA I. Call To Order And Welcome Thomas

A. Introduction of Guests and Notification to Media

II. Public Comments/Presentations Thomas

III. Approval of Minutes Thomas

A. (ACTION) Approval of December 18, 2017 Regular Commission Meeting Minutes

IV. Old Business A. None

V. New Business A. SCDNR Take One Make One (TOMO) Program Presentation Thomas B. Planning and Capital Projects Report Bowie C. Financial Report McManus a. (Action) Schroder Community Center Courts Renovations Contract b. (Action) McLeod Plantation Stabilization II Contract c. (Action) General Contractor New Waterpark Attraction Contract D. Agency Highlight: Holiday Festival of Lights Macchia/Hutton E. Election of Officers Thomas

VI. Next Meeting A. Regular Commission Meeting, Monday, February 26, 2018, 5:30pm at CCPRC Headquarters, Charleston, SC

2 UNAPPROVED MINUTES CHARLESTON COUNTY PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING 861 RIVERLAND DRIVE, CHARLESTON, SC, 29412 MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2017

Commission Members Present: Mr. Andy Thomas, Mr. Teddy Manos, Mr. Collin Bruner, Ms. Dale Aren, Mr. Eduardo Curry, Ms. Lisa King, and Ms. Mattese Lecque

Commission Members Absent:

Staff Present: Mr. David Bennett, Mr. Kevin Bowie, Mr. Charlie McManus, Ms. Donna Gueldner, Ms. Gina Ellis- Strother, Ms. Jan Coulter, Ms. Julie Hensley, Mr. Phil Macchia, Ms. Patty Newshutz, Mr. Steve Hutton, Mr. Tommy Hale, Ms. Melissa Muse, Ms. Heather Newman, and Ms. Shanté Ellis

Legal Counsel Present: Mr. Dwayne Green

Guests Present: None

I. Call to Order and Welcome

A. Introduction of Guests and Notification to Media

The Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission met on Monday, December 18, 2017 at the CCPRC Headquarters, Charleston, SC. Mr. Thomas, Chair, called the meeting to order and welcomed those in attendance. Mr. Thomas informed those present that notification of the meeting had been sent to the local news media and others requesting notification and asked that the record reflects the Commissioners present.

II. Public Comments

A. None

III. Approval of Minutes

A. (ACTION) Approval of minutes of November 20, 2017 Regular Commission Meeting

Motion to approve the minutes of the November 20, 2017 Regular Commission Meeting was made by Ms. Lecque, seconded by Ms. Aren, and approved by the Commission. (#048-1718)

IV. Old Business

A. None

V. New Business

A. Planning and Capital Projects Report

Mr. Bowie presented an update on the following Commission approved Capital Projects: o Upcoming RFPs expected to be presented for approval at the next Commission Meeting: . Waterpark Attractions at Whirlin’ Waters and Splash Zone Invitation for Bid Closes January 12, 2018 . McLeod Plantation Stabilization Request for Proposals due January 11, 2018

3 Regular Commission Meeting December 18, 2017 Page 2 of 4

o Pending Commission Approval: . Rural Pool Complex Town of Hollywood’s Infrastructure Request o In Progress . Johns Island County Park . Folly Beach County Park . Bulow County Park Mater Planning begins FY19-20 . Cooper River Marina . Rural Pool Complex RFP – Hollywood . Campground Restroom Renovations

Mr. Manos asked for a copy of the assessment on the Cooper River Marina well in advance of the meeting to allow more review time.

a) Executive Session: Contractual and Personnel Matters

Motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss contractual and personnel matters was made by Ms. King, seconded by Ms. Lecque, and approved by the Commission. (#049-1718)

Upon coming out of Executive Session, the Chair stated contractual and personnel matters were discussed.

B. Financial Report

Mr. McManus presented and reviewed the financial reports for the month of November; there were no further questions from the Commission.

a. (ACTION) Town of Hollywood Water and Sewer Infrastructure Reimbursement Request

Motion to reimburse the Town of Hollywood for water and sewer infrastructure through Carolina Contracting with a total cost reimbursement estimated to be $ 81,325.00 was made by Mr. Manos, seconded by Ms. Lecque, and approved by the Commission. (#050-1718)

b. (ACTION) ExecuTime Time Clock Purchase

Mr. Bruner asked about a mobile solution research. Ms. Muse noted that the research for mobile solutions was completed and based on geofencing capabilities that are being researched by ExecuTime. Mr. Manos asked for reasoning for needing to switch out. Mr. Bowie noted that the current time clocks won’t work with the new software. He also noted that the staff and ExecuTime have spent a number of hours discussing various approaches, but due to the varying employee types and the agency’s inability to dictate personal cell phone usage for agency business this was the recommended approach to ensure time/wage accuracy.

Motion to purchase replacement time clocks in the amount of $95,000 from Tyler Technologies with funds coming from the General Agency IT Budget was made by Ms. Lecque, seconded by Ms. Aren, and approved by the Commission. Mr. Bruner abstained from the vote. (#051-1718)

4 Regular Commission Meeting December 18, 2017 Page 3 of 4

c. (ACTION) Computer Work Station Replacement

Motion to purchase 55 workstations and laptops in the amount of $53,000 from Applied Data under SC State Contract with funding coming from the General Agency IT Budget was made by Ms. King, seconded by Mr. Curry, and approved by the Commission. (#052-1718)

d. (ACTION) Reserve America Sole Source Procurement

Motion to enter into a sole source contract with Reserve America for our Campground Reservation System with the funds coming from the approved IT budget for 2018 was made by Mr. Curry, seconded by Ms. Lecque, and approved by the Commission. (#053-1718)

C. The Parklands Foundation Update

Ms. King, The Parklands Foundation Commission Liaison, presented the following update to the Commission on the progress made by the Parklands Foundation:

2017 Overview  Vision Review: o The Parklands Foundation of Charleston County has a vision to identify, develop, and sustain projects that actively encourage people to experience the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission’s facilities, programs, and services for the benefit of living a healthier and safer lifestyle.  Successes: o Pass it Forward 1. Clarified Purpose: PRC coordinates programs and the Pass it Forward will raise the funds and committee members will participate in the program (when desired). 2. SK8 Forward 3. Johns Island Lacrosse Program 4. Supper with Santa 5. Holiday Festival of Lights Sand Sculpture o Genesis 1. Started Construction of First Pool to be opened in spring/summer 2019 2. Swim For It 3. Plan 2018 Oyster Roast 4. Portable Pool Program o YTD Financial Overview

2018 Outlook  Administration/Administrative Board o Transition to new Parkland Organization structure o Emphasize Committee Structure  Pass It Forward o Continue with SK8 Forward o Continue with Lacrosse Program o Continue with Supper with Santa o Continue with Sand Sculpture Program o Finalize and Fund CCPRC Request List o Add an “interpretation” element to the scope of Pass It Forward  Genesis Project 5 Regular Commission Meeting December 18, 2017 Page 4 of 4

o Expand Swim For It Program o Representation on Project team for Hollywood Pool o Plan the Pool Grand Opening Event for Spring of 2019 o Continue with the Portable Pool Program o Grow the number of Committee Members o Awareness – Awareness – Awareness

Mr. Thomas discussed the procedure for having staff bring each piece of property to the Commission for consideration. Mr. Thomas asked the Commissioners consider potentially changing the procedure. Ms. King noted that she agreed with Mr. Thomas with the exception of property with water access. Mr. Manos noted that if the properties are not fiscally responsible then Commission could be put on notice or set up an on-site visit. Mr. Bennett noted that in the past, when the Commission gets a call about a property, they have been forwarded to the Executive Director and directed to the Planning Director. Mr. Bruner noted that it would be more consistent that the staff bring their property recommendations forward for Commission consideration.

Mr. Thomas asked Mr. Bennett to discuss his recent receipt of the SCPRA Professional of the Year Award. David noted, on December 13, he was honored with the South Carolina Recreation and Park Association’s (SCRPA) Professional of the Year award during their annual conference. He noted that the SCRPA Professional of the Year nominee must be in the parks and recreation profession at least 15 years, a member of SCRPA for at least five years, and professionally certified through the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). This award considers service, leadership, and character. David stated that he was humbled by the award and would not be able to have this honor without the great PRC staff that continues to make the agency a success.

VIII. Next Meeting

Regular Commission Meeting, Monday, January 22, 2017, 5:30pm at CCPRC Headquarters, Charleston, SC

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Thomas, Chair Shanté Ellis, Executive Administrative Manager

6 November 2017 Checks Over $7,500

Date Check # Vendor Description Amount General Agency 11/2/2017 20047 B2BUV, LLC 11 Club Cars $ 101,095.32 11/2/2017 20055 Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Charleston Visitor Guide $ 9,600.00 11/2/2017 20063 Deere & Company FBCP JD Gator for Med Bed $ 64,078.84 11/2/2017 20065 Forms and Supply, Inc Conference Room Furniture $ 7,964.67 11/2/2017 20090 Vic Bailey Ford Support Cargo Van $ 32,525.00 11/9/2017 20120 Greene Finney & Horton, LLP Financial statement audit 2017 $ 10,000.00 11/16/2017 20195 Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC HR hallway - new HVAC duct work $ 13,160.00 11/21/2017 20248 Deere & Company JOICP JD 625I Gator $ 10,926.41 11/30/2017 20323 Charleston County Treasurer Property taxes for FBFP $ 12,122.66

Capital Improvement Projects 11/2/2017 1052 Blutide Marine Construction PI marsh boardwalks construction $ 71,587.80 11/2/2017 1054 Commercial Steel Builders LLC Mullet Hall stable repairs $ 70,908.00 11/2/2017 1055 Hydro Corporation FBFP repairs $ 34,025.00 11/2/2017 20089 Treat & Woodman, LLC Old Towne stabilization construction $ 40,795.42 11/2/2017 20091 Water Technology, Inc JISZ water feature design $ 204,350.00 11/9/2017 20109 Commercial Steel Builders LLC Mullet Hall stable repairs $ 44,324.00 11/16/2017 20166 Brunson Construction Co Hollywood Pool Bonds $ 24,174.00 11/16/2017 20199 Stantec Consulting Services, Inc Old Towne master plan $ 19,726.60 11/30/2017 20292 Commercial Steel Builders LLC Mullet Hall stable repairs $ 61,673.00 11/30/2017 20317 Seamon Whiteside & Assoc, Inc Wannamaker master plan $ 37,360.30 11/30/2017 20321 Water Technology, Inc JISZ water feature consulting $ 64,191.51

7 Combined Support, Park and Recreation Services November 2017

Combined Revenues Prior YTD Actuals Year To date Actuals Current Year Budget % of Budget Support Services 1,121,943 1,460,174 14,952,860 10% Park Services 5,865,863 6,073,890 13,617,195 45% Recreation Services 722,396 591,211 1,867,470 32% Total Revenue 7,710,202 8,125,275 30,437,525 27%

Combined Expenses Support Services 3,368,378 3,415,366 8,965,160 38% Park Services 5,587,435 6,062,683 16,219,005 37% Recreation Services 1,644,426 1,497,666 4,367,605 34% Total Expenses 10,600,239 10,975,715 29,551,770 37% Change in Fund Balance (2,890,037) (2,850,440) 885,755

8 Support Services November 2017

Revenues Prior YTD Actuals Year To date Actuals Current Year Budget % of Budget Administration Millage 970,935 1,333,179 14,742,570 9% Administration 79,299 84,381 103,500 82% Marketing 40,840 42,000 61,000 69% Safety 30,870 614 45,790 1% Total Revenue 1,121,944 1,460,174 14,952,860 10%

Expenses Administration 500,723 487,530 996,975 49% Call Center 147,991 139,176 401,645 35% Capital Projects 195,580 165,568 545,540 30% Executive 547,979 961,663 1,649,045 58% Financial Services 319,572 368,371 994,065 37% Human Resources 206,794 179,810 659,575 27% Information Technology 797,636 463,522 1,711,990 27% Marketing 380,766 351,521 1,025,150 34% Planning 114,581 160,606 499,195 32% Safety 156,756 137,597 481,980 29% Total Expenses 3,368,378 3,415,364 8,965,160 38% Change in Fund Balance (2,246,434) (1,955,190) 5,987,700

9 Park Services November 2017

Revenues Prior YTD Actuals Year To date Actuals Current Year Budget % of Budget Administration 330,056 163,948 167,275 98% Caw Caw Interpretive Center 9,627 13,626 35,490 38% Cooper River Marina 447,469 473,593 763,915 62% Folly Beach County Park 144,177 204,611 380,735 54% Folly Beach Fishing Pier 501,226 540,753 1,037,930 52% Isle of Palms County Park 284,010 363,299 785,270 46% James Island County Park 1,812,996 1,960,707 5,147,360 38% Johns Island County Park 81,281 56,190 127,835 44% Kiawah Beachwalker Park 123,112 163,145 349,435 47% Laurel Hill Plantation 4,629 3,113 12,340 25% Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park 271,659 270,413 715,415 38% Mount Pleasant Pier 153,846 144,733 298,745 48% North Charleston Wannamaker County Park 1,511,237 1,424,812 3,154,205 45% Old Towne Creek County Park 750 750 15,670 5% SK8 Charleston ‐ 40,057 64,660 62% The Lake House at Bulow 72,950 71,420 171,950 42% The McLeod Plantation 116,839 178,719 388,965 46% Total Revenue 5,865,864 6,073,889 13,617,195 45%

Expenses Administration 472,242 459,477 1,307,315 35% Caw Caw Interpretive Center 97,284 96,500 280,670 34% Cooper River Marina 230,925 172,092 512,300 34% Folly Beach County Park 82,225 169,625 346,725 49% Folly Beach Fishing Pier 421,332 419,461 1,025,735 41% Isle of Palms County Park 205,730 231,142 556,370 42% James Island County Park 1,534,978 1,688,015 4,550,090 37% Johns Island County Park 164,252 182,343 443,475 41% Kiawah Beachwalker Park 123,062 117,619 349,595 34% Laurel Hill Plantation 4,000 7,264 25,555 28% Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park 430,046 422,767 1,111,490 38% Mount Pleasant Pier 139,496 156,011 427,015 37% North Charleston Wannamaker County Park 1,084,400 1,137,064 2,821,785 40% Old Towne Creek County Park 12,608 9,985 45,600 22% SK8 Charleston 2,340 77,874 193,205 40% The Lake House at Bulow 16,696 62,127 128,775 48% The McLeod Plantation 73,903 87,613 314,115 28% Undeveloped Properties & HQ Maintenance 491,914 565,704 1,779,190 32% Total Expenses 5,587,433 6,062,683 16,219,005 37% Change in Fund Balance 278,431 11,206 (2,601,810)

10 Recreation Services November 2017

Revenue Prior YTD Actuals Year To date Actuals Current Year Budget % of Budget Accessibility 1,784 2,622 3,335 79% Community Recreation 60,646 40,194 170,975 24% Interpretive 36,671 34,056 134,400 25% Outdoor 308,793 306,672 807,775 38% Special Events 218,463 123,421 505,750 24% Runs, Races & Fitness 96,038 84,246 245,235 34% Total Revenue 722,395 591,211 1,867,470 32%

Expenses Administration 311,328 206,973 576,990 36% Accessibility 4,181 7,556 29,130 26% Community Recreation 361,337 358,261 948,340 38% Interpretive 205,495 236,483 692,490 34% Outdoor 369,091 382,830 1,206,785 32% Special Events 204,415 174,428 496,805 35% Runs, Races & Fitness 188,578 131,136 417,065 31% Total Expenses 1,644,425 1,497,667 4,367,605 34% Change in Fund Balance (922,030) (906,456) (2,500,135)

MEMORANDUM

TO: David Bennett FROM: Charlie McManus DATE: January 17, 2018 RE: Schroder Community Center Courts Renovations Contract Approval

An invitation for bid was issued and publically advertised for the Schroder Community Center Outdoor Courts Renovations project; one firm responded.

Wildwood Contractors, Inc. submitted a bid in the amount of $226,128 which was negotiated to $168,718.

A NRPA/Disney “Meet Me at the Park” grant for $40,000 as well as two PARD grants totaling $64,583 were awarded for this project. A third PARD grant for $27,252 has been applied for funding. These grants, if the last PARD grant is approved, will reimburse CCPRC $131,834 for the project.

The Community Recreation Schroder Outdoor Courts Renovation project is budgeted from the following General Agency GL line: 12600000 82710 8215.

Recommend approval to enter into contract with Wildwood Contractors, Inc., in the amount of not to exceed $168,718 with funds coming from the approved General Agency Budget.

MEMORANDUM

TO: David Bennett FROM: Charles McManus DATE: January 17, 2018 Re: McLeod Plantation Stabilization II Contract Approval

A request for proposal was issued for the McLeod Plantation Stabilization II project; four firms responded.

Huss, Inc. provided the best overall proposal through the best value price and technical evaluation. Staff recommends the Commission approve an award with a not exceed budget of $382,775.

This project received a reimbursable Federal grant for $100,000 from the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor.

The McLeod Plantation – Out Buildings Permanent Stabilization project is budgeted from the following CIP GL line: 20002795 90070 8150.

Recommend approval to enter into a contract with Huss Inc. for McLeod Plantation Stabilization II in the amount of $382,775, with the funds coming from the approved CIP budget.

MEMORANDUM

TO: David Bennett FROM: Charles McManus DATE: January 17, 2018 Re: General Contractor New Waterpark Attraction Contract Approval

An invitation to bid was issued for a general contractor for the New Waterpark Attraction project at James Island County Park Splash Zone; one firm responded.

Staff recommends the Commission approve an award with Brantley Construction Company, Inc., with a not to exceed budget of $1,200,000. This includes an allowance for pool construction which will be negotiated prior to contract signing.

The Splash Zone New Waterpark Attraction project is budgeted from the following CIP GL line: 20002795 90070 8165.

Recommend approval to enter into a contract with Brantley Construction Company, Inc., for a general contractor for the Splash Zone New Waterpark Attraction project with a not to exceed amount of $1,200,000.00 with funds coming from the approved CIP budget.

Love for Natural Places: How It Shapes Our Coast and Affects Us All

By Joey Holleman / VOLUME 30, NUMBER 3, SUMMER/FALL 2017

South Carolina’s coastal residents revel in the natural world Tidal marshes and cypress swamps were bug-infested places that envelopes them, whether fishing in saltwater creeks, to avoid, except when gathering oysters or planting and hunting waterfowl on former rice impoundments, or simply harvesting sea island cotton and rice. taking in the sights from the marshes to the upland pine There were exceptions. Elizabeth Allston Pringle wrote forests. lovingly in Chronicles of Chicora Wood about the flowers The land and water returns the embrace, providing homes for ringing the wetlands at her family’s plantation in Georgetown wildlife, relief from the stress of day-to-day life, and venues County in the middle 1800s. Her brother Charley’s reaction for activities that make hearts and minds fulfilled. when her family regained control of Chicora Wood after the Civil War, however, was more typical of the times. “It was the That mutual affection is a coastal way of life – love our greatest happiness to him that we were moving back to natural areas, do something to make them healthier, and Chicora, and that he was going to plant the place,” she wrote. their renewed embrace will make you feel better. In the early 1900s, appreciation for the natural world began This healthy symbiosis harkens back to pre-European days, to change, Halifax says. The national conservation movement when native tribes along the coast moved their inland villages pushed by John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt took hold. Soon from time to time to let the soil in agricultural plots recover the federal government was buying critical land to protect nutrients. They also set fires in surrounding woodlands, natural landscapes, first as national parks but later as recognizing that cleared understory improved the health of national forests and wildlife refuges. forests.

When Europeans arrived, however, coastal landscapes became more important as a spur for commerce. Trees were cut for timber and naval stores and to make way for fields of cotton, and dams and dikes were built to direct freshwater into rice fields.

Well into the late 1800s, coastal residents hunted and fished to gather sustenance, and they paddled canoes as their means of transportation. Land-owners in that period viewed “the natural world as something to exploit, and if exploitation opportunities were not readily obvious, then it wasa wasteland,” says Shawn Halifax, coordinator of historical interpretation for the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission.

Love for Natural Places —continued

Around the same time, the watercolors of Charleston’s Alice investment because they appreciated romping in nature after Ravenel Huger Smith invited people to experience the waterfowl, quail, or deer. fanciful wildlife and ethereal beauty of South Carolina’s cypress swamps, and McClellanville’s Archibald Rutledge’s But they also fell in love with the land. Wall Street financier short stories poetically extolled the state’s coastal creeks and Bernard Baruch often retreated to Hobcaw Barony, land he hummocks. had purchased in Georgetown County. Spending time in the natural setting “helped clear my mind and refresh me “The foliage on the overhanging live-oaks is always lustrous; physically for any future actions,” he wrote. the coloring on the water-oaks is brightest in mid-winter; the cypresses and tupelos and gums are festooned with Spanish The hunt club trend also meant large parcels hadn’t been moss, and with riotous plumy sprays of smilax and yellow broken up into smaller estates. Those tracts were available jasmine,” Rutledge wrote in Paddling Them Up. along South Carolina’s coast when the federal government, prompted by the growing conservation movement, decided “Here and there along the shore are glimmering sandbars, to begin protecting wild places in the 1920s. Between 1927 dim receding bays, estuaries retiring mistily into alluring and 1936, the government purchased more than 9,000 acres thickets of sweet myrtle, towered over by momentous of former rice lands to start Savannah National Wildlife pines.” Refuge along the Georgia border. It has since grown to 29,000 acres. Appreciation for nature deeply rooted in coastal soils In 1930, portions of 13 plantations were purchased for the Also in the early 1900s, a renewed obligation to care for original 33,000 acres of Cape Romain National Wildlife special natural places began to grow in South Carolina, as Refuge, now covering 66,000 acres in northern Charleston detailed in Virginia C. Beach’s 2014 book Rice and Ducks: The County. From 1933-1936, the federal government bought Surprising Convergence that Saved the Lowcountry. almost 400,000 acres for national forests in South Carolina, including the coastal portion of Francis Marion National The trend began when land speculators, some local residents Forest. but many from the northern states, began buying up former plantations from cash-starved owners after the Civil War. Some landowners elected to protect their land from Without free labor by enslaved workers, the economy of development themselves. Archer Huntington, heir to a large cotton and rice plantations had failed. But vast northern railroad magnate, and his wife Anna set up a legal landholdings could be managed as hunt clubs less framework in 1931 that led to their nearly 9,000 acres expensively, and controlled flooding of former fresh- becoming Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State water rice impoundments created ideal stopovers for Park. Belle W. Baruch, Bernard’s daughter, in 1964 migratory waterfowl. designated 16,000-acre Hobcaw Barony as a research facility, now shared by Clemson University and the University of Beach wrote “the Yankees of the second northern invasion” South Carolina. Santee Gun Club donated 23,000 Santee worked with locals to “rescue a landscape and a culture.” delta acres in 1974 to The Nature Conservancy (TNC), which They didn’t come south to rescue a landscape; they made the eventually turned the land over to the S.C. Department of

Love for Natural Places —continued

Natural Resources (SCDNR). Boston Red Sox owner Tom to protect it,’ ” says Ashley Demosthenes, president and chief Yawkey in 1976 willed most of three islands, nearly 20,000 executive officer of Lowcountry Land Trust. “They understand acres, at the mouth of Winyah Bay to SCDNR. there are some tax benefits. But mostly they love this place, and they realize their land can contribute to what they love.” South of Charleston, in the vast drainage of the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto rivers, private protection came later Add in state and federal property, and more than 1 million and took a different track. In the 1980s, the possibility of a acres, nearly 22 percent of South Carolina’s coastal land, is large marina development on the Edisto River prompted local protected. The protected property serves as buffers to landowners and conservation groups to come up with a plan development north and south of the Charleston metro area to blunt urban sprawl. They would utilize conservation as well as havens for wildlife. easements, which allow landowners to give up development rights on their property in return for future tax benefits. Giving back: “Isn’t it just the right thing to do?” The plan depended on landowners having an appreciation of natural areas they owned that superseded their desire to Of course, protecting land isn’t the only way to give back to profit from the property’s sale. nature. Eugene DuPont, who used to travel from his home in the Philadelphia area to hunt on his family’s nearly 10,000 Ducks Unlimited (DU), TNC, and SCDNR provided funds and acres on the Combahee River along U.S. 17, embraced expertise, and Senator Ernest Hollings made sure the federal managing land for the benefit of wildlife. government was a strong partner in what became known as the ACE Basin initiative. By 2015, more than 217,000 acres of DuPont’s legacy lives on in the Nemours Wildlife Foundation, formed shortly before his death in 1995 with the dual the 350,000-acre ACE Basin were protected either under conservation easement or as government-owned property. purpose of preserving his coastal property and using it as a training ground for wildlife property managers. Interns who “It set a standard of how to get conservation done on a large came through the Nemours program now manage several scale through collaboration between private landowners, major SCDNR Wildlife Management Areas. conservation groups, and government agencies,” says Mark Robertson, executive director of TNC’s South Carolina “Most students in wildlife biology are coming from an urban environment,” says Mike McShane, Dupont’s son-in-law and chapter. a former chairman of the SCDNR Board. “They’re exposed to This was coastal South Carolina’s 20th century version of the coastal ecosystem in classrooms. symbiosis. People decided to make sure the wild places they owned stayed inviting to the plants and wildlife that drew “We thought this would be a wonderful way to start them there in the first place. In the eight coastal counties, education outreach and bring undergraduate and graduate slightly more than 500,000 acres of private property were wildlife management students here to learn. They could learn under some form of easement by 2017, according to about how a rice field trunk is built, how to manage it with Lowcountry Land Trust. the tides. They can’t learn that in a classroom.”

“People call us and say ‘I own this property. It was given to The forests on James Island were classrooms for Ted Ford, me by my mother or my father or my grandfather, and I want who grew up in the 1960s when the island was a sleepy

Love for Natural Places —continued

Charleston suburb where houses shared space with natural Managing the pond for birds requires a lot of effort and areas. “I would come home from school and get the beagle money, but Ford never considered any other option. “Not to and go out rabbit hunting,” he says. “I’d just find the first be camp about it,” he says, “but isn’t it just the right thing to thicket and hunt there. That became my identity and was the do?” start of my becoming an outdoorsman.” Others give back at their own scale Like many hunters, he went through the taking stage as a young man and graduated to the give-back stage. In 2004, Despite the conservation movement, exploring nature simply Ford bought a 475-acre tract on the Little Salkehatchie River for enjoyment remained mostly an upper-class experience in Colleton County as a recreational getaway, mainly for until economic and technological advances in the second half hunting. He knew birds used the 50-acre pond on the of the 20th century built a middle class with more time for property as a roost, but he had no idea how many flocked to leisure activities. the pond. By the early 21st century, hunting and fishing were as much “I was getting ready for a turkey hunt on a neighbor’s about having fun as about gathering food. In a 2006 survey property and went to look at my property, and the pond was by natural resource polling organization Responsive just full of birds,” Ford says. “Holy moly! There were Management, 22 percent of hunters listed meat as the thousands of birds.” primary focus of their time in the field, while 61 percent cited recreation, family time, or to be close with nature. There were white ibis in huge numbers, and also little blue herons, green herons, night herons, and egrets. Wood storks, Meanwhile, many more people began hiking coastal trails or only recently re-establishing their population in the state, paddling waterways in canoes or kayaks, simply to enjoy love the sturdy branches of the pond’s cypress and tupelo trees.

Birds roost in spring and summer, looking from a distance like thousands of white ornaments, their numbers doubled to the eye because of the reflection in clear water below. Alligators in the pond keep away raccoons and other egg predators.

Ford realized with that initial discovery he had one of the largest rookeries in the state, and he felt a massive responsibility. Experts at the SCDNR, DU, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service helped him put together a management plan that includes maintenance of the pond’s dam and levee system and the careful use of herbicides in the roosting off-season to keep the pond clear of algal species that could impact birds.

Love for Natural Places —continued interacting with and viewing wildlife. “Me and him became the strength of the hunt for many years. People want to know how I get there quick to keep the The growing ranks of nature lovers do what they can to hounds on the line. It’s because he know, an’ I know how to embrace the places they explore. Hundreds each year go listen to him.” through training to become South Carolina Master Naturalists, a Clemson Extension effort. They study flora and Green and his wife Sara Reynolds Green now run Gullah Grub fauna in 12 all-day sessions spread out over three months. restaurant on St. Helena Island, and conduct back-to-nature They also are required to perform 30 hours of volunteer classes for young people. “We work with the kids, teaching work, and for many that’s just the start. them how to live off the land, how to use the creek, how to share love and kindness,” Bill Green says. “If we can really get Master naturalists have formed a cadre of citizen scientists the kids involved, we can get them back on the creek and and volunteers who help with projects. In the Georgetown back on the farm.” area, they help the Waccamaw Riverkeeper take water- quality samples and assist SCDNR in monitoring sea turtle In his upper 60s, Bill Green is working with youngsters nests. In the Charleston area, they lend their labor to oyster- growing up a couple of generations after he did. He finds reef restoration programs and an effort to rescue least tern them all too often looking down at their smart phones chicks that fall from urban nests. instead of out at the natural world around them. But not all younger folks are so oblivious to what they have outside “Every group that takes volunteers loves to have master those small screens. naturalists because we have the education and can speak about the environment, and we have shown the dedication Thirty-year-old Casey Davidson has an old soul when it comes to go through that class and come out and volunteer,” says to coastal natural areas. He grew up in the Beaufort area in a Debbie Seabrook, president of the Coastal Master Naturalist family that has been working in saltwater creeks and offshore Association in Charleston. waters for generations. “I learned to throw a cast net when I was six or seven,” Davidson says. “The whole culture of my Bill Green was a master of natural settings long before the family is shaped by the coast and shaped by the water master naturalist program began. Growing up in an African- because that’s all we’ve ever known or done.” American enclave on James Island, he hunted, fished, and plucked oysters as a child. An expert horseman and dog Davidson considered going to law school before landing an handler, he went on to lead hundreds of organized deer and internship during college with the Coastal Conservation fox hunts, mostly in the swamps and pine forests around Association, a marine resources advocacy group. That led to a Middleton Place near Charleston. job with a fishing equipment manufacturer. He left that role last year to start his own company, Toadfish Outfitters, in With a powerful voice and the lyrical syntax of the Gullah sea part because he wanted to do more to give back to the island culture, he’s also an acclaimed storyteller. natural areas so special to him.

“I had a horse name Mike,” Green says. “If I didn’t feel good Toadfish’s first product is an ergonomic oyster knife, and in the mornin’ time, he give me a break. If he jump Davidson donates a portion of the proceeds from each knife somethin’, he take it easy with me until I get my head right. sold to an oyster restoration program. He also tries to spread

Love for Natural Places —continued awareness. When he shucks oysters at events to When Campbell first drove over from Atlanta to try coastal demonstrate his knives, he explains the loss of oyster kayaking, “I found a Sea Kayak Carolina meet-up group, and habitat and the need for restoration. through them got hooked,” he says. “They welcomed me with open arms.” “You wouldn’t believe the number of people I talk to who have no idea that when you eat an oyster you take the shell When the previous owners decided to sell the business, and you recycle it,” Davidson says. “You put it back in Campbell partnered with Cosslett to buy it. The move has recycling centers around the state, and then they put that worked out well. Not only do they have kayaking knowledge, shell back into the habitat, and it grows oysters. I think they understand the viewpoint of the out-of-state tourists there’s just a big educational gap now with the diversity from looking to experience the coast from the water. all over the world living here.” “I love taking people out on the water who haven’t been The Gullah term for those coming here from elsewhere is exposed to watersports and showing them they can do it,” comyas. The owners of Sea Kayak Carolina fall in that Cosslett says. “It changes them. They start out scared. Then category. Joe Campbell grew up in Boston and moved here they see they can do it and it relaxes them. Then they can from Atlanta. Bev Cosslett is originally from Colorado and appreciate their surroundings.” came to Charleston from New York. They both settled in this area in part for its wealth of nature-based recreation In return, nature serves as therapy possibilities, especially paddling. At an international tuberculosis conference in Paris back in 1888, Dr. R.C.M. Page, a professor at New York Polyclinic Medical School, touted the health benefits of coastal South Carolina.

“If the patient has heart complications with lung trouble, by no means send him to high altitudes, or he will probably die,” Page said. “Do not send him either to Florida, where damp fogs are pretty sure to do serious harm. In any case choose rather among low, dry altitudes, in a pine region, where the air is charged with derivatives of turpentine; I refer to such places as Summerville, South Carolina.”

This came at the height of the sanitarium movement, when people from urban areas were re- treating to resort-like facilities, often in mountain settings, to relieve all manner of illnesses. The science behind Page’s claim was weak, but Sum- merville inn owners latched onto the 7

Love for Natural Places —continued comment and used it in advertisements in northern anterior region of the brain high in opioid receptors becomes newspapers. particularly active. A forest or a marsh really can be your physiological happy place. More than a century later, researchers increasingly are revealing the scientific validity of that early back-to-nature These findings dovetail with studies that revealed a 40- movement — not the dry vs. damp environment or minute walk in a forest, or even a window in a room with a turpentine-infused air, but the general curative powers of natural view, can improve mood, increase vigor, and reduce spending time in natural areas. It’s all in our heads. stress. Much of the leading research in this field has been done in Japan, growing out of a recent health movement Eva Selhub and Alan Logan detail the research in Your Brain called shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. on Nature: The Science of Nature’s Influence on Your Health, Happiness, and Vitality. With recent technological break- Another hotbed of nature-as-healer research is Great Britain, throughs in functional magnetic resonance imaging and home to Green Gym and Blue Gym movements that electroencephalograms, scientists can track activity inside the encourage volunteering and exercising in natural settings. In brain. When research volunteers are shown nature views, an one study, researchers created a smartphone app called Mappiness, which at random times asks users how happy they are and then uses GPS technology to map their location. About 22,000 participants downloaded the app, and they logged 1.1 million responses.

Simply being in marine and coastal areas boosted happiness levels by 5.2 percent.

“The brain is absolutely influenced by nature, and it is no longer an option to write off the philosophers and poets as mere romantic dreamers,” Selhub and Logan wrote. “Our perception of stress, our mental state, our immunity, our happiness, and our resilience are all chemically influenced by the nervous system and its response to the natural environment.”

Paul Sandifer, director of the College of Charleston’s Center for Coastal Environmental and Human Health and a 8

Love for Natural Places —continued former director of SCDNR, believed in the concept before Seabrook, the master naturalist who has lived in the shinrin-yoku and blue gyms became trendy. Charleston area since her early childhood, considered taking a job in Washington, D.C., a few years ago. But then she When Sandifer was a child, his older brother contracted recognized the restorative powers of the S.C. coast and polio. The family physician suggested spending as much time turned down the job. in the water as possible to deal with muscle weakness caused by the ailment. So the family spent the summer at Pawleys “I went up and looked for a place to live, and I felt bad,” she Island, where his brother could swim all he wanted. The says. “I came back to Charleston and smelled pluff mud, and I painful symptoms were relieved, and Sandifer would forever felt better. I just had homesickness, and pluff mud cured it.” swear by the restorative powers of the coast. A dozen of the next generation of potential pluff-mud “It’s interesting to see evidence from the medical profession enthusiasts gathered at Folly Beach County Park on a summer is beginning to prove that idea,” Sandifer says. “They’re morning for the last day of Clemson Extension’s 4-H20 putting real science on what people have known intrinsically summer camp. The youngsters had spent the week exploring for many, many years.” coastal watersheds. They paddled canoes in Four Holes Swamp, pulled seines at Folly Beach, and got to witness the The benefit of spending time in natural areas is difficult to put magnificence of a painted bunting up close at Botany Bay into words, like defining love. But those who love coastal Plantation Wildlife Management Area. They also learned how South Carolina’s natural wonders are well aware they benefit the swamp serves as a filter to clean water, how plastic from the relationship more than the environment they work pollution harms wildlife, and how erosion impacts coastal to protect. islands.

Toadfish Outfitters’ Davidson teared up trying to describe his The campers entered the week with an appreciation for the attachment to the coast. “It’s 5:30 a.m., and I’m pushed back nature and came away with a better understanding of their into a creek, and the sun’s rising,” he says. “Even if you don’t obligation to care for their coastal home. Cravens Kapluck, catch a fish, you’re looking out and a blue heron lights, or you for instance, is an avid fisherman. The camp made the see dolphin strand feeding, or a redfish tail pops up in the 13-year-old think about ways to give back to the natural grass. It’s in your soul. It renourishes you.” world he wants to spend time in. He’s leaning toward a career in engineering. Seeing the damage Hurricane Matthew McShane, in describing a morning in former rice fields at did to the beach at Botany Bay made him consider working in Nemours Plantation, says “seeing a sunrise over the ACE erosion control. Basin is affirmation of a greater being.” Could our affection for natural areas backfire? Green talks of walking long dirt roads shaded by live oaks along the Ashley River or on St. Helena Island. “I’m in an area Some coastal residents fear we could love our natural areas that’s so quiet and sacred and peaceful. It gives my mind a to death. Photographer Susan Roberts is among those. She chance to open up. It’s the simple stuff you don’t have to grew up in Delaware and fell in love with Edisto Island when have a million dollars to enjoy.” scouting a place to retire with her husband in the 1980s.

Love for Natural Places —continued

“I was drawn by the ocean, the creeks, the marsh, the live Reaction to the ban was more whimsical than angry. Visitors oaks, the Spanish moss, and just the relative undeveloped began using the largest shells to decorate driftwood on the nature of it,” Roberts says. “We sailed down here and beach. Lines of whelks form spines on long logs. Other shells anchored the boat in the marsh. It just happened to be one perch on the fronds of palmetto trees. It was an infectious of those incredible nights when the sun sets on one side and way to celebrate the beach’s shells without hauling them off. the full moon rises on the other side. That just clinched it.” The love for the place showed as volunteers flocked to Roberts’ photographs are infused with her deep appreciation Botany Bay, offering to assist any way they could. About 100 of the unspoiled natural areas of Edisto Island and the ACE volunteers regularly perform cleanups, present educational Basin. She worries about the future of some of the island’s programs, and even provide historical preservation expertise special places, especially Botany Bay Plantation. for the plantation’s old structures.

The 3,363-acre site, deeded to SCDNR by a private Attendance has grown to the 70,000-a-year range, but the landowner, was opened to the public in 2008. The public property seems to be handling popularity well, Maier says. stormed in, nearly 50,000 in the first year. That pales in The beach remains a hotbed for sea turtle and shorebird comparison to the 350,000 annual visitors to neighboring nesting, though damage to the beach by Hurricane Matthew Edisto Beach State Park, but Botany Bay has dirt roads, in 2016 impacted those uses. limited parking, and no public bathrooms. Before Botany Bay was turned over to SCDNR, Roberts was “Fifty-thousand visitors is a significant number for one of our recruited by the former owner to compile images for a photo properties,” says Phil Maier, director of coastal reserves and album. She learned to appreciate the unspoiled beauty. The outreach for SCDNR. “The property we manage isn’t like state rapid reduction in the beach’s shell inventory after the area parks. Don’t expect amenities. You’re getting a look at was open to the public saddened her, and she was glad when outdoors South Carolina.” SCDNR forbid shell collection. With those sorts of limitations firmly set, she thinks opening places like Botany Bay tothe Most Botany Bay visitors simply walk the short causeway to public can be a positive. one of the state’s few easy-to-access undeveloped beaches. Others try fishing in the freshwater ponds, kayaking in the “If people are having the opportunity to see this and meandering marsh creeks, and hiking to the various natural appreciate nature,” Roberts says, “that’s a good thing.” and man-made highlights on the property. The plantation is part of the agency’s Wildlife Management Area program, and Botany Bay shows the delicate balance between loving special hunts are scheduled several times a year. something and loving it to death, especially on the margins where urban growth meets natural areas. Crowds forced some tweaking. Early visitors were allowed to take a small bucket of shells from the beach. Before long, the From his days with SCDNR, Sandifer knows the quandary of beach went from shell-rich to shell-poor, and managers had determining a property’s, or the coastal zone’s, carrying to ban the taking of shells. capacity. The challenge is finding ways to allow people to interact with natural areas and use them but not use them up.

Love for Natural Places —continued

“I’m an optimist by nature, so I’m optimistic that most people restoration to people buying his knives, or Seabrook will realize there are limits to what we can do to these plac- encouraging a Lowcountry version of shinrin-yoku during es,” Sandifer says. “But I’m pessimistic that we don’t have outdoor stretching for a yoga class she leads at the regulatory measures in place to support that.” Caw Caw Interpretive Center, or Roberts expressing concern about coastal overcrowding while celebrating the natural Counties and municipalities can help determine the density wonders in her photographs. of development near natural areas with restrictive zoning measures or by limiting sewer and water infrastructure. Slow- “We’re at a tipping point,” Demosthenes of Lowcountry Land ing the number of new roofs and paved driveways, along Trust says. “It’s imperative that we be proactive with folks with smarter landscaping to allow water to soak into the who move here, and work with the business community, and ground, can reduce pollution and stormwater runoff into the with non-traditional stakeholders. We have to stress what waterways that make the coast special. everybody has in common.

But nothing yet has slowed the influx of people to the coast. “Everybody here loves the Lowcountry for the same reason: The U.S. Census Bureau says 34 new people move to the It’s beautiful. We’ve got to work together to make sure it Charleston region every day. The Myrtle Beach region annu- stays that way.” ally ranks in the top 5 fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country. And Beaufort County’s population jumped from about 125,000 in 2000 to nearly 183,000 in 2016.

Another set of statistics, however, could counter those: A recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey estimated 744,000 South Carolinians fish, 254,000 hunt, and 1.1 million get out in nature each year simply to enjoy viewing wildlife. The hunting and fishing numbers have leveled off in recent years, but the nature viewing numbers have skyrocketed. As Sandifer notes, the crowds put a stress on wild places, but they also come back with an appreciation for keeping those places wild.

Then the symbiosis begins again. People who love getting out in natural areas pass on their appreciation for those places to others.

“There’s a lot of education that needs to be done,” Davidson, the outfitter, says. “And it has to come from us. It can’t come from regulators.”

It needs to be Davidson explaining the need for oyster

TOP STORY Park and Recreation seeking applicants for beach lifeguard positions By Prentiss Findlay [email protected] Dec 26, 2017

Charleston County Park and Recreation is seeking applicants Applicants are required to undergo in-house training and pass for its ocean lifeguard positions. physical tests in swimming and running. Pay begins at $13 an hour. Charleston County Park and Recreation is seeking applicants for its summer beach lifeguard positions. Other positions are available in the park maintenance division including landscaping, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC Details of the ocean lifeguard program will be presented at and custodial jobs. Applicants for maintenance 6 p.m. Jan. 3 at the agency headquarters at 861 Riverland positions must be at least 18 years old. Drive on James Island. More information about Candidates for the ocean rescue lifesaving team must be at park jobs is available at least 16 years old. They work at four park locations CharlestonCounty- throughout the county. Parks.com/Jobs.

In 2017, the team rescued 64 patrons and performed more than 20,000 preventive actions, according to a news release.

Mount Pleasant launches Shuckin' on the Cooper in time for boat parade

By Liz Foster [email protected] Dec 6, 2017

December has an “r” in it, so it’s a good time for oysters, and WHEN: 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 Charleston County Parks will take advantage of that with its WHERE: Mount Pleasant Pier, 71 Harry M. Hallman Jr. Blvd. inaugural Shuckin’ on the Cooper event at Mount Pleasant Pier on Saturday. PRICE: $8 advance; $10 at-the-door; $10 buckets of oysters

Buckets of oysters and beverages will be available for MORE INFO: 843-795-4386, ccprc.com/3260/Shuckin-on-the purchase and local band Ellen Drive will provide the musical -Cooper entertainment. The best part? This will be a prime viewing spot for the Holiday Parade of Boats in the Charleston Reach Liz Foster at Harbor. 843-937-5581. Follow her on Twitter @TheDizzyLizzieB

Charleston County Parks’ Executive Director honored as Professional of the Year by the South Carolina Recreation and Park Association

By Editor | December 27, 2017

On December 13, the Charleston County Park & Recreation David holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Park, Recreation Commission’s (CCPRC) executive director was honored with a and Tourism Management from Mars Hill College. He and his statewide award. At their annual conference, the South wife Cheryl are the proud parents of Austin (25), Dale (22), Carolina Recreation and Park Association (SCRPA) presented Cydney (19) and two rescues dogs, Jack and Little Bear. their Professional of the Year award to David Bennett. SCRPA presents several awards each year to recognize The SCRPA Professional of the Year nominee must be in the agencies, organizations and individuals for outstanding parks and recreation profession at least 15 years, a member contributions to the park and recreation profession in South of SCRPA for at least five years, and professionally certified Carolina. For more information on SCRPA, visit through the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA). www.SCRPA.org. This award considers service, leadership, and character.

Charleston native David Bennett has devoted his entire professional career to serving in the park and recreation industry. David began his career as a part-time employee at CCPRC 30 years ago, and was soon promoted to full time as recreation program specialist, where he started the popular Lowcountry Cajun Festival at James Island County Park. He was named chief operating officer in 2010, and became executive director of the agency in 2017 following the retirement of Tom O’Rourke. Among many accomplishments throughout his career, David led the efforts in creating CCPRC’s ten core values, which are now considered the guiding principles of the agency.

David is a nationally certified park and recreation professional and has served on the boards of NRPA, SCRPA, Bishop Gadsden Retirement Community, Parents Anonymous and the Wallingford Presbyterian Board of Trustees. He has served on the Cooper River Bridge Run board for many years. In 1993 he was honored as the SCRPA Young Professional of the Year, and served as president of SCRPA in 2004.

Holiday Festival of Lights kicks off its 28th year Dec 4, 2017

The Holiday Festival of Lights kicked off its 28th season on Nov. 10. During the grand opening celebration, the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) proudly presented awards for the festival’s annual Giant Greeting Card Competition. Winning entries in the competition are on display during the event, which runs nightly through Jan. 1 at James Island County Park.

This year, the Giant Greeting Card Competition had 38 entries on display from Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester County student groups in elementary, middle and high school divisions. The top-three winning schools in each division, and four honorable mention winners, received a trophy and cash award to use for their school arts program. Winners are on display in Santa’s Village. CCPRC is very pleased to recognize the efforts and creativity of the winning schools:

High School Division

1st Place: Cathedral Academy 2nd Place: Crown Leadership Academy 3rd Place: St. John’s High School Honorable Mention

Dunston Primary School Middle School Division GLOW Home School

1st Place: The Charleston Christian School St. James-Santee Elementary School 2nd Place: Camp Road Middle West Ashley High School International Club 3rd Place: Ridge Christian Academy The Holiday Festival of Lights is open nightly through Jan. 1 at James Island County Park and is presented by The Boeing Elementary Division Company and Charleston County Parks. For details, including 1st Place: Charleston Collegiate School special event dates, hours, fees and more, visit HolidayFesti- 2nd Place: Orange Grove Charter School valofLights.com or call 843-795-4386, or download the Charleston County Parks mobile app. 3rd Place: Malcolm C. Hursey Elementary

West Ashley high honored in giant greeting card competition By Heather Olinger Published: December 21, 2017, 3:35 pm

Charleston, SC – The holidays are shining a little brighter for Merry Little Christmas. After a number planning meetings, students from the West Ashley High School (WAHS) Art Club the group decided to give their board a winter look with and Wildcat International Club, along with a number of snowmen and a snowflake background. The group designed others who have an interest in the arts. They are celebrating the snowmen to look like carolers and included found items an honorable mention honor in the annual James Island at the top of the card in order to tie their entry to this year’s County Park Festival of the Lights Giant Greeting Card theme. Competition. It is the first time ever the school has received Found items are things that are not conventionally used in an award in the high school division. art, such as picture frames, used books, and sheet music (all of which they incorporated into this West Ashley High School teachers (left project). Students used their skills and – middle) Mollie Soto and Shannon talent to help with specific aspects of the Hopkins stand proudly with junior project. For example, sophomore Kimberly (right) Caitlyn Still after receiving honorable mention in this year’s Giant McCurdy painted “Let Your Heart Be Light” Greeting Card Competition through the in calligraphy at the top of the greeting Holiday Festival of Lights. This is the card. first year that the high school placed. Junior Caitlyn Still, another leader on the team, adjusts some of the found objects at Sophomore Maryann Royster add little bits of dimension and the top of West Ashley High’s giant greeting card. The shading to West Ashley High’s giant greeting card. Royster students glued picture frames and sheet music for the classic quickly emerged as one of the leaders for this project. “She Christmas song “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” to spent countless hours drawing the original sketch, re-drawing the top of the board. They wrote this year’s theme, “Let Your it on the 4ft x 8ft plywood board and even helped draw it Heart Be Light”, across the different pages again with our new, improved idea,” said Soto. “She is very creative and detail-oriented and is willing to share her “My favorite part about [this project] was watching the talents; she is a natural leader and artist.” collaboration of the students,” explained Wildcat Internation- al Club sponsor and Spanish teacher Mollie Soto. Students involved in the contest spent took two and a half “Collaboration of teachers between departments is very weeks to complete their entry, with students staying after important to building our inter-disciplinary studies at West school for up to three hours each day. Ashley High School. Students were able to watch the project’s Junior Vincentia Lewis paints one of the snowmen’s hats day-to-day progress and feel a sense of pride once it was during an afterschool painting session for West Ashley High’s complete.” board that they submitted in this year’s Holiday Festival of West Ashley Art teacher Shannon Hopkins felt the project Lights Giant Greeting Card Competition went well too. “I loved sharing the artistic process with the This year’s theme was “Let Your Heart Be Light,” a line group,” Hopkins said. ”In the real world, this is how projects derived from the famous Christmas song Have Yourself a are done. One person alone couldn’t have achieved such an 15

West Ashley High — continued outcome. I’m so proud of our project.” Along with West Ashley, GLOW Homeschool, Matilda F. Dun- ston Primary School, and St. James-Santee Elementary- There were 38 entries from Charleston, Berkeley, and Middle School received honorable mention. Dorchester counties in this year’s contest, which was divided into four different categories: an elementary school division, The following schools placed in the three divisions: a middle school division, a high school division, and Elementary School Division honorable mention. The top three schools in each division, 1st place – Charleston Collegiate and those who received honorable mention, received 2nd place – Orange Grove Charter trophies, certificates, and cash prizes. 3rd place – Malcolm C. Hursey Middle School Division 1st place – Charleston Christian 2nd place – Camp Road 3rd place – Ridge Christian Academy High School Division 1st place – Cathedral Academy 2nd place – Crown Leadership Academy 3rd place – St. John’s

Junior Vincentia Lewis paints one of the snowmen’s hats during an afterschool painting session for West Ashley High’s board that they submitted in this year’s Holiday Festival of Lights Giant Greeting Card Competition

“I believe that the Giant Greeting Card project went very well and turned out so much better than I could have pre- dicted,” said Soto. “I am very proud of our students, especially those who took on leadership roles over the course of the two and a half weeks, [such as] Maryann Royster and Caitlyn Still.”

The giant greeting cards will be on display in Santa’s Vil- West Ashley High students (L to R) Hanna Hughes, Caitlyn Still, lage as part of the annual Holiday Festival of Lights, now in Vincentia Lewis, Dean Rose, and Kimberly McCurdy pose with West its 28th season, until January 1, 2018. Ashley High’s giant greeting card before it was transported to James Island County Park for judging. Their greeting card will be on display in Santa’s Village until January 1, 2018 16

Bring canned food donation and save on Monday through Thursday at the Holiday Festival of Lights By Editor | December 4, 2017

James Island County Park’s Holiday Festival of Lights features Donations will help support those in need this holiday over 700 bright, beautiful light displays of all shapes and season. At last year’s festival, 14,681 pounds of food were sizes, open nightly through Jan. 1. What’s every family’s best donated to the Lowcountry Food Bank. This equated to an bet for savings at the Holiday Festival of Lights? Come on a estimated 12,234 meals provided to those in need during the Monday through Thursday evening, and bring a canned food holidays. item! Remember, the Holiday Festival of Lights is more than just a For most of its years of operation, the Holiday Festival of driving tour! After driving through the two million twinkling Lights has collected canned food items at the festival gate for lights, visitors are encouraged park the car to experience donation to the Lowcountry Food Bank. Canned dog or cat additional exciting attractions, including: food items are also accepted for donation. On Monday  Marshmallow Roasting through Thursday, festival-goers who bring a canned food  Festival Train Rides item for donation will save $5 off their vehicle admission fee (of up to 15 passengers). Not to mention, weeknights at the  Interactive Lakeside Lights festival traditionally experience less traffic, so it’s also one of  The Amazing Dancing Light Display the best evenings to visit.  Enchanted Walking Trail  Old-Fashioned Carousel  Portable Climbing Wall  Santa’s Sweet Shoppe  Concessions including hamburgers, kettle corn, hot chocolate and more  Four Gift Shops, featuring the children’s toy emporium Prancer’s Presents  Daytime photo opportunities to “Mingle with Kringle” (register in advance)  Entertainment on select evenings, including the Footlight Players performing an excerpt from “Annie”

The 28th Annual Holiday Festival of Lights opened Nov. 10 and is open nightly through Jan. 1 at James Island County Park. The event is presented by The Boeing Company and your Charleston County Parks. For more information, including special event dates, hours, admission fees, and more, visit HolidayFestivalofLights.com or call 843-795-4386.

The Mastermind behind the JICP Festival of Lights

DECEMBER 4, 2017 | FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS, JAMES ISLAND COUNTY PARK by Susan W. Pidgeon

Every year, we all pile in our cars. We all drive over to James Island County Park and look at the glorious light display. But have you ever wondered ” Just who exactly is responsible for this magical place that used to be just a park but is now a feast for the eyes?”

Rich Raab and his elves

Well believe it or not, it all comes down to vision of one man. His name is Rich Raab. But like any great man with a big project, he has helpers. The park staff as well as over 100 Staff working on light display at James Island volunteers help make the park look so wonderful. Rich Raab County Park Festival of Lights. is like Santa and the park staff and volunteers are like the elves, scurrying around making sure things work and are seen in other light shows. He announced one day, “I think I beautiful. can make these displays myself “. He then began work on his I spoke with Sarah Reynolds, Charleston County Parks Public very first design, which was a snowflake. Rich used coloring Information Coordinator, to find out some answers. The first books and other simplistic images for inspiration initially. The thing I wanted to know was how exactly did all this get figures are outlined and easy to make in a pliable metal started? Sarah stated that way back in 1990 when James known as rebar. Island County Park first opened, Rich Raab worked with a gentleman named David Chappell. Chapell was Raab’s supervisor.

The year before the park opened, Hurricane Hugo blasted through town and took with it most of the trees in the park. That was a big problem, because the original plan was to put lights in the trees. But having fewer trees, they had to go to Plan B. Plan B involved a trip to Wheeling, West Virginia and purchasing 18 lighted displays from them. Well, the first year was great, with 85,000 people coming to see the 2 mile route of lights! It seemed like a big success! But like any creative person with a vision, they wanted to expand on the project.

Rich Raab was an electrician by trade and knew how to weld, so he was studying how to make these designs they bought, Volunteers working on light display at James as well as the mechanisms behind the various light displays Island County Park Festival of Lights.

The Mastermind — continued

A complicated process Reynolds stated as far as making new dis- Rich Raab’s method is relatively simple. He projects an image plays, Raab makes one on the floor of his work shed, fondly known as “Santa’s big one as well as a few Workshop”, and then traces it with chalk. He then heats up smaller ones yearly. and bends the metal into position to match the design thru a Raab always adds one process involving soldering as well as MIG welding. Once the set of new animals to design is complete, which takes an average of 6-10 weeks, he Noah’s Ark each year. winds lights around the design and it is ready for placement. A man like Rich Raab Until his retirement two years ago, Dave Chapell and his crew can use all the help he were in charge of the placement of Raab’s creations all can get concerning around the 643 acre county park. new ideas for displays. There used to be a Currently, the park staff as well as over 100 volunteers are contest held for kids Lucy Anne working given instructions as early as July that involve placing the new that involved them with Rich. displays as well as making sure all the lights are working in designing a new light display, the displays left up year round. In fact, Sarah Reynolds stated but that has ended as of last year. this has birthed a “club” of 18-20 couples who are campground hosts who return yearly to assist with the light They come from all over North America show . They are all great friends and enjoy the yearly venture to the park. It takes 2,500 breakers and 40 transformers to power the lights. Once the light displays are in place and properly lit, the Rich Raab’s designs may have started out simply, but they show can proceed. On average, the park sees as many as have led to more complicated displays. Sarah Reynolds 240,000 people pass through it’s gates for the Festival of stated the first “big” one was the Santa on the roof that Lights. The record number recorded at the gate was 12,000 houses the park office. The first animated one was the in one night, according to Reynolds. The gate staff also waving Santa. When asked what was the most difficult one, records the states that come through the gates via the Rich Raab said the Dancing Lights display which involves trees license plates. They have seen cars from all 50 states as well being lit up and coordinated with music. His favorite display as Canada. Reynolds stated in the last few years they have is the Eagle and Stars display. tried to get people out the cars more and on the footpaths. The park has firepits, a merry-go-round, a display of There truly is something for everyone. Reynolds explained decorated doors from local schools, as well as a gift shop that the volunteers come and make sure that there are no and a train ride that will take you through the more secluded dark spots in the forest and are an important part of the areas of the park. Santa is in attendance for photos with process in that they are told to create “waves” or “snow the kids as well. All this lends to a wonderful Christmas drifts” with the lights to go with whatever theme is nearby. experience many locals enjoy. Initially, there were separate displays, but later on, it expanded to groups such as Candyland and SeaLand. The When asked about which displays stay in place year round, staff also tries to put things near areas they pertain to, such Reynolds gave the example of the Cooper River Bridge as placing SeaLand near the water park as an example. display being one that is simply too large, heavy and cumbersome to deal with placement yearly. She said the

The Mastermind — continued

Cooper River Bridge display is the size of a football field. She Walk which started in 1994 has now increased the number of pointed out that many of the displays stay in place like the lit days as well as is sold out two weeks in advance of the event. oak tree (which took 80 hours to complete), but others are put As you can see, the simple idea started by Rich Raab and Dave in various storage facilities and then reassembled by the park Chapell has grown into quite a huge endeavor. At $20/car light crew run by Raab. The light displays you see are broken (unless you have a county pass) it is also a profitable one for down into 1000 pieces, labeled and stored in 28 trailers until the county parks. So this year, when you pile in the car with the next year. your kids, say a little thank you to the creative vision of one man, Rich Raab. He truly is Santa bringing smiles and hope and joy to those of us lucky enough to live in the Lowcountry!

Susan W. Pidgeon, MFA is the owner of The Studio Art Center on Fort Johnson Rd where she teaches private lessons and art classes to adults and children. She received her MFA from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2001 and has been teaching ever since. She has taught for the City of Charleston and Charleston County as well as The Artists Loft in Mt. Pleasant. She lives on and loves James Island. You can reach her at (854)2025394 or thestudi- [email protected]. You can find her at www.thestudioartcenter.com or her Yelp/FB/Twitter or Instagram pages as well.

The James Island Bugle shares news about the James Island, South Rich working with Braedon. Carolina and brings you stories about people, places and events. We are all all-volunteer, no profit news site. If you would like to contribute, write us at [email protected].

See you at the Festival of Lights!

This is no indeed small operation and it is only getting larger and more popular. With the popularity comes visi- bility. With the number of people coming into the park, local businesses have started sponsoring various displays. These sponsorships vary in price with the largest ones being held by Piggly Wiggly and Boeing in years past. Sponsors usually sponsor the same display every year, and Reynolds said they try to tie it into their business. She gave a comical example of this being that Weight Watchers used to sponsor the display with Santa trying to fit down the chimney!

Things have certainly changed over the years, and gotten more complicated. Reynolds stated the Fun Run and Festival of Lights seen from overhead.

TOP STORY 3-D Archery Course added at Johns Island County Park By Tommy Braswell Special to The Post and Courier l Dec 16, 2017

Johns Island County Park recently added a new feature that's sure to excite Lowcountry archery enthusiasts.

The 738-acre Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission facility, located at 2662 Mullet Hall Road (off River Road) on Johns Island has opened a 3-D Archery Course to complement the five-target static range that opened in the spring.

"Think of the 3-D Archery Course as going out and shooting a round of golf that simulates the hunting environment," said Johns Island County Park manager Phillip Eldred.

Eldred said the 3-D Archery Course features 20 targets of animals that potentially might be found in Lowcountry Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission employee woods — deer, turkeys, wild pigs, coyotes, black bears, even Eric Stewart instructs Lisa Knisley-White at the a Carolina cougar. Johns Island County Park's new 3-D Archery Course. Provided/CCPRC

The targets are located at various distances up to 50 yards and the 3-D Course along with the static range were built "There are a couple of organizations that have scoring using safety standards of Easton Archery, one of the systems, but basically the way it is scored is that you receive country's best-known archery manufacturers. The 3-D 1 point if you hit the target. Each target has circles and if Course and range feature safety zones to each side as well you hit the big circle in the target zone you receive 3 points as appropriate backdrops. and if you hit the smaller circles you get 5 points. "It's roughly a 1-mile loop set up as a golf course. You start "My goal over the next six months is to produce a 6-by-8 at Target 1 and continue to Target 20," Eldred said. "The (inch) postcard style scorecard similar to what you get when 3-D Course is based off our Yellow Loop Trail, which isa you go to a golf course. But using a scorecard is optional. multi-use pedestrian as well as equestrian trail. We set up I've been told by a lot of people that when they are the 3-D Course targets at 90-degree angles from the trail simulating hunting they don't want to know the distance on what we refer to as little fan trails. You step off the they are shooting. They want to be able to sight the target, (Yellow Loop Trail) 10 to 15 yards into the woods where figure out the distance and practice their keen eye for we've cleared some land out and set up the targets." hunting." Eldred said that when they have walked various visitors out Both archery facilities are open daily from sunrise to sunset, to the course and explained how it is set up, they feel very and all participants must bring their own equipment, comfortable with the safety aspect.

Archery —continued

including bows and arrows. Only field tips are permitted and crossbows are not allowed. Admission to the archery range and 3-D Course is $1 per person or free with Charleston Coun- ty Parks’ Gold Pass. Ages 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult. The archery facilities are located at the second park entrance, beyond Mullet Hall Equestrian Center.

"We do want to get into programming," Eldred said. "We have a lot of people in our department who are certified archers."

Eldred said he expects some of CCPRC's adventure camps to use the facility during the coming year with recreation pro- A wild turkey is one of many targets at Johns grammer Ande Oliver leading increased usage. Island County Park's new 3-D Archery Course. Provided/CCPRC Eldred also anticipates working with area schools that offer outdoor programming, with the S.C. Department of Natural "Without doing a ton of promotion," Eldred said, "we've been Resources and the South Carolina Archery Association. pleasantly surprised by the visitation to the archery facilities. It seems to steadily increase."

Helping Out for December 6, 2017 Visitors to the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park can receive a $5 discount on vehicle admission Staff Report Mondays through Thursdays if they bring a canned food item DECEMBER 6, 2017 to donate to the Lowcountry Food Bank. Canned dog or cat food items are also accepted. Helping Out highlights some of the many charitable events and activities going on in the Charleston area. Submissions The drive collected 14,681 pounds of food last year. should be sent to [email protected].

Bids invited for two Charleston, South Carolina, waterpark attractions 18th December 2017

A general contractor is required for two new Bids to The Charleston County Park & waterpark projects in Charleston, South Carolina. Recreation Commission

The work will be carried out at Splash Zone at James Island Sealed bids will be received until 10 am ET on Friday 12th County Park and Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Park at North January, 2018. They must be submitted in the Commission Charleston Wannamaker County Park. Both are looking at Board Room at the CCPRC Headquarters, 861 Riverland Drive expansions to their current offering. Charleston, South Carolina 29412.

Whirlin’ Waters, part of the Charleston Country Park & All instructions and general conditions of the bid canbe Recreation Commission (CCPRC), is set to gain a new raft ride found here. and plunge pool. In addition, a waterslide ride area is to be The Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission has constructed alongside the current site. The new pool area will the mission to improve the quality of life in Charleston include drainage and utilities. County, South Carolina. It does this by offering a diverse The new waterslide will consist of a tower with multiple slides system of park facilities, programs, and services. feeding into a pool. The park system features over 11,000 acres of property. It The Splash Zone water play structure at James Island County comprises four land parks, three beach parks and four Park Family Aquatic Center is also to be replaced. seasonally-lifeguarded beach areas. Furthermore, there are three dog parks, two landmark fishing piers, three The general contractor will have overall responsibility for the waterparks and a historic plantation site. Additional facilities waterpark projects, coordinating with all trades and working include 19 boat landings, a skate park, a climbing wall, a with contractors. challenge course, an interpretive center, an equestrian center, cottages, a campground, a marina, as well as wedding, meeting and event facilities. The park system also offers a wide variety of recreational services such as camps and festivals.

Charliewood Pictures Announces Distribution Deal For Their First Narrative Film, "Warrior Road" Wed, 12/20/2017 - 9:57am admin

Daniel Island-based production company Charliewood Pictures, led by Founder and Chairman Denis Gallagher, has announced a distribution deal for their South Carolina set feature-film Warrior Road. The deal is with Gravitas Ventures, a global entertainment distributor based in Los Angeles, with the film now available through iTunes and additional major streaming and on-demand platforms.

In the story, three young men in the waterlands of Charleston, South Carolina, rob a rural juke joint and flee up the coast to Myrtle Beach. But for one of them, Joseph -- a broken, painfully shy writer -- this journey becomes a quest L to R: "Warrior Road" actors Kristopher Higgins, Lorenzo Henrie and for strength and courage in the face of a painful past. Eddie Hassell – courtesy of Peter Finger Photography

“Warrior Road takes its cues from the cinematic rides of the 1970s and 80s and infuses it with a knowing heart,” said Lethal Weapon, Swimfan), Kristopher Higgins (CSI: Cyber, Producer Doug Coupe, a former actor and a longtime Daniel Devil’s Knot) and David Henrie (Wizards of Waverly Place, Island resident. “And it is told with a distinctive tone and style Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2). by a group of top-notch local production professionals led by Brad Jayne, our writer/director, who is a very talented visual Music tracks by Hootie & the Blowfish and local acts Danielle storyteller.” Howle and Stop Light Observations are part of the bold, inno- vative soundtrack, along with songs from Nina Simone, Tous- The film was shot mostly in the Charleston area, with some saint McCall, Otis Redding, Moby, Bobby Bandiera, Chet filming in Myrtle Beach. According to Jayne, the distinctive Baker, and more. The film also includes original music by South Carolina landscape is a key presence to the story, Quentin Baxter and members of Lowcountry Voices, and local especially its more spiritual aspects. composers and musicians Mark Bryan and Charlton Singleton contributed to the score. “We used a lot of locations that directly inspired the story, like Boneyard Beach, Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island and “I don’t think you can have much more of a grassroots com- Charleston County Parks,” said Jayne. “And we wouldn’t have munity project than this one,” added Jayne. “This was creat- been able to do it without all the support we got from those ed by a family of crew and artists based in Charleston, really groups and the Charleston community as a whole.” showing off the talent and creativity we have here. And we’re so humbly thankful to all of them for dedicating their blood, Warrior Road stars some of today’s most talented up-and- sweat and tears to making this movie happen.” coming actors, including Lorenzo Henrie, (Fear the Walking Dead, Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD), Clayne Crawford (TV’s

Winter Break at the County Parks by Melissa Veal Thursday, December 14th 2017

Channel your inner Katniss at the new archery course or scale the wall like Spiderman! The kids will have a blast at the county parks!

28th annual Holiday Festival of Lights December 5, 2017, 5:38 am

James Island County Park’s Holiday Festival of Lights features over 700 bright light displays of all shapes and sizes for the whole family to enjoy.

The Festival offers a Monday through Thursday $5 discount for festival-goers who bring a canned good for the Lowcountry Food Bank.

Donations will help support those in need this holiday season. 25

Description

The Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission mission is to improve the quality of life in Charleston County by offering a diverse system of park facilities, programs, and services.

The Charleston County Park system features over 11,000 Responsibilities acres of property and includes four land parks, three beach parks, four seasonally-lifeguarded beach areas, three dog An intern for the Parks Division will experience all the aspects parks, two landmark fishing piers, three waterparks, a historic of running, managing and maintaining a large scale revenue plantation site, 19 boat landings, a skate park, a climbing wall, generating operation in a park and recreation setting. The a challenge course, an interpretive center, an equestrian cen- intern will effectively serve as a working supervisor at their ter, cottages, a campground, a marina, as well as wedding, respective parks/facilities. They will be involved in park-wide meeting and event facilities. The park system also offers a and division-wide discussions, gain experience in a variety of wide variety of recreational services – festivals, camps, clas- issues, take part in the decision making process and be ex- ses, programs, volunteer opportunities, and more. pected to voice questions and provide input. The selected candidate will interact with customers, handle suggestions, The selected intern will rotate throughout the parks and facil- solve problems and work with staff to ensure a unique experi- ities within the Parks Division in order to gain a thorough n-u ence for our customers. derstanding of the complexity and variety of CCPRC. Our facilities include three waterparks, four regional day parks, three Requirements beach parks, campground and cottages, two fishing piers, a Students majoring in Parks and Recreation, Tourism, Manage- marina, an equestrian center, and interpretive center, 19 ment, Business, Public Administration and/or any people ori- boat landings, multiple wedding/event venues, and 12 unde- ented field will benefit from this program. veloped properties. The student will gain experience in all aspects of management to include facility operations and maintenance, staff supervision, personnel matters, budgeting concepts and procedures, customer service, capital projects, special events, etc.

“Attended several parks programs and this was the best... Kristina was great as usual... Having Tess there was just a super added bonus.” Special Access: Sunrise and Sunset Strolling, CCIC -- Participant

“Roger and his group did an amazing job engaging our physicians in team building exercises. They had an amazing time. Our resident physicians asked when they could go again and enjoyed the team building and ropes course.” MUSC Pediatric Resident Physicians, Challenge Course, JICP -- Coordinator

“The staff was positive and friendly. They were helpful and kind when certain team members got scared and needed to come down off the challenge course. I loved how we did some team building activities first so that folks who did not want to do the challenge course could still participate.” Corporate Business, Challenge Course, JICP -- Coordinator

“Great site and well organized. Liked the trail layout. Rain would have made it tougher due to the roots. Chili was outstanding!” Ultra Chili 10x5K and 5K, LHCP -- Participant

“The guide was brilliant, friendly, and a great teacher. She made us feel comfortable to ask any question — no question too dumb.” Folly Beach Bird Walk, FBCP – Bird Enthusiast

“Loved how awesome Ms. Lindsay is with the little ones and how much my daughter learned! Hope to see more toddler programs in the future!” Wee Wild Ones, CCIC -- Mom

“Great chance to enjoy the trails/stalls and participate in the Harvest Fest! Park staff were especially accommodating.” Harvest Festival, JOICP – Horse Enthusiast

“I love the program because it keeps the kids with something to do. It’s great skills and my son loved it.” Johns Island Tackle Football, St. John’s High School – Parent

“Kristina and Tess were both very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the subject matter. The use of books and shell specimens that Kristina made available to the group was very helpful in identifying the shells, worms, etc., and enhanced my understanding. I got a better understanding about these marine animals and how they survive.” Seashore Exploration, IOP -- Participant

27 “I want to let you know what a great staff you have working at the Festival of Lights. I was there this past Saturday with two young boys who had a great time due to the kindness and availability of your staff. Special kudos go out to Randy W. We could not find our parking lot and he walked us right to our car. Thank you very much Randy and staff of CCPRC.” Holiday Festival of Lights -- Visitor “This was a lot of fun. Hope to do it again next year! Love this event. Start of my family’s holiday season.” Holiday Festival of Lights Fun Run/Walk, JICP -- Participant

Holiday Festival of Lights

The Mingle with Kringle program started last year at James Island County Park’s Holiday Festival of Lights as a creative way to generate some additional revenue and enhance the customer’s over all experience with Santa. It proved to be a huge success. Staff had so much fun they are happy to be a part of this event again this year. Staff call all guests that have signed up to attend a day in advance to confirm their visits.

One fun thing that staff do is ask the names and ages of the kids that will be attending. The children’s names and ages are printed out along with a few of their special requests. (It’s important for Santa to have all the facts when visiting with the children.)

One family on the list set to return this year with their child informed our phone staff they were so excited to be coming back. The mother said this was the most fun Christmas activity they have ever done. Her child was so happy that Santa called her by name as soon as he saw her last year. (This is the reason for the confirmation call.) Santa even took time to tell the child a fun story. She asked what kind of cookie he liked best, and he told her that he was switching from cookies and milk to Heath Bars and hot chocolate. She remembered that and is already prepared with Heath Bars and hot chocolate for Santa’s visit this Christmas Eve. The mother loves that we call and check in ahead of time and secretly let Santa know the kids’ names. The personal touch of a one-on-one time for a “believing” child with Santa is a memory maker that is cherished for years to come. 28 Holiday Festival of Lights

Let your heart be light…..

We had a proposal at the James Island County Park’s Holiday Festival of Lights this year. With the assistance of the JICP operations and maintenance staff and the magic manager on duty we were able to capture this moment for them.

A night to remember and she said, “Yes!”

SK8 Charleston

Santa and a few of his mischievous elves stopped by Sk8 Charleston for a little fun in December.

29 Mount Pleasant Fishing Pier

The Mount Pleasant Pier is full of the holiday spirit! As a Toys for Tots collection site we’ve seen how generous and thoughtful our customers are. This is the second time we’ve filled our collection bin.

We have experienced more traffic in the store, a few extra sales and new smiling faces by being a drop site for Toys for Tots.

Save the Light Half-Marathon & 5K

We are proud to have acquired the management of this long-standing race for 2018! On February 3, runners and walkers alike will take to the streets of Folly Beach to support the preservation of the Morris Island Lighthouse. The USATF certified race will be followed by an award ceremony at The Tides Hotel.

Off-Road Duathlon

Laurel Hill County Park will host the inaugural run-bike- run duathlon event on January 20th.

This race partnership with Anne Moore Coaching and Mount Pleasant Velo, along with post-race chicken and waffles, is guaranteed to be a hit!

30 A Real Winter Camp

The weather outside might be frightful but that did not stop the Explorers Camp at James Island County Park over the holiday break.

Archery, Climbing, and building cardboard gingerbread houses were just a few of the activities we provided as part of our full-day care for 44 Lowcounty kids this holiday.

Discovering STEM Education in the Parks

CCPRC’s Education department is partnering with The South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium to bring the BioDiscovery program to South Carolina teachers. This pilot program is funded through an $18,000 grant from the Bosch Community Fund and is designed to encourage environmental stewardship through STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education.

Ten 1st-12th grade teachers will be selected to participate in the initial program that occurs in the 2018-2019 school year. In this program, teachers learn how to build and deploy a biorack sampling device with their students. This device provides a platform for aquatic plants and animals to settle on and live. Environmental health and diversity will be calculated by studying what organisms call the biorack home.

To facilitate a deeper understanding of the environment, teachers and students also receive a projection microscope for the classroom and enjoy a standards-based field trip to a Charleston County Park. All of these things together are designed to foster scientific curiosity, environmental stewardship, and a love for local ecosystems. 31 MOVE IT! Charleston

Feature in Coastal Heritage

Move IT!’s Walk and Restorative Yoga is honored to have been featured on the front cover and in the main article of the Summer/Fall 2017 Coastal Heritage magazine.

This heartening piece discusses South Carolinians’ special relationships with nature throughout the past few centuries. From fishing and kayaking to outdoor yoga, there is something for everyone!

New Year’s Resolutions!

After a holiday season of fun and festivities, Move IT! is here to help the community get off the couch and get into shape!

Beginning in January, three new programs will be introduced to the Charleston area including Pilates Mat, Move to Lose, and Hip Hop Hollywood.

We are excited to expand our fitness programs to include diet and weight loss instruction while serving more of our rural areas.

32 Passes sold through Corporate Online Pass Sales and Satellite Sales:

 118 Gold Passes and 31 Holiday Festival of Lights tickets

Sponsorship

 The sponsorship for the Holiday Festival of Lights was successful with Boeing returning as the Present- ing Sponsor with over 90 companies also supporting the festival.

Total Calls In: 7,526

Average Talk Time: 2.48

Average Wait Time: 0.25

33 WEBSITE ANALYTICS

Website Visits Pageviews

 December 2017: 122,329  December 2017: 325,228

 December 2016: 134,673  December 2016: 355,628

Top 10 CCPRC.com Pages Visited 1. Holiday Festival of Lights 6. Festivals & Events 2. James Island County Park 7. Park Pass Memberships 3. Camping & Lodging 8. Parks & Facilities 4. McLeod Plantation Historic Site 9. Wannamaker County Park 5. Gold Pass Membership 10. Save the Light Half Marathon & 5K

Top Visitor Locations Top Referral Sites 1. Charleston 1. Facebook.com (mobile), 16% 2. Mount Pleasant 2. Charleston CVB.com, 10.4% 3. Bronx, NY 3. CharlestonWeddingGuide.com, 6.2% 4. Charlotte 4. RunningInTheUSA.com, 7% 5. Summerville 5. Rvparkreviews.com, 3.6%

Social Media Marketing Most Popular Facebook Post of the Month

 Facebook Page Likes: 47,800  Reach: 8,072

 Facebook Reach: 2,514 per day average

 Twitter Followers: 6,866

 Twitter Impressions: 50,200

 Instagram Followers: 4,912

Email Marketing

 36.1% Open Rate

 20.3% Click-Through Rate

Opens By Device:

 Mobile: 55%

 Desktop: 45%

34 YTD Attendance 1617 vs. 1718

PICP1 JICP2 WCP1 CAW JoICP3 FB Pier MP Pier BWP6 FBCP IOP Bulow4 Laurel Hill Old Towne5 McLeod LIHP SK8 TOTAL

YTD 1617 87,905 511,056 229,246 9,510 17,142 179,250 138,659 48,836 51,365 101,096 2568 1,688 120 15,078 36,687 0 1,430,206 Attendance YTD 1718 82,116 490,345 206,918 10,387 20,342 162,949 118,557 43,754 46,197 94,863 1826 1,352 640 14,065 43,171 13,518 1,351,000 Attendance

Variance -5,789 -20,711 -22,328 877 3,200 -16,301 -20,102 -5,082 -5,168 -6,233 -742 -336 520 -1,013 6,485 13,518 -79,206

% -7% -4% -10% 9% 19% -9% -14% -10% -10% -6% -29% -20% 433% -7% 18% --- -6% 1Includes waterpark attendance. 2Includes Waterpark, HFOL, and C&C attendance. 3October 2016 JOICP closed from Hurricane Matthew. 4During peak times, an event package is required for overnight stay. 5OTCCP closed Oct16-Mar17 from Hurricane Matthew 6

Beginning June 2017, customers were no longer allowed to park in Town Hall lot and walk in. 35 All Parks closed September 9-12 for Hurricane Irma. Folly, WCP, SK8, CRM, IOP, and BWP reopened on September 13th. JICP, JoICP, PICP, CCIC, MPHS, MPP Laurel Hill and Bulow reopened on September 14.

SI SZ WW TOTAL BWP FBCP IOP TOTAL Campsites Cottages Marina YTD 1617 YTD 1617 YTD 1617 26,915 50,578 94,363 171,856 16,881 20,824 37,731 75,436 81% 60% 97% Attendance Vehicles Occupancy YTD 1718 YTD 1718 YTD 1718 22,152 44,042 81,838 148,032 15,991 20,756 36,995 73,742 82% 58% 95% Attendance Vehicles Occupancy

Variance -4,763 -6,536 -12,525 -23,824 Variance -890 -68 -736 -1,694

% -18% -13% -13% -14% % -5% 0% -2% -2% HUMAN RESOURCES UPDATE

Diversity Mission Statement: The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission will provide high quality park facilities, programs, and services to the ever-changing community we serve by recruiting, training, and retaining a qualified and diverse staff.

Current Staff Statistics: December 2017 EEO Information

FULL TIME PART TIME TOTAL OF ALL EMPLOYEES EMPLOYEES EMPLOYEES

Number of Employees 180 580 760

White 151 464 81%

Hispanic 4 8 2%

African American 18 94 13% Asian 2 4 1% Indian 1 1 1% Two or more Races 4 9 2% Male 103 282 50%

Female 77 298 50%

36 HUMAN RESOURCES UPDATE

Volunteer Coordinator Report DECEMBER 2017

Activity Category Hours Volunteers

COMMUNITY RECREATION YOUTH SPORTS 420 12 ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION 1.5 1 HEAD QUARTERS 33.5 1 HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS 273.75 26 HOLIDAY HOEDOWN 34.25 9 MCLEOD PLANTATION 78.5 6 OUTDOOR RECREATION 22 2 SHUCKIN ON THE COOPER 20.25 6

Total Hours 883.75 Previous Report Year to Date Hours 6935.71 Fiscal Year to Date Volunteer Hours 7819.46

The Value of Volunteer Hours:

The equivalent of one full time employee is 162.5 hours per month. The monthly cost with salary and benefits for a specialty level 207 full time employee is $4003 per month.

883.75 volunteer hours/ 162.5 = 5.44 full time employees Monthly savings = 4003 x 5.44 = $21.776.32

37 Planning & Capital Projects Update

Glenn Keyes, our consulting architect, has received approval of PRC’s stabilization plans from the Historic Charleston Foundation, which as an oversight role on the historic structures. The City of Charleston’s Architectural Review Board, has deferred its approval to staff level, making for a quicker response time.

A Request for Qualifying Bids, to stabilize the four remaining structures, closed on January 11, 2018. Four construction companies provided proposals and evaluations were performed. Staff anticipates it will provide a recommendation for a contractor to perform the stabilization work on the barn, garage, privy and gin house to the Commission this month. The Barn at McLeod Plantation (may be oldest structure on site)

On December 14, 2017, a steering committee meeting was held at CCPRC Headquarters with the majority of committee members present. The purpose for this meeting was to review revisions to the Master Plan of the site to reflect committee comments received at the previous meeting. The Town of Hollywood has requested funding for the design, permitting, and close-out documents in order to secure a permit to install water and sewer systems to the property line of our site. During the December 18, 2017 Commission meeting, the Commission approved a recommendation to cover the cost of design and engineering for the infrastructure work not to exceed price of $81,325 to complete the work.

The repair work on the stable buildings is almost complete. Installation of structural steel components, gutters & downspouts, underground drain pipes, and painting are all complete. The skylights are being installed now and will be finished very soon.

Equestrian Stables under repair

38 1 Planning & Capital Projects Update continued Cooper River Marina — Assessment Study

Applied Technology and Management (ATM), our consultant, began the Cooper River Marina assessment project on December 19, 2017. ATM plans to complete their assessment report by February 2018 and present their findings and recommendations to the Commission soon after.

ATM Engineers Conducting Cooper River Marina Assessment JICP Campground— Bathhouses Renovation

Treat and Woodman, our design build contractor, was given the Notice-To-Proceed for the James Island Campground Bathhouses Renovation project on January 2, 2018. Work started immediately, but was delayed for several days due to park closure during the recent winter storm. The purpose of the project is to update the bathhouses into top quality facilities for our camp guests. The project’s completion date is on or before April 30, 2018.

Demolition Begins on Existing Bathhouse Interior

Glick/Boehm & Assoc. (GBA), our consultant, met with PRC Staff to review the revised new Dunes House conceptual drawings. The next meeting with GBA will be in early February to review concept plans with estimated costs. The project includes replacing the former Dunes House which was lost to Hurricane Irene, as well as designing new beach access pathways and decking for the existing restrooms. The park has been operating with temporary facilities for the past four years. GBA Reviewing Folly Beach County Park Site Plan

39 2 Planning & Capital Projects Update continued

The existing SCS structure was removed the week of December 11, 2017. As of December 14, 2017, the Invitation for Bid for the construction contract for both Waterpark Attraction projects are currently being advertised. There was a Pre-Bid Meeting held at Splash Zone on December 21, 2017. Two general contracting companies and multiple companies representing sub- contractors service groups were in attendance. Bids are due January 16, 2018.

Existing SCS Play Structure prior to Demolition Current SCS Play Structure Foot Print

As of December 14, 2017, the Invitation for Bid for the construction contract for both Waterpark Attraction projects are currently being advertised. There was a Pre-Bid Meeting held at Whirlin’ Water on December 21, 2017. Three general contracting companies and multiple companies representing sub-contractors service groups were in attendance . Bids are due January 16, 2018.

 James Island County Park, Splash Zone Waterpark Attraction  Wannamaker County Park, Whirlin’ Water Waterpark Attraction  Hollywood Swimming Pool Complex  McLeod Plantation Stabilization  Palmetto Island County Park Boardwalks 2A & 2B  Mullet Hall Equestrian Center Stable Repairs  Beachwalker County Park Boardwalk and Gatehouse Replacement  Laurel Hill County Park Levee Repairs  James Island County Park Fishing Dock Replacement  Schroder Outdoor Courts Repurposing  Isle of Palms Beach Park Shade Structures  James Island County Park Campground Bathhouses Renovations  Folly Beach County Park New Dunes House  Cooper River Marina Facilities Assessment  Folly Beach Fishing Pier Pile Encapsulations

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CCPRC staff recently met with Stantec, our consulting architect, to affirm priorities for Phase 1 Development of Stono River County Park. CCPRC has budgeted $2.2 million for development of this park site through its 5-year Capital Improvement Plan. CCPRC recently received a $500,000 grant from the Speedwell Foundation, and will also be applying for additional grant funding through SCPRT’s Recreational Trails Program (maximum award of $100,000). Phase 1 Development priorities, depending on funds available:  Trailhead  50 parking spaces  Conditioned restrooms with storage/IT room  Interior asphalt trail (“extension” of West Ashley Greenway)  Marsh overlook and/or marsh boardwalk  Interior park road to marsh overlook and/or marsh boardwalk with 5-10 parking spaces  Trails on the marsh island(s)  Fishing/Crabbing dock

Stono River County Park Master Plan 41 1 Planning & Capital Projects Update continued

View to marsh islands and Limehouse Bridge from mainland, Stono River County Park

In addition to identifying the Phase I Development priorities, Stantec also led CCPRC staff in a discussion about preferred construction/building materials for the park. CCPRC staff emphasized the need for long-term durability and ease of maintenance. Stantec has initiated their due diligence for regulatory agency permitting, and approvals by the City of Charleston. Next steps include:  Weekly coordination with CCPRC and design team.  Submittal to corps for wetland impacts. Week of January 22, 2018  Preliminary Technical Review Committee submittal and Permit submittals – Feb. 15, 2018  Design completion – April/May 2018  Bid/Award project– May/June 2018  Phase 1 Development completion – Summer 2019

Ongoing Planning Projects:  McClellanville Agency-wide  Land Management – Timber Sale  CIP Planning  McLeod  Bike and Pedestrian Planning with Regional Partners  Facility Management/Maintenance Plan  Design and Planning Guidelines Development  Meggett  Information Sharing via IRIS  Land Management - Thinning  Various Committees  Old Towne Bulow County Park  Master Planning, Phase 1 Development  Wetland Permitting  Rifle Range Road  Land Management - Thinning  Coordination with TOMP/Management Agreement  Green Tree Reservoir Coordination (DU)  Design/Plan Trailhead Edisto Island  Rural Recreation  Red Top Marsh Restoration  Hollywood Pool Coordination Johns Island County Park  Spring Grove  Master Plan Update  Land Management – Management Planning  Trail System Improvements  Stono River County Park  Land Management - Thinning  Phase 1 Design Development Laurel Hill  Wannamaker County Park  Land Management – Timber Sale (by Wells Fargo)  Phase 3(A) Master Planning

Statement of Purpose: Through careful planning and analysis, the Planning Division strives to balance meaningful public access with the protection of natural and cultural resources. Thoughtful park planning ensures that we continue to improve the quality of life for future generations, in keeping with the agency’s mission.

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