COMMISSIONERS:

Teddy Manos, Chair

Collin Bruner, Vice Chair

Eduardo Curry, Secretary-Treasurer

Dale Aren

Lisa King

Mattese Lecque

Andy Thomas

David Bennett, Executive Director

Commission Update ______

June 12, 2019

Commission Meeting – Monday, June 17, 2019 - CCPRC Headquarters at 5:30 pm

Commission Meeting Agenda Highlights

New Business:

Action Items:

Six new items 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 Capital Projects as well as the approved 5-Year Capital Improvements Plan Projects.

Commission Highlight:

Phil Macchia, Patty Newshutz, Greg Elliott, and Gina Ellis-Strother will update the Commission on the progrees being made at West Ashley Aquatice Center (WCAC) and share details about the Grand Opening Ceremony.

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, JUNE 17, 2019

AGENDA I. Call To Order And Welcome Manos

A. Introduction of Guests and Notification to Media

II. Public Comments & Presentations Manos

III. Approval of Minutes Manos

A. (ACTION) Approval of May 20, 2019 Regular Commission Meeting Minutes

IV. Old Business

A. None

V. New Business

B. Planning and Capital Projects Report Bowie C. Financial Report McManus a. (ACTION) Purchase of New Concession Kiosk Contract 2019-029 Approval b. (ACTION) Consultant Services for Old Towne County Park Interpretive Master Planning: 2019-030 c. (ACTION) Fiber Optic Cable Installation Contract Approval d. (ACTION) Motorola Radio Purchase Approval e. (ACTION) South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, & Tourism (SCPRT) Advertising Grant Acceptance Approval f. (ACTION) South Carolina Forestry Commission’s National Fire Plan Mitigation Fund Grant Approval D. Commission Highlight: West County Aquatic Center Macchia

VI. Next Meeting

A. Regular Commission Meeting, Monday, July 15, 2019, 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, MAY 20, 2019

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

Commission Members Absent: Mr. Andy Thomas

Staff Present: Mr. David Bennett, Mr. Kevin Bowie, Mr. Phil Macchia, Ms. Gina Ellis-Strother, Mr. Greg Elliott, Ms. Jan Coulter, Ms. Patty Newshutz, Mr. Steve Hutton, Mr. Tommy Hale, Ms. Shanté Ellis, Mr. Matt Moldenhauer, Mr. Austin Zuniga, Mr. Dustin Reed, Mr. James FitzGerald, Ms. Lynn Jenness, and Ms. Jeanne Lange

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, May 20, 2019 at the CCPRC Headquarters, Charleston, SC. Mr. Manos, Commission Chair, called the meeting to order and welcomed those in attendance. Mr. Manos informed those present that notification of the meeting was sent to the local news media and others requesting notification.

II. Public Comments and Presentations

A. None

III. Approval of Minutes

A. (ACTION) Approval of minutes of April 15, 2019 Regular Commission Meeting

Ms. King asked to update the minutes to include Mr. Bennett’s last name and remove the incomplete sentence “He introduced.” in the CRM Presentation section.

Motion to approve the minutes of the April 15, 2019 Regular Commission Meeting with the recommended updates was made by Mr. Curry, seconded by Ms. Lecque, and approved by the Commission. (#068-1819)

IV. Old Business

A. Cooper River Marina (CRM) Update

Mr. Bennett noted that two years have passed since staff made its original recommendation on the CRM. He clarified that approving a master plan does not tie future Commissioners hands to only pursue what is currently proposed on the master plan. Mr. Bennett provided an example that James Island County Park’s original Master Plan called for an amphitheater and the Commission redirected staff to commit to a dog park instead. Mr. Bennett commended Mr. Thomas and noted that during his Commission Chair tenure he was instrumental in shifting the agency’s focus away from linking a facility

3 Regular Commission Meeting May 20, 2019 Page 2 of 4

to a specific recreational activity to keeping the recreational options of a facility open to allow the facility to reach a broader audience.

Mr. Moldenhauer presented a review of the Cooper River Marina topics discussed during the April meeting and provided a more detailed explanation of staff’s intentions for the recommendations being considered. He clarified that Phase 1 construction would include: • new and improved signage/branding to “Cooper River County Park”; • re-prioritization of pier for fishing/crabbing and other public use; • creation of lawn along waterfront, to include picnic areas, shaded seating, and flexible-use space; • new landscaping throughout park area; • relocation of boat/trailer storage out of public view; • stabilization of eroding shoreline on Shipyard Creek; • repair docks to extend useful life by 5-7 years; and • research opportunities to leverage funding for: • repair/Installation of trails and/or boardwalks; • fishing and other water access improvements; and • structures. Mr. Manos commented that it’s a lot of proposed site work for the amount of money that is being requested. Mr. Manos noted his concern that the choice to invest will obligate future Commissioners to the project. Mr. Bennett noted that the intent is to ask the Commission for future investments during the CIP planning and budgeting process while leveraging potential grants.

Motion to accept the CRM Master Plan as presented, re-branding the site as "Cooper River County Park;" and implement "Phase I" of site development using the remainder of the $1.2 million allocation to include, as funding allows, extending marina life 5-7 years (Alt 2, per ATM) and prioritizing landside improvements, such as: relocating boat storage, increasing available green space, improve pedestrian circulation, support fishing and crabbing activities, etc. as assigned in the CIP Budget was made by Mr. Curry, seconded by Ms. Lecque, and approved by the Commission. (#069-1819)

B. CAPRA Accreditation

Mr. Manos congratulated staff on receiving a perfect score on the Accreditation and noted the agency met all 151 standards without needing to provide additional information after the site visit. He thanked the staff for their continued efforts to maintain Accreditation status per the Commission’s Vision Statement.

V. New Business

A. Parklands Board Update

Mr. Manos asked Ms. King to present an update. Mr. King reviewed her notes from the May 7 meeting as follows:

 Vision Statement modified to Charleston County Parks Foundation develops and sustains projects that enable people to access the Charleston County Parks & Recreation Commission’s facilities, programs, and services for living an active and healthy lifestyle.

4 Regular Commission Meeting May 20, 2019 Page 3 of 4

 The Foundation Board was notified that the Commission approved the name change from Parklands Foundation to Charleston County Parks Foundation.  The Foundation Board were very grateful and thanked the Commission for the forgiveness of the CCPRC loan.  Phil Macchia reported process and progress being made to fill the newly vacated Business Development Manager Position.  Invitations were sent to the Commission and Foundation Board to attend the West County Aquatic Center Grand Opening Ceremony on Friday, June 21, 2019. There is a tentative soft opening planned pending the receipt of the certificate of occupancy. Everyone is excited about the pool becoming a REALITY!  The Foundation Board is planning two Sunset Cruises to benefit its Pass It Forward Project update. The first cruise will take place Sunday, August 25. The project recently received a $2,500 Grant from Sam’s.  McLeod Plantation Historic Site Project Committee is in its infancy stages, but developing their members and strategic plans. The project is already receiving donations.

B. Planning and Capital Projects Report

Mr. Bowie presented an update on the following Commission approved Capital Projects:

 Currently Publicized Request for Proposals: o Old Towne Creek County Park Interpretive Master Planning  Pending Commission Approval: o Stono River County Park Phase II  Ongoing Capital Projects: o West County Aquatic Center o Folly Beach County Park – Construction of New Amenities o Sol Legare o Beachwalker Park Boardwalk and Gatehouse Replacement

C. Financial Report

Mr. Hale presented and reviewed the checks over $7500 and financial reports for the month of March. There were no further questions from the Commission.

a. (ACTION) Annual Auditing Service Contract Motion to enter into a contract with Mauldin Jenkins, LLC for five years at $154,700 with the funds coming from the approved General Agency budget was made by Ms. Aren, seconded by Ms. King, and approved by the Commission. (#070-1819)

b. (ACTION) Stono River County Park Phase 2 Construction Contract Motion to enter into a contract with Rakes Building & Maintenance Contractors, LLC (dba, Blutide Marine Construction) for $1,112,028 with the funds coming from the approved CIP budget was made by Ms. Lecque, seconded by Ms. Aren, and approved by the Commission. (#071-1819)

5 Regular Commission Meeting May 20, 2019 Page 4 of 4

c. Upgrade to Microsoft Office 2019 Motion to the purchase 275 Microsoft Office Pro Plus licenses from CDW in the amount of $106,304 with funds coming from the approved GA budget was made by Ms. King, seconded by Ms. Lecque, and approved by the Commission. (#072-1819)

D. Boat Landing Update

Mr. Bennett reviewed a constituent’s concerns with a boat landing that the Commission received via email. He noted that the Commission is awaiting County Council’s ordinance approvals.

E. Commission Highlight: Whirlin’ Waters The Washout

Mr. Elliott reviewed how the addition of The Washout at Wannamaker County Park’s Whirlin Waters waterpark improved attendance by 34 % when compared to previous years. He noted that the public is excited about this new feature. He thanked the Planning & Development for their tireless work coordinating the project and diligence with contractors to ensure the feature opened just in time for the splash season! He presented the new attractions commercial and thanked the Marketing Division for their support to ensure the facility received the media attention it deserved that resulted in such positive attendance gains.

VIII. Next Meeting

Regular Commission Meeting, Monday, June 17, 2019, 5:30pm at CCPRC Headquarters, Charleston, SC

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:14 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Teddy Manos, Chair Shanté Ellis, Executive Administrative Manager

6 April 2019 Checks over $7,500

Date Check # Vendor Description Amount General Agency 4/4/2019 29363 Agilysis LLC Agilisys Implementation $ 21,126.52 4/4/2019 29397 Rightstar Systems LLC Remedy Force Annual Support $ 9,794.33 4/11/2019 29466 Duffield Aquatics LLC Chlorine Purchase Splash Zone $ 9,305.37 4/11/2019 29512 The Caterer Cajun Fest Vendor $ 25,672.77 4/18/2019 29554 Pnazone Ink Inc. WCP WW Paint Mural $ 9,500.00 4/18/2019 29556 FRS Charleston WCP Ice Machine $ 8,885.14 4/18/2019 29565 Miracle Method Surface Refinishing Refinishing SI Restrooms $ 7,955.00 4/25/2019 29755 Sallyport Commercial Finance LLC Pre-Employment Drug Screenings $ 7,970.48

Capital Improvement Projects 4/4/2019 67 Rakes Building and Maintenance Contractors, LLC BWP Gatehouse & Boardwalk Replacement $ 86,402.51 4/12/2019 69 Rakes Building and Maintenance Contractors, LLC Stono River County Park Construction $ 69,307.49 4/18/2019 70 IPW Construction Group, LLC JICP Primitive Restroom $ 177,999.75 4/4/2019 106 Brunson Construction West County Pool Construction $ 297,692.91 4/4/2019 108 Neuman Pools Inc. WW Slide Construction $ 406,631.86 4/4/2019 109 Palmetto Utility Group LLC PICP Water & Sewer Replacement $ 36,450.00 4/4/2019 111 Wantrman Group LLC FBFP Replacement Design $ 55,280.00 4/12/2019 112 Rakes Building and Maintenance Contractors, LLC Stono River County Park Construction $ 60,699.91 4/12/2019 113 Southcon Building Group LLC FBCP Construction $ 24,802.00

7 Combined General Agency Operations April, 2019

Combined Revenues Prior YTD Actuals Year To date Actuals Current Year Budget % of Budget Support Services 15,955,495 16,704,996 15,797,790 106% Park Services 10,323,912 10,343,910 14,024,886 74% Recreation Services 1,063,562 1,121,648 1,716,945 65% Total Revenue 27,342,969 28,170,554 31,539,621 89%

Combined Expenses Support Services 6,448,380 6,527,955 9,141,917 71% Park Services 12,044,643 12,246,190 16,882,976 73% Recreation Services 3,022,957 3,235,069 4,447,258 73% Total Expenses 21,515,980 22,009,214 30,472,151 72% Net Operating Income 5,826,989 6,161,340 1,067,470

Transfers In 3,273 16,735 ‐ 0% Transfers Out 9,720 3,000,000 3,000,000 100%

Change in Fund Balance 5,820,542 3,178,075 (1,932,530)

8 Support Services April, 2019

Revenues Prior YTD Actuals Year To date Actuals Current Year Budget % of Budget Administration Millage 15,674,563 16,427,623 15,573,250 105% Administration‐ Other 280,932 277,372 224,540 124% Total Revenue 15,955,495 16,704,995 15,797,790 106%

Expenses Administration 824,340 993,591 867,280 115% Executive 1,261,193 1,129,509 1,458,653 77% Financial Services 744,035 673,253 978,929 69% Human Resources 385,813 478,088 613,128 78% Information Technology 1,091,139 1,123,145 1,928,031 58% Marketing 778,762 753,140 1,077,267 70% Park and Program Services 314,822 415,809 509,415 82% Planning and Development 765,681 720,716 1,193,536 60% Safety 282,595 240,705 515,678 47% Total Expenses 6,448,380 6,527,956 9,141,917 71% Net Operating Income 9,507,115 10,177,039 6,655,873

Transfers In 3,273 16,735 0 0% Transfers Out 9,720 3,000,000 3,000,000 100%

Change in Fund Balance 9,500,668 7,193,774 3,655,873

9 Park Services April, 2019

Revenues Prior YTD Actuals Year To date Actuals Current Year Budget % of Budget Administration 126,998 94,449 77,900 121% Caw Caw Interpretive Center 33,971 32,758 41,905 78% Cooper River Marina 744,788 738,790 891,375 83% Folly Beach County Park 295,215 320,780 437,320 73% Folly Beach Fishing Pier 915,395 891,676 1,067,245 84% Isle of Palms County Park 515,415 514,664 804,335 64% James Island County Park 4,288,801 4,430,856 5,322,121 83% Johns Island County Park 101,861 82,014 123,930 66% Kiawah Beachwalker Park 239,488 216,383 334,310 65% Lake House at Bulow 135,052 120,642 177,350 68% Laurel Hill Plantation 7,331 5,466 10,060 54% McLeod Plantation 357,806 317,557 461,670 69% Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park 436,194 421,466 675,210 62% Mount Pleasant Pier 250,250 239,841 336,070 71% North Charleston Wannamaker County Park 1,775,699 1,840,482 3,137,235 59% Old Towne Creek County Park 6,250 10,650 0 0% SK8 Charleston 93,398 65,438 117,000 56% Stono River Park 0 0 2,430 0% West County Aquatics Center 0 0 7,420 0% Total Revenue 10,323,912 10,343,912 14,024,886 74%

Expenses Administration 1,001,664 958,842 1,335,975 72% Caw Caw Interpretive Center 208,803 225,555 312,798 72% Cooper River Marina 374,429 377,823 553,607 68% Folly Beach County Park 242,765 319,643 403,559 79% Folly Beach Fishing Pier 771,128 822,375 1,062,639 77% Isle of Palms County Park 403,902 433,925 617,598 70% James Island County Park 3,459,865 3,528,556 4,654,067 76% Johns Island County Park 332,220 345,292 447,500 77% Kiawah Beachwalker Park 212,929 193,338 284,728 68% Lake House at Bulow 103,709 107,987 163,825 66% Laurel Hill Plantation 12,957 11,637 30,029 39% McLeod Plantation 242,474 214,581 316,934 68% Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park 791,932 789,768 1,193,832 66% Mount Pleasant Pier 336,214 353,409 459,232 77% North Charleston Wannamaker County Park 1,987,593 2,060,248 2,900,840 71% Old Towne Creek County Park 25,003 36,165 41,115 88% SK8 Charleston 156,880 186,949 262,745 71% Stono River Park 0 235 16,295 1% Undeveloped Properties & HQ Maintenance 1,380,176 1,276,435 1,739,432 73% West County Aquatics Center 0 3,427 86,226 4% Total Expenses 12,044,643 12,246,190 16,882,976 73% Change in Fund Balance (1,720,731) (1,902,278) (2,858,090)

10 Recreation Services April, 2019

Revenue Prior YTD Actuals Year To date Actuals Current Year Budget % of Budget Accessibility 3,355 4,633 3,940 118% Community Recreation 58,853 125,078 148,500 84% Interpretive 105,682 104,778 143,000 73% Outdoor 488,334 463,568 767,595 60% Special Events 259,982 299,455 421,045 71% Runs, Races & Fitness 147,356 124,135 232,865 53% Total Revenue 1,063,562 1,121,647 1,716,945 65%

Expenses Administration 441,230 462,829 569,757 81% Accessibility 15,387 17,800 32,271 55% Community Recreation 666,798 782,316 1,001,324 78% Interpretive 510,043 512,922 733,001 70% Outdoor 731,929 817,621 1,158,578 71% Special Events 367,945 367,458 496,060 74% Runs, Races & Fitness 289,625 274,124 456,267 60% Total Expenses 3,022,957 3,235,070 4,447,258 73% Change in Fund Balance (1,959,395) (2,113,423) (2,730,313)

11

MEMORANDUM

TO: David Bennett FROM: Charlie McManus DATE: June 11, 2019 RE: Purchase of New Concession Kiosk Contract 2019-029 Approval

A Request for Proposal was issued and publically advertised for the purchase of a New Concession Kiosk for the Holiday Festival of Lights. One firm responded. Changes to the current concession trailer design make it ADA accessible and will better support current menus to increase operational efficiencies and profits. Custom Sales & Service Inc. provided the only overall proposal which included technical and cost factors in the amount of $96,054. The purchase is budgeted to come from the General Agency Budget line: 12800220-82530-5035. Recommend approval to enter into a contract with Custom Sales & Service Inc. for $96,054 with the funds coming from the approved 2019 HFOL budget.

12

MEMORANDUM

TO: David Bennett FROM: Charles McManus DATE: June 10, 2019 RE: Consultant Services for Old Towne County Park Interpretive Master Planning: 2019-030

A Request for Proposals was issued and publically advertised to provide Consultant Services for Interpretive Master Planning for Old Towne County Park. Six firms responded.

The intent of this Request for Proposal is to have the consultant provide an interpretive master plan and design development, including construction drawings.

The Design Minds provided the best technical proposal as evaluated by staff. Staff recommends the Commission to approve an award with a not to exceed budget of $47,221.

The project is budgeted to come from CIP Bond Fund GL line: 20002795-90070-8170.

Recommend approval to enter into a contract with The Design Minds in the amount of $47,221 with funds coming from the approved CIP Budget.

13

MEMORANDUM

TO: David Bennett FROM: Charles McManus DATE: June 11, 2019 RE: Fiber Optic Cable Installation Contract Approval

This is an award for the contract for installation of fiber optic cable at Caw Caw Interpretive Center (CCIC) and James Island County Park for $114,432. These projects will connect the CCIC to CCPRC’s Wide Area Network (WAN) and will extend the current fiber optic network at James Island County Park to the Maintenance Shop and Conference Center. Funds are currently budgeted in the FYE 2020 and, if approved, the projects will be scheduled to begin as soon as possible after July 1st.

Staff requests approval to award a contract for cable and wiring under state contract # 4400013814 to Network Cabling Infrastructures Inc. (NCI).

The purchase is budgeted to come from the General Agency Budget line: 11152700-82100-0000.

Recommend approval to award fiber optic cable installation under state contract to Network Cabling Infrastructures Inc. (NCI) for $114,432 with the funds coming from the FYE 2020 General Agency Budget.

14

MEMORANDUM

TO: David Bennett FROM: Charles McManus DATE: June 11, 2019 RE: Motorola Radio Purchase Approval

We budgeted in the FYE 2020 to finish replacing the agency’s two-way radios. The current fleet of XTS radios are no longer supported by Motorola and many radios are at the end of their useful life (13-14 years old).

The purchase is budgeted to come from the General Agency Budget line: 11152700-82400-0000.

Recommend purchasing replacement radios and chargers from Charleston County’s Motorola contract not to exceed $475,000 with funds coming from the approved FYE 2020 General Agency Operating Budget.

15

MEMORANDUM

TO: David Bennett FROM: Charles McManus DATE: June 11, 2019 RE: South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, & Tourism (SCPRT) Advertising Grant Acceptance Approval

On May 31, 2019, we received notification from the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT) that Charleston County Parks Foundation has been awarded a $15,168 matching advertising grant for the McLeod Plantation Historic Site for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. This competitive grant is administered through the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism. It is a reimbursable grant with a 50/50 match.

Recommend acceptance of the 2019/2020 South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Advertising Grant of $15,168 to provide funding for the advertisement of the McLeod Plantation Historic Site.

16

MEMORANDUM

TO: David Bennett FROM: Charles McManus DATE: June 11, 2019 RE: South Carolina Forestry Commission’s National Fire Plan Mitigation Fund Grant Approval

We have received two reimbursement grants from the South Carolina Forestry Commission’s Fuels Reduction Fund. If accepted, these grants will reimburse costs associated with prescribe burning of 134 acres at Meggett County Park ($5,360.00) and 167 acres at the Two Pines property in McClellanville ($6,680.00).

Recommend acceptance of the South Carolina Forestry Commission’s Fuels Reduction Fund reimbursement grant in the total amount of $12,040.

17

1 photo by Fred Durrette

SUMMER TRAVEL GUIDE The Best Vacations in North America April 9, 2019

From a barrier island off South Carolina’s coast to a remote ski find James Island County Park, which has 124 campsites town in British Columbia, we’ve rounded up our (and our (from $33) and modest vacation cottages (from $169). — kids'!) favorite places to chase adventure this summer Graham Averill

When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, Addie’s Take: “I really liked how I didn’t get motion sick on the we may earn a small commission. Outside does not accept boat.” money for editorial gear reviews. Read more about our policy. Johns Brook Lodge, Keene Valley, New York We polled Outside editors and writers on some of the best Early in her life, my daughter Oaklee’s refusal to sleep in a trips they and their families have ever taken. tent meant that my wife and I couldn’t either. But two Bulls Island, South Carolina summers ago, we discovered Johns Brook Lodge, a nearly century-old refuge in the Adirondacks’ High Peaks Wilderness. Operated by the Adirondack Mountain Club, the four-bunkroom outpost sleeps 28, offers meal service in the summer, and is accessible by foot from the hamlet of Keene Valley. After a rolling 3.5-mile hike up the Phelps Trail, the forest opened to reveal the unassuming lodge. Inside, the great room was abuzz over a family-style dinner of barbecued chicken and roasted veggies. For the next couple of days

(Peter Frank Edwards/Redux)

The alligators were hard to spot at first. But as soon as my nine-year-old twins, Cooper and Addie, saw one, they couldn’t stop seeing them. Sometimes it was just their eyes and snouts poking out of the water. Other times the lazy dinosaurs were full-out tanning on the sand. In theory we came to this uninhabited barrier island 25 miles north of Charleston for its beach, seven miles of undeveloped white sand facing the (Janicke Rich) Atlantic Ocean. But it was this inland hike, where suddenly we weren’t the top of the food chain, that had the biggest impact we explored the surrounding wilderness, splashing in ice-cold on us. Bulls Island is part of the lush 66,000-acre Cape Romain streams and climbing 4,240-foot Big Slide Mountain for National Wildlife Refuge and is accessible only by private boat panoramic views of the 12-mile-long Great Range. I am happy or Coastal Expeditions’ daily ferry from the tiny town of to report that the trip was Oaklee’s first step to becoming the Awendaw. Camping isn’t allowed, but 35 miles south you’ll seasoned camper she is today. From $75 —Peter Koch

2 https://www.outsideonline.com/2393260/best-vacations-north-america

Best vacations — continued

Oaklee’s Take: “I loved climbing a ladder to bed because I got Punta Mita, Mexico to sleep in the top bunk.” The easy flight into Puerto Vallarta and the hourlong drive to Zion National Park, Utah the quiet beach town of Punta Mita felt like a manageable undertaking with my daughter, Nora, then age two, and our “It’s virtually flat,” I told everybody. While that was true, what nine-month-old son, Otis, in tow. We rented beach toys and the description of Zion’s Canyon Overlook Trail failed to men- floaties from a company called Baby Vallarta, so the kids were tion was that the footing can be dicey and the mile-long route skirts an airy ledge. At the midway point, I could tell that my too busy building sandcastles with my husband to notice me kids, Lily, Beck, and Nina, ages seven, five, and two, would rather be back at Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort, with its zip line, climbing wall, mini golf, pool, and hot tub (suites $513; camping from $34). But I also knew that the final view was one of the most stunning in the park. When I first visited Zion 20 years ago, I was floored, and I wanted my family to have the same reaction. Which they sort of did. “It’s so beautiful,” Lily said. Beck agreed, before asking to do the bungee trampoline at the hotel again. Nina, who was awake the whole trek, promptly fell asleep. At least my mother-in-law was all smiles. —Sam Moulton

Lily’s Take: “The hot tub in the rain was the best. We learned (Cedric Angeles) how to count the seconds between the lightning and the thun- der to know if it was safe.” wading out to a waiting boat. It was my turn on the shuttle we’d arranged through local surf shop WildMex to chauffeur us to La Lancha, a mellow offshore break just minutes from Punta Mita’s taquerias. Unlike touristy Sayulita, 11 miles north, Punta Mita feels sleepy and low-key, and you can snag a two-bedroom place with a pool steps from the sand for just $150 a night through Airbnb or VRBO. El Cafecito de Mita was a daily stop for ice cream for the kids and much needed es- presso for me. —Megan Michelson

Nora’s Take: “We drank out of those big balls—what were those? Coconuts? The juice tasted kind of gross.”

San Diego, California (Ron Koeberer/Aurora) In December, my wife and I had just -welcomed a third child, Zevi, and we were looking for an easy destination with some- thing for the whole family. That’s a concept San Diego has been marketing successfully for decades. It’s got the world-

3

Best vacations — continued

San Diego, California Springs, which overlooks Kootenay Lake and the Purcell Moun- tains 45 minutes north of town, was definitely Nora’s favorite part. She cried when it was time to head back to town. For us adults, Nelson’s bohemian feel—with its lakeside ceramics studios and hipster coffee at Oso Negro—made for a killer

(Kelly Quintia) famous San Diego Zoo, gorgeous kid-friendly coastal hikes in

Torrey Pines State Park, and a string of beaches that cater to (Steve Ogle/All Canada Photos/Ala) everyone from beginner boogie boarders to expert surfers. But if you’d asked my oldest kids, Olive, 11, and Cash, eight, we were visiting for one reason only: Legoland. To children it’s a heavenly theme park with massive Lego installations and scary home base. Whitewater has great ski programs for children -fun roller coasters. To parents it’s a hellscape of consumerism three and older and a toddler play area in the lodge. Since 40 minutes north of San Diego in Carlsbad. We indulged them, Nora wasn’t walking yet, we brought my mom along to help but if you ask me for the ideal family itinerary for a week in the babysit, so we could sneak off to the powder-stuffed glades area, I’d say: skip Legoland, spend the afternoon catching and stellar backcountry access. The poutine in the resort’s waves on the legendary reef break and easy shore breaks at Fresh Tracks Café was as much of a draw as the skiing, and in Swami’s Beach in Encinitas, watch the sunset and the hippie town the Alpine Inn has family suites and ski-and-stay deals drum circle in the parking lot, and then head across Highway 1 (from $122). —M.M. for the ridiculously good ice cream at JoJo’s Creamery. Repeat for six days. No one will be disappointed. —Christopher Keyes

Olive’s Take: “I loved boogie boarding, but you have to watch out for the big waves.”

Nelson, British Columbia I was wading through a U-shaped cave filled with steaming mineral water, carrying Nora, who was six months old at the time, when she started giggling with delight and pointing to- ward dripping stalactites. My husband and I came to Nelson for the skiing—Whitewater Ski Resort and Red Mountain are within an hour of town—but our après soak at Ainsworth Hot (Cam Zink) 4

Best vacations — continued

Nora’s Take: “The best part of ski trips is always the hot choco- Sawyer, and Adrien, were seven, five, and two, we biked a late and hot tubs.” stretch of Point Reyes National Seashore, just over an hour northwest of our home near San Francisco. Our ragtag two- Point Reyes National Seashore, California wheeled convoy departed from the park’s Laguna Trailhead and skidded into the Coast Campground ($20), two miles away, like heroes. After two days of exploring, we rolled back out the way we came, wondering if we would ever car camp again. —Michael Roberts

Oliver’s Take: “The coolest part was the hill above the campsite where I could spy on everyone. Did you know I was doing that?”

Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii

(Andrew Scavullo)

I’ve developed a strong distaste for car camping. Mostly it’s the incessant noise of unlocking vehicles and slamming doors, which, of course, reaches a crescendo just as my wife and I are trying to get the wee ones to sleep. Thus my growing appreciation for bikepacking—not the hardcore version in the hinterlands, but the kind involving flat fire roads and two- burner stoves. A couple years ago, when our boys, Oliver, (Christian Heeb/laif/Redux)

The surfing, hiking, and beach strolls brought us to the north shore of Kauai with a then 14-month-old Nora, who learned to walk barefoot on the beach and ate her first star fruit at the Hanalei farmers’ market. We rented a house through Airbnb that came with surfboards, cruiser bikes, and a wagon to tow kids. Or, if you book one of the cabins at Hanalei Dolphin Cottages, on the Hanalei River, you can paddleboard to the ocean right from your porch. The island was hit with devastating floods in April 2018 but has been steadily recovering, with most of Kauai reopened and in need of tourists. ((Nick Troutman's GoPro) 5

Best vacations — continued

One attraction that’s still closed (but expected to open mid- 2019) is the famed Kalalau Trail, a 22-mile round-trip that passes the secluded beaches and steep waterfalls of the rug- ged Na Pali Coast. Until then, you and your little ones can still experience the iconic shoreline from a Napali Coast Tours cat- amaran. —M.M.

(Della Huff / Alamy)

Nora’s Take: “I don’t remember the trip, but I’m sure I liked the shave ice the best.”

(Jonathan Ampersand Esper/Alamy)

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GOOD NEWS: County to replace Folly Beach pier 05/06/2019 and 06/03/2019

Staff reports | The 1,045-foot-long Folly Beach Fishing Pier will be replaced by Charleston County Parks to allow the icon to continue to serve the community. Construction is expected to start later this year.

“The 24-year-old Folly Beach Pier, while still currently safe for visitors, is deteriorating, its wooden piles impacted by marine boring worms,” according to a press release. The parks department began dive inspections of the pier pilings in 2013, and encapsulated many of the piles over the past five years in an effort to strengthen them, kill the worms and maintain the integrity of the pier. The walkway has been continually in- spected as well. During all phases of the project, the Pier 101 restaurant, the Though the pier has been determined safe for use at this time Folly Pier gift shop and restroom facilities are expected to by consultants, the pile deterioration is a continuous process remain open for normal operations. The rectangular deck area that cannot be stopped. Wooden timber pile piers typically behind these facilities will remain open during walkway have an average life expectancy of 20-25 years. As the Folly construction. During the construction, which could begin as Beach Pier reaches the end of its life, the agency has begun early as later this year, access around and under the pier will planning to remove the existing structure to replace it with a also be restricted as heavy equipment and construction new pier. materials are loaded onto the pier. About a third of the pier’s parking lot may be impacted during construction as well. According to the county, the replacement of the Folly Beach

Pier is in the design development phase. The agency filed an Fishing from and events on the pier will be impacted. The initial permit with the state Office of Coastal Resource Folly Beach Pier will still host the following events in 2019 Management (OCRM) and the Army Corps of Engineers in prior to the space closing for construction: Moonlight Mixers April. The new pier will still have all of the elements visitors (May 24, June 21, July 26, Aug. 16 and Sept. 13); and the Cast love about the existing pier, including fishing stations, places Off Fishing Tournament (May 25 and June 22). to watch the sunset and the beloved Moonlight Mixer dance series. The design of the new Folly Beach Pier is still being More information: Charleston County Parks. finalized and will be shared with the public in the near future.

The walkway section of the pier will be closed for 18 months to 22 months during the walkway construction phase.

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Shaggin’ on the Cooper Staff Report May 11 , 2019

Nothing says summer like listening to live music and dancing •July 13 with The Sneakers the night away. On Saturday, May 18, the Mount Pleasant Pier •Aug. 10 with Vinyl Daze came alive with the sounds of beach music as a part of the •Sept. 7 with Recollections Shaggin’ on the Cooper series. As summer settles on the Advance tickets are $8 per person. Space is limited, so South, bands from the Charleston area and throughout the advance purchase is recommended. If available, tickets sold state will perform monthly at the Mount Pleasant Pier. on site are $10. Gates for Shaggin’ on the Cooper open at 7 All Shaggin’ on the Cooper events are held at the foot of the p.m. and music starts at 8 p.m. Beverages are available for 1250-foot-long pier next to Memorial Waterfront Park, the purchase on site and food is available for sale at the Mount perfect spot to catch the cool breezes and the views of Pleasant Pier’s River Watch Café. Food and beverages are not Charleston Harbor and the Ravenel Bridge. included in ticket prices and coolers are not allowed. Guests are allowed to bring their own chair. 2019 Shaggin’ on the Cooper schedule:

To purchase advance tickets or for more information on these •June 15 with The Coppertones events, call 843-795-4386 or visit CharlestonCountyParks.com. Parklands Foundation adopts new name: Charleston County Parks Foundation May 11, 2019

The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission day from 2005-2014. Of these, two were children aged 14 or (CCPRC)’s non-profit arm, the Parklands Foundation, recently younger. took on a new name. Now known as the Charleston County The mission of the Charleston County Parks Foundation is to Parks Foundation, the organization will also be using a new help all residents experience CCPRC’s parks and programs. website, CharlestonCountyParksFoundation.org. The foundation currently supports four projects. The Genesis The foundation’s board voted on the name change in early Project, established in 2014 after a young boy who drowned, 2019. The goal of the name change is to identify the raises funds to offer aquatic safety programs and reduce the foundation as being run by CCPRC. Donations will number of drowning victims in Charleston County. The Pass It subsidize access to the parks, programs and services that Forward Project provides opportunities and scholarships CCPRC provides to the community. The executive director of so that all members of the community may enjoy CCPRC parks The Charleston County Parks Foundation is CCPRC executive and programs including camps, recreation and educational director David Bennett. programs, and special events.

As part of National Water Safety Month, the Charleston The McLeod Plantation Historic Site Project supports cultural County Parks Foundation is currently collecting donations for and historical research, preservation, interpretation and its Swim For It campaign, an effort to raise funds to support education with an emphasis on underrepresented histories at swim instruction and water safety classes. Donations can be McLeod and throughout CCPRC. The SK8 Forward project made at any of CCPRC’s three waterparks, which opened for introduces skateboarding to youth through free field trips and weekends starting May 4. admission to the SK8 Charleston skate park, along with instruction, safety awareness and equipment use. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were about ten fatal unintentional drowning deaths per 8

Frugal Fun: Summer activities for families on a budget at Charleston County Parks By The Charleston Chronicle | May 28, 2019

The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission  Exploring the equestrian and walking trails at Johns Island (CCPRC) is making it easy to find affordable fun this summer County Park ($1 per person or $5 with horse) for the whole family. CCPRC’s “Frugal Fun” campaign  Exploring the walking trails at Laurel Hill County Park in highlights more than a dozen affordable recreational activities Mount Pleasant or Meggett County Park ($1 per person) at various county park locations this summer.  Riding the mountain bike trails at the Wannamaker North Visitors to CCPRC parks can choose from a wide range of Trail ($1 per person) activities that are available for five dollars per person or less (park admission fees sometimes apply). Many activities are *Plus $2 park admission fee also offered free with park admission. Frugal Fun activities FREE with $2 per person park admission Low-cost Frugal Fun activities at Charleston County Parks in- fee: clude:  Playing disc golf at James Island County Park (JICP) or  Spectating ($1) or skating ($3) at SK8 Charleston skate Wannamaker County Park (WCP) (equipment rental park available for $5 fee)

 Renting bicycles at James Island County Park (JICP), Wan-  Taking Fido to enjoy running off leash at the dog parks namaker County Park (WCP) or Palmetto Islands County at JICP, WCP or Palmetto Islands County Park (PICP) Park (PICP) ($4 per hour, plus refundable deposit)*  Cooling down at JICP’s Spray Play and WCP’s Sprinkler  Renting a two-person pedal boat or a kayak at JICP, WCP or PICP ($4 per half hour, plus refundable deposit)*  Enjoying the playgrounds at JICP, WCP or PICP

 Fishing at the Mount Pleasant or Folly Beach Pier ($3 for  Exploring the Storywalk at WCP kids and seniors, $4 for active military, $5 for adults; For details on these activities, visit CharlestonCounty- equipment not included) Parks.com/FrugalFun or call 843-795-4386.

 Enjoying the kid-friendly Summer Entertainment Series, select dates in June through August, at James Island and Wannamaker County Parks ($5 per child or $4 in advance; chaperone free)

 Trying the archery range at Johns Island County Park ($1 admission per person; equipment not included)

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Waterparks offering Special Needs Swim Nights in June and July By The Charleston Chronicle | May 20, 2019

The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission is welcoming people with special needs, their families, caregivers and friends to a unique night at the waterpark! On Saturday, June 22, Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark in North Charleston will open its gates in the evening for these guests to enjoy.

Special Needs Swim Night will take place after the waterpark is closed to the general public, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Located at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park, Whirlin’ Waters is the largest waterpark in the Charleston area and is home to the Otter Bay kiddie pool area, the Big Splash Tree House, Rip Tide Run mat racer, Lily Pad Lagoon toddler play area, Rollin’ River lazy river, the Big Kahuna wave pool, the Tubular Twister slide complex and the new attraction, The Washout. Lifeguards will be on duty throughout the evening.

Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark in North Charleston will host an additional Special Needs Swim Night on July 13. Splash Zone Waterpark, located within James Island County Park, will offer a Special Needs Swim Night on July 27. In the event of Admission to Special Needs Swim Nights is $9 per person attending at Whirlin’ Waters, or $7 per person at Splash Zone. rain, the Whirlin’ Waters events will be rescheduled for July Food and beverages will also be available for purchase on site. 20. Splash Zone’s rain date will be Aug. 3. To purchase advance tickets, visit CharlestonCounty- Parks.com or call 843-795-4386.

In May, Whirlin’ Waters and Splash Zone, along with Splash Island in Mount Pleasant, are open weekends only for the general public, from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. The parks open for daily admission in June.

Special Needs Swim Night is made possible by the AccessABILITY program of the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission. For more information on these programs or the three Charleston County waterparks, call 843-795-4386 or visit CharlestonCountyParks.com. 10

Charleston Students Exhibit Works in Anson Street Burial Ground Community Art Expo By The Charleston Chronicle | May 26, 2019

When the remains of 36 individuals were unearthed at the impact on Charleston.” Gaillard Center in 2013, so were a mountain of questions: Redux Contemporary Art Center worked alongside the Gullah Who were these people? How did they come to be buried Society to provide the workshops and engage the community here? And most importantly—what are their stories? Two in the ASABG’s efforts. Redux utilized local community artists hundred and fifty years after they were buried, some of those to engage the community from children to elders. Workshops questions have been answered; many revealed in a were held at local schools and Redux; where students learned reinternment ceremony to honor their mark on Charleston’s about archaeological and genetic research related to the history. Anson Street African Burials and created artwork using various visual media.

“The students were beginning to work on an African mask project when we were asked to do the large mural,” said Burke High School art teacher Erin Carter. “We decided to combine the masks into a large collage of all the information we were given on the Gullah Society Burial Ground project. We wanted to include the actual bones dug up from the site, so I asked if we could get some copies of the burial remains photos. At that point, things simply started to come together.”

The artwork of these students was inspired by the ancestral Leading up to that ceremony, nine Charleston County Schools spaces uncovered on Anson Street along with the Gullah were invited to participate in the recent Anson Street African Geechee Culture. The work was intended to reflect Burial Ground (ASABG) Community Art Exhibition located in Charleston’s ancestry as much as their own genealogy. The art the Charleston Civic Design Center. The self-guided tour of exhibit will make its way across the Lowcountry, with the next artwork was facilitated by five local artists and La’Sheia stop at Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission’s Oubre, who is the Education and Community Engagement McLeod Plantation Historic Site. Coordinator for the Gullah Society. She is also a retired The exhibit there will run September 2019 to January 2020. All Charleston County School District (CCSD) teacher. schools are invited to experience the Community Art Installa- “As a team, we were trying to determine how to bring this tion. Learning about ancestry According to Joanna Gilmore, project to the community,” said Oubre. “The students’ Director of Research and Interpretation with the Gullah artwork hung on the same walls as the professional artists and Society, Brockington and Associates were contracted to brought to life these people and their struggles and their excavate and remove the remains after they were initially

11

Charleston Students — continued The results of the analysis of modern DNA variation provides an initial view of genetic diversity in Charleston that can be compared with what was obtained from the Anson Street burials and allows community members to learn about their genetic ancestry. During one school visit where Oubre conducted a workshop to share information on the 36 individuals, one middle school student asked if the Gullah Society could name the ancestors.

discovered during construction work.

“The burials were placed in roughly four rows, dating 1750 to 1800,” said Gilmore. “It is important to recognize and remember the contributions of enslaved and free people of color so that we can enrich what we know about Charleston’s past and its impact on life today. Historical records relating to the lives of the enslaved are difficult to find, so archaeological “The answer was yes and an important step towards research combined with DNA analysis can help us create a reclaiming the humanity of these deceased individuals,” said better picture of who these people were.” Oubre. “The research into each individual provided significant In May 2018, colleagues from the University of Pennsylvania, insight on the important characteristics of these humans. Dr. Theodore Schurr and Raquel Fleskes, collected bone They were provided culturally relevant names that honor their samples from the 36 individuals that were found near Anson existence centuries ago. Street. Historical, archaeological, and ongoing DNA research Gilmore said the students were eager to participate. indicated that these 36 women, men, and children were “Hopefully, they’re proud of their contribution to the project buried between 1750 and 1800. and how they helped us to remember these individuals here Some were born in Africa and others were born in South in Charleston,” said Gilmore. “The Gullah society was certainly Carolina. Dr. Schurr and Fleskes also collected 78 DNA overwhelmed by the amazing work produced by these samples from living individuals of African descent. In July and students.” August 2018, College of Charleston student Adeyemi Oduwole For more information on this traveling Community Art analyzed this material at the University of Pennsylvania with Exhibition, visit www.thegullahsociety.com. support from the National Geographic Society.

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Charleston man completes 70.3-mile Ironman competition after cancer took his stomach By Derrek Asberry [email protected] Apr 30, 2019

Bruce Miller couldn’t put down his phone. throughout the day. And he has to overchew his food to compensate for the lack of digestion that occurs in the stom- Miller, a native of Mount Pleasant, was glued to an app that ach. tracked his son-in-law, Dylan Davison, during an Ironman competition April 14 in Haines City, Fla., about 60 miles East of “If you don’t chew enough, you could get sick,” he explained. Tampa. “A lot goes into it, and it caused my motivation to change after surgery. I wasn’t sure if I could do these races, but I Davison, a John Island resident, completed his first half- knew I wanted to help myself and others who have these Ironman in October 2017, so he knew what to expect. kinds of issues.”

But this time was different. Davison finished 505th out of 1,330 competitors. The half-Ironman included a 1.23-mile swim, 56 miles of biking, When he reached the finish line of the 70.3-mile triathlon — and 13.1 miles of running. which included swimming, biking and running — Davidson proved to himself and the world that he wasn’t giving in to the Being able to compete at all is a victory for Davison. For cancer that required the removal of his stomach. six weeks after his surgery, walking was the only activity he could do. From there, he increased to a speed walk, then a “I think he set a great example for his family,” Miller said, jog. And eventually he was running. speaking about Davision’s wife, Melissa, and their three children. “He’s showing them to never quit or give up on your goals.” Johns Island resident Dylan Davison competed in an Ironman 70.3 about 15 months after his stomach was removed due to cancer. Davison, 33, learned he had hereditary diffuse gastric cancer Provided syndrome in October 2017, a couple of weeks before his first Ironman competition. He decided to get tested for the condition after his mother was diagnosed, and discovered he also carried the gene.

The condition causes cells to dysfunction and results in stomach cancer for about 70 percent of patients.

The news didn’t stop Davison from competing in his first half-Ironman, also called an Ironman 70.3, but it did leave a cloud of uncertainty for any future races.

During Davison’s surgery, his stomach was removed and his esophagus was connected to his small intestine. As a result, he must eat and drink smaller portions but more frequently

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Charleston Man — continued

Davison spent roughly 15 months gearing up for the event. He half-Ironman and eventually wants to work his way up to the learned how to manage his time and monitor his food and full 140.6-mile event. drink intake. He’s still working out three to four times per week, depending He also started working with No Stomach For Cancer, a on soreness. And competes in the Charleston Sprint nonprofit that supports research and support for those Triathlon Series on James Island. battling stomach cancer. Regardless of where he competes, Miller and the rest of “They helped me find a surgeon and connected me with past family won’t be too far away. and future patients,” he said. “That was a huge help because I was able to connect with a real support group.” “He could have said, ‘I can’t do this anymore,’” Miller said. “But he didn’t have that kind of attitude. He fought to get The journey isn’t over for Davison. He’s plotting his next here and that’s what we admire most about him.”

Charleston beach guide: Let the summer begin at Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms By Kalyn Oyer [email protected] May 15, 2019

Memorial Day is almost here, which means that beach season Exploring has officially begun. With the summer stretched out before us Isle of Palms County Park like a sun-dazed blanket of crashing waves, blissful breezes The Isle of Palms County Park has its own parking lot, a volley- and seashell collections, I decided to create a beach guide fea- ball court, a picnic area with grills, a playground, and beach turing Charleston’s most popular sandy shores. chair and umbrella rentals. There are also changing rooms for getting into your swimsuit and outdoor showers for rinsing the This time around, I’m highlighting two local beaches, Sullivan’s sand off your toes. Island and Isle of Palms, from a landmark lighthouse to surfboard rentals to oceanfront dining. Stay tuned for a “famously funky” Folly guide, which will be coming after next week’s Spoleto Festival issue.

As for this week, get your sunblock on (let’s start with 70 SPF for good measure), grab your beach towel and let the summer begin.

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Hicks column: Teach someone to swim, save a life Curbing rural drowning in Charleston County May 24, 2019 Brian Hicks

One of South Carolina’s greatest natural assets is also wildly Fortunately, the Charleston County Park and Recreation dangerous to its residents — and this is a good weekend to Commission has some good programs to address these remind folks of that. problems.

Wendell Gilliard explains the problem simply: The Lowcountry Right now, the county’s 24-foot portable pool is at Jane is surrounded by water, but too many people here don’t know Edwards Elementary on Edisto Island — one of the most rural how to swim. and under-served communities in the Lowcountry. For two weeks, certified instructors and lifeguards teach Jane Edwards Those two facts explain why the state ranks 10th nationally kids the basics of swimming. for drownings. Dozens of people die in the water here every year, and at least a quarter of them are children. “We wanted a way to serve our rural communities,” says Sarah Reynolds, public information coordinator for the Park “Every time I see a kid drown, I cry on the inside,” the veteran and Recreation Commission. state lawmaker says. Reynolds says the transformation children go through with A few years ago, Gilliard prompted the Legislature to declare the swim lessons is amazing. On the first day, some of the May as South Carolina’s annual Water Safety Month. He’s children won’t even get in the water. Two weeks later, many persuaded schools to use the designation to warn students of of them are dog paddling around the pool. the dangers and urge them to learn how to swim.

But the real answer, he says, is making swimming part of the curriculum. Olivia Thornton has moved on to learn advanced strokes, including breast- stroke and butterfly, as part of LAPS swim skills class held for campers at “My next mission is to get them to put it in the curriculum in Lincoln High School on Thursday July 14, 2016. The program, with a portable pool, moves to four camp locations during the summer for instruction. all public schools in South Carolina,” he says. “When I first File/Grace Beahm/Staff introduced the bill a few years ago, it had bipartisan support.”

It is a noble idea. But in a state that struggles to get children reading on grade level and keep teachers on staff, swimming lessons are admittedly a hard sell — a luxury, in fact. Even though it is very important.

This is a problem that affects rural children more than others, and African Americans at about three times the rate of white kids. Some of it is cultural, some of it is economics. And anoth- er portion of it is opportunity.

15

Teach someone to swim — continued

But most importantly, they learn enough to get out of the camps. In a single summer — and this has been going on for water should they fall in. six years — county instructors might teach 300 or 400 rural kids to swim. It’s fitting that Jane Edwards Elementary gets so much use out of the portable pool because the original idea came from Ste- That’s a good start. ve Austin. As a part-time resident of the island, and a member In June, the Park and Recreation Commission will open the of the nonprofit Community Services of Edisto, he took the West County Aquatic Center in Hollywood, which features a idea of a portable pool from California cities that had been 6,000-square-foot pool on Highway 165 next to the new town doing the same thing for years. hall. Another positive step. Local companies pitched in, did some work for free, donated The county deserves a lot of credit for putting such a facility, supplies, volunteered labor. And since then, the pool has been usually reserved for the suburbs, into a rural community with a big hit. The county offers it to other schools, although it is a lot of water — and a lot of non-swimmers. Perhaps it will hard to fit more activities into the academic calendar. become a hub of the community, and inspire similar facilities Which is the biggest hurdle to Gilliard’s dream of swimming across the county. lessons for all public school children. And one government agency can do what the schools can’t. The county is doing its part, however. Every summer, Park and Reach Brian Hicks at [email protected]. Recreation employees cart the portable pool around to Johns Island, McClellanville and Hollywood schools for summer

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Charleston County Parks replacing 24-year-old Folly Beach Pier with closure possible starting later this year Construction will take 18-22 months Posted by Connelly Hardaway on Wed, May 1, 2019 at 1:50 PM

On Wednesday, Charleston County Parks announced that it is Once construction on the new pier starts, the walkway portion of replacing the 1,045-foot-long Folly Beach pier as it "reaches the the pier will be closed for 18-22 months. Pier 101 restaurant, the end of its useful life." Constructed in 1995, the 24-year-old pier is Folly Pier gift shop, and restroom facilities are expected to re- currently deteriorating due to marine boring worms (a.k.a. ship- main open for normal operations. The design of the new pier is worms) in its wooden piles. still being finalized and will be shared with the public in the "near future." In a press release, the parks commission notes that the pier is still safe for visitors, and will continue to host events like moonlight Apparently pier deterioration is pretty normal: "Wooden timber mixers and fishing tournaments through September of this year. pile piers typically have an average life expectancy of 20-25 CCPRC says they're currently in the permitting phrase so the years." timeline for construction is variable — construction could begin Stay up-to-date with construction at ccprc.com. as early as later this year or as late as next fall.

Photo of the Day: Fun at Folly Pier by ABC News 4Thursday, May 23rd 2019

Folly Beach (WCIV) — Yesterday we went to Edisto Island for a beautiful sunrise. Today, we're in Folly Beach for some fun at

the Folly Beach Fishing Pier!

The Folly Pier is an iconic landmark at the Edge of America, as

Folly Beach is nicknamed. Mindy Miley snapped this picture of

it during a recent visit to the beach. And today it's our Photo

of the Day! Thanks for sharing it with us!

Built more than 20 years ago, the Folly Pier will be replaced

with a new structure this year. Before it closes, it will host several events over the summer, including a fishing tourna- ment.

If you have a photo from a visit to the Folly Pier, we would

love to see it! And if you have a photo you would like to see POTD - Fun at Folly Pier (Mindy Miley) featured as our Photo of the Day, CLICK HERE to submit.

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After 24 years, iconic Folly Beach Pier will be replaced by Wilson Beese Wednesday, May 1st 2019

FOLLY BEACH, S.C. (WCIV) — Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission announced the iconic Folly Beach Fishing Pier will be replaced with a new structure after 24 years.

The 1045-foot long, 25-foot wide pier opened in 1995, and officials say it was reached the end of its useful life.

Officials say the pier is currently safe for visitors, but deterioration in the wood piles has been worsened by marine boring worms, and after many attempts, they say the deterioration cannot be stopped.

The project is currently in the design phase. Officials say consultants Wantman Group Inc. were selected to lead the Charleston County Parks announced the iconic Folly Beach project because of, "extensive experience in ocean fishing pier Fishing Pier will be replaced after 24 years. design and construction." Photo: Shallah Dozier

The new pier will still have all of the elements visitors love about

the existing pier, including fishing stations, places to watch the sunset and the beloved Moonlight Mixer dance series. Folly Beach says the pier will still host the following 2019 events before closing: Photo provided by ABC News 4 viewer Brad Hiers  Fri, May 24: Moonlight Mixer The walkway will be closed for 18 to 22 months while it is under construction. After the walkway is complete, an access ramp to  Sat, May 25: Cast Off Fishing Tournament the pier will be built to the side. The rectangular deck and gift shop will also be replaced, and that is expected to take about 4  Fri, June 21: Moonlight Mixer months.  Sat, June 22: Cast Off Fishing Tournament Pier 101 restaurant, the Folly Pier gift shop, and restroom  Fri, July 26: Moonlight Mixer facilities are expected to remain open during all phases of construction.  Fri, Aug. 16: Moonlight Mixer

However, officials say access around the pier will be restricted  Fri, Sept. 13: Moonlight Mixer during construction, and say about a third of the pier's parking lot may be impacted.

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Peper column: Mind your manners as US Women’s Open ramps up James Island traffic woes By Warren Peper May 27, 2019

“Every rose has its thorn, every night has its dawn.” It might be a good idea to see how close an Uber driver might get you. Then, again, you might end-up close to McLeod I heard those lyrics from a 30-year-old rock song recently and Plantation with a healthy walk still in front of you. it made me think about Charleston and its place on the world stage this week. Starting today, and with each passing day of If the blimp’s in town — that might be an option? But it’s not this week, Charleston’s thorn for thousands of visitors and that easy to people-watch from that altitude. locals alike, may very well be the prickly price of getting from The Wappoo Cut has a fair amount of boat traffic. If you’ve one part of town to the other. been thinking about purchasing an amphibious car— this A national sporting event arrives in our port city with might just be the ultimate week to own one. international participants. It’s time to welcome the U.S. Mind your manners Women’s Open.

It doesn’t matter if you care for golf or not. Either way, if Charleston’s reputation for being the most mannerly and the top travel destination will be tested this week. As each day you’re trying to travel in West Ashley, James Island or on the passes, the angst and aggravation will reach a boiling point as peninsula — pack your patience. we wait for the traffic to inch forward in our air-conditioned Tournament organizers and city officials have been plotting vehicles. and planning the various routes for patrons, participants and If you’re asked where somebody can get a tasty cup of she volunteers. There are essentially only a couple of direct paths crab soup, help’em out. to the golf course at The Country Club of Charleston, and one of them crosses a drawbridge. Let’s hope it doesn’t jam or If a tourist needs directions, show’em which one way street stick in the open position this week. That bridge operator will promptly guide them to the next one. might just be under the most pressure of any participant entered in the championship. The world’s been coming to Charleston for a few years now — we’ve got this. One if by land We’ve always adapted and adjusted, whether it be flooded It could be a tough week to be a traffic reporter. The players streets, hurricanes, over-development or just plain ol’ heat and caddies and officials of the event’s governing body — the and humidity. United States Golf Association — will have little trouble arriving to the first tee on time. Those parking passes are pure Yes, every rose has its thorn — and right now, our most gold. prickly problem is traffic. And you know what? When the final putt drops and our visitors leave, our lovely Lowcountry will The volunteers will be shuttled from a lot near the James still be congested. Island County Park. Spectators will board buses at Citadel So, show some Southern hospitality and help our visitors Mall for a ride down Savannah Highway. navigate from here to there. Be careful, though, if you’re too The idea is to keep the various cars with just one or two nice — they might not leave. occupants from clogging-up Charleston’s already choked-up While in traffic last week I saw a bumper sticker that arteries. succinctly says it all. It simply said — We Full.

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U.S. Open expected to bring traffic, crowds to Charleston By Abbey O'Brien | May 28, 2019 at 1:06 PM EDT - Updated May 28 at 8:50 PM

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Golf organizers for the U.S. Wom- Shuttle service begins approximately 45 minutes before the en’s Open expect thousands of people to be in Charleston this first tee time each day of the practice rounds and champion- week for the major golf tournament. It will be held at the ship and runs until approximately one hour after play con- Country Club of Charleston on James Island near the intersec- cludes. tion of Folly Road and Maybank Highway. While Harbor View Elementary is located near the course, Traffic is expected to be heavy around these areas and specta- Charleston County School District staff do not anticipate a tors are asked to take a shuttle to get to the course. Here are significant impact on the school’s operations, according to the spokesperson, Andy Pruitt. details for two shuttle drop-off and pick-up locations: “Staff from our district’s Office of Transportation met with •Complimentary fan parking will be located at the Citadel Mall staff from Charleston Police Department’s Traffic Unit and the from Tuesday through Sunday. 2070 Sam Rittenberg Blvd. tournament organizers a few weeks ago,” Pruitt said. “CPD Charleston, SC 29407 will have ample personnel in place throughout the area... we will be able to contact the Command Post to address issues if •If you are using a rideshare like Lyft or Uber, you are asked to they arise.” be dropped off at McLeod Plantation Historical Site on James Island 325 Country Club Dr. Charleston, SC 29412

According to golf organizers, shuttle service will run between the Citadel Mall and the 2019 U.S. Women’s Open Champion- ship at the Country Club of Charleston on a continuous basis.

Kiawah Beachwalker Park reopening in time for the Memorial Day weekend By Amanda Curry l Lowcountry Weekend May 2019

Beach-lovers rejoice! Kiawah Beachwalker Park is set to for the park’s Notify Me alert system to learn of any additional reopen on Friday, May 24 at 9 a.m., just in time for the closures. Memorial Day weekend. Lifeguards will go on duty starting Kiawah Beachwalker Park is the only public access beach on Saturday, May 25. Beach chair/umbrella rentals and snack bar Kiawah Island and has been closed for renovations since will also be available starting Saturday. January. If you’re heading out, there are a few ongoing projects of Those renovations included: which you need to be aware. Showers and changing rooms •The replacement of the boardwalk from the parking lot to are still under construction and will not be available. But if you the existing showers. need to clean up, the park will be providing freshwater hoses that patrons may use to rinse their feet and beach items. •The replacement of the showers and changing rooms. The Charleston Park and Recreation Commission says the park •The addition of new accessible parking spaces and a paved will remain open after the long weekend; however, there will access pathway to the boardwalk. be some ongoing construction activity and additional, limited •The replacement of the gatehouse and traffic improvements closures may be necessary. You are are encouraged to register to the entry of the park. 20

Reggae Nights Concert Series: Good Music, Good Vibes By Chloe Teichman l Lowcountry Weekend May 2019

Come on out to James Island County Park throughout the activating bodies through song. His musical roots in African Summer to be transported to the beaches of Jamaica! This percussion led to experimenting with sound and rhythm. concert series features old-school roots reggae with a new- His conscious lyrics create distinctive refrains that pulse school attitude. Bring your own chairs or blankets, and get against rhythms rooted in percussion. His soulful exploration ready to groove! in the evolution of sound creates an expression of reggae for the modern day. Gates open at 7:30 PM, music begins at 8 PM. Gates close at Visit Website 10:30 PM, and concerts end at 11 PM. Concerts take place rain or shine. Food, beverages, and Well Charged souvenirs will be available for purchase onsite. ID is required to purchase alcohol. Outside alcohol and coolers are prohibit- ed. Well Charged will “charge the stage” on $10 Adult General Admission (13 & Up) July 19 Free: Ages 12 or under and CCP Gold Pass Members Based out of Visit https://ccprc.com/1619/Reggae-Nights for more infor- Charleston, SC, Well mation Charged formed over a shared love for vintage Signal Fire reggae, rocksteady, and ska music. With over Signal Fire starts off the 50 years combined concert series on June 7 experience performing Jamaican rhythms, their style is a faithful nod to the early Signal Fire is a group of pioneers of Caribbean music. They are frequently accompa- diverse musicians with a nied by a horn section, percussionist, and guest vocalists. common goal, to spread Visit Website unity through music. Hailing from the coastal Mystic Vibrations town of Wilmington, North Carolina Signal Fire brings a unique blend of reggae/rock music for the masses. Mystic Vibrations will Their latest release, “Lift Up” debuted at #1 on iTunes and #8 perform on August 2 on Billboard reggae charts. Through years of grass roots ap- proach, Signal Fire has built a loyal following with their uplift- The deep roots of ing music and message. Mystic Vibrations Visit Website began growth in Little London, West- moreland, Jamaica and Mighty Joshua & Zion 5 spread to the US in 1992. Their music Mighty Joshua & Zion 5 speaks of love, unity, and peace amongst all mankind; will perform on June 28 not forgetting the trials and tribulations of oppressed peoples. The band is a four-piece rhythm section made up of drums, Independent Reggae bass, keyboard, and guitar. Artist Mighty Joshua Visit Website engages audiences by opening minds and 21

Explore famously funky Folly Beach with our Charleston beach guide By Kalyn Oyer [email protected] May 29, 2019 Updated 8 hrs ago

You may remember that we highlighted the fun things to do on Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island a couple weeks ago. Well, now we’re back with a guide to another one of Charles- ton’s popular beaches.

This laid-back Lowcountry beach marches to its own drum, locally dubbed “famously funky” and recently touted as family -friendly. From the breezy bars to the surf shops, here are some of the best ways to explore Folly Beach this summer.

FOLLY BEACH

Dog Rules: No permit required unless Folly Beach stay is longer than 30 days (then, $3 fee); dogs must be on a leash at Folly Beach is a Charleston area beach destination. all times; dogs not allowed at all on beach 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wade Spees/Staff May 1-Sept. 30.

Parking: $5-$15 parking at Folly Beach County Park from 8 a.m. to sunset; $7 a day (paid in designated box) public parking in lots at beach access points on most city blocks; some parking meters; free street parking with tires off pavement.

Food + Dining

Pier 101 Restaurant & Bar

Live music, lunch and dinner are available at this restaurant on the Folly Beach Pier, which will be closed in parts for two years while a new steady structure is built. The first phase could start as early as September, so get your pier fix in this summer while you can. Andrew Grimmage and Morgan Grier dance at the Moonlight Mixer at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. Mi- Exploring chael Campina/Special to The Post and Courier

Folly Beach County Park outdoor showers, a snack bar and a gift shop. During The Folly Beach County Park has its own parking lot by the the summer, you can shag on the pier at the Moonlight pier, along with beach chair and umbrella rentals. There are Mixers featuring beach music and dancing.

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Tallest waterpark attraction in the Charleston area opens at Whirlin’ Waters By Kalyn Oyer [email protected] May 1, 2019

It’s time to dive in. The three waterparks are open weekends between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Splash Zone will open for daily operations starting New Whirlin’ Waters feature “The Washout,” standing 60 feet May 27, while Whirlin’ Waters and Splash Island will open high, is now the tallest waterpark attraction in the Charleston daily starting June 10. Park admission fees vary. area, and it will open on weekends starting in May. For more information, visit charlestoncountyparks.com or call The three Charleston County waterparks include: Whirlin’ Wa- 843-795-4386. ters at North Charleston’s Wannamaker Park, Splash Zone at James Island County Park and Splash Island at Mount Pleas- ant’s Palmetto Island County Park. “The Washout” is the latest addition to the parks’ experienc- es, which range from lazy rivers to wave pools to family play areas. The new water ride, available only to those more than 48 inches tall, offers two unique options. The pink slide features a steep drop that takes riders up a near-vertical wall for a moment of weightlessness before zooming back down into a splash pool, while the turquoise slide includes high-speed twists and turns down an enclosed serpentine flume with water features and 90-degree angles.

This weekend’s Charleston festivals feature nature, beer and skateboarding By Liz Foster [email protected] May 15, 2019 2 hrs ago

From nature to skaters, here’s definitely encouraged. The pro bowl, 200-foot snake run and what’s going on in good ol’ 300-foot street course will be open for those who don’t wish Chucktown this weekend. to compete. Hawaiian Luau & Bowl Jam In the spirit of transparency, I asked for a skateboard when Aloha, y’all. SK8 Charleston I was in middle school and my dear parents obliged for my has something special for all birthday. They didn’t know it was a “poser board” when they you grinders on Friday, bought it, but I rode the heck of it — just not where anyone featuring its Hawaiian Luau & could see it. Or me, for that matter. I was no Tony Hawk. Bowl Jam at the skate park. Sponsored by Parrot Surf and Additional themed events for the summer include a hoedown Skate, the bowl jam (with on June 13 and a back-to-school bash on Aug. 19. prizes!) will be in the park’s SK8 Charleston is open Wednesdays-Mondays for skateboard- intermediate bowl, with a ing and Tuesdays for BMX bikers. designated hour for ages 14 and younger and then an hour for WHEN: 6-9 p.m. May 17 all ages. Following those will be a best trick contest, so start WHERE: SK8 Charleston, 1549 Oceanic St., downtown Charles- practicing your ollies, nollies and fakies. Live music will be ton provided Shr3d Crust (skate rock; yes, that’s a genre) and PRICE: $3 to skate; $1 to spectate Hybrid Mutants (punk rock), and there will be food trucks MORE INFO: 843-795-4386, bit.ly/2JzNlCq from Smoky Oak Taproom and King of Pops. Hawaiian attire is 23

Shaggin' on the Cooper series continues May 18 By: Jan-Michael Pugh Posted: May 06, 2019 01:54 PM EDT

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) - Nothing says summer like $10. Gates for Shaggin’ on the Cooper open at 7 p.m. and music listening to live music and dancing the night away. starts at 8 p.m. Beverages are available for purchase on site and food is available for sale at the Mount Pleasant Pier’s River Watch According to the news release, on May 18, the Mount Pleasant Café. Pier will come alive with the sounds of beach music and party hits when the Shaggin’ on the Cooper series continues with the Shem To purchase advance tickets or for more information on these Creek Boogie Band. events, call 843-795-4386 or visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.

A longtime favorite local band for beach music, the Shem Creek 2019 Shaggin’ on the Cooper Schedule: Boogie Band got its start playing weekly Thursday night gigs in ● May 18 with Shem Creek Boogie Band 1991 at the legendary Trawler Restaurant, situated along Shem Creek in Mount Pleasant. ● June 15 with The Coppertones

As summer settles on the South, bands from the Charleston area ● July 13 with The Sneakers and throughout the state will perform monthly at the Mount Pleasant Pier (see schedule below). All Shaggin’ on the Cooper ● August 10 with Vinyl Daze events are held at the foot of the 1250-foot-long pier next to  September 7 with Recollections Memorial Waterfront Park, the perfect spot to catch the cool breezes and the views of Charleston Harbor and the Ravenel Shaggin’ on the Cooper is brought to you by Dasani, Kirkman Bridge. Broadcasting and your Charleston County Parks. For more information on these events, call 843-795-4386 or visit Advance tickets are $8 per person. Space is limited, so advance CharlestonCountyParks.com. purchase is recommended. If available, tickets sold on site are

Outdoors Calendar Posted: May 26, 2019

Take a Kid Fishing Tournament entry fee is $40 per angler and $20 for youth 15 and younger. Eligible The Folly Beach Anglers’ 11th annual Jerry Pierce Memorial species include king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, flounder, Take a Kid Fishing Tournament will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. trout, sheepshead, bluefish, spadefish, blackfish, ladyfish, June 1 at the Folly Beach Pier. The tournament is free and dogfish and legal spot-tail with the most spots. Contact Lee open to kids ages 4-16. Pre-registration is not required. Moyer at 843-509-3728 or Bob Zobel at 843-906-3324. Fishing equipment will be provided as long as supplies last. Trophies and prizes will be awarded in the following boys and girls age groups, 4-7, 8-11 and 12-16. Information is available on Facebook at Take A Kid Fishing - Folly Beach Anglers, or contact Randy Carter at [email protected].

Charleston Coastal Anglers tournament

The Charleston Coastal Anglers’ 36th annual open fishing tournament will be held Aug. 3. The captain’s meeting will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. Aug. 1 at James Island County Park’s Edisto Shelter. The tournament weigh-in will be 4:30-5:30 p.m. Aug. 3 at James Island County Park’s Stono Shelter. The 24

Mount Pleasant likely to scrap harbor pier extension and boat slips for restaurant, dog park By David Slade [email protected] May 17, 2019

MOUNT PLEASANT — After years of planning and up to $700,000 already spent, the town is poised to scrap the extension of the Waterfront Memorial Park pier.

The extension was to add boat slips for daytime use and the possibility of future water taxi or ferry service.

Instead, the town may spend the pier extension money on a new restaurant, a dog park and improvements to parking.

Mayor Will Haynie said extending the pier would cost the town $5.9 million, plus another $1.2 million in federal funds “to build essentially 10 boat slips.”

Haynie’s closest ally on Town Council, Joe Bustos, said the cost seems too high, even if walking away from the project means After years of planning, the Town of Mount Pleasant is giving up the federal grant and the money already spent. poised to scrap an extention designed to add boat slips — “It’s not that we’re throwing away $2 million, it’s that we’re in the area to the right of the existing pier — not spending $5 million,” he said at a council meeting at Waterfront Memorial Park, shown here on Thursday Tuesday. night, May 18, 2019. Wade Spees/Staff

The money would actually be spent, but on different planned Town Administrator Eric DeMoura said about $1 million has projects at the park that haven’t been funded. Doing so been spent planning all the phases of the park improvements, could potentially free up town funds for other priorities, such with $600,000 to $700,000 of that amount devoted to plan- as drainage improvements in the Old Village, at a time when ning and permitting the pier extensions. officials have expressed concern about the town’s long-term finances. Gerald “Jiggin’ Jerry” Granier fishes the pier frequently and makes fishing videos that have been viewed on YouTube The park on the Cooper River next to the Arthur Ravenel Jr. hundreds of thousands of times. He has been an outspoken Bridge, which opened in 2009, already has a long pier that’s opponent of the pier extension and welcomed the news that used for fishing, sightseeing and special events. The extension the town may scrap the plan. would have added a dozen boat slips for daytime use, two of which would have been reserved for public services such as “That is fantastic,” Granier said. “It’s a win for the wildlife, police and fire boats. and it’s a win for the reasons we consider the Lowcountry special. Other park improvements costing roughly $7.5 million were expected to follow the pier extension, with about half the “If you could see how many people just stare (from the pier) money going toward building a second-floor restaurant space at the wildlife — manatees, cow-nosed stingrays, sturgeon, on top of the park’s existing retail and snack shop, which the birds — it’s just amazing,” he said. town would rent to a restaurant operator. The fate of the pier extension is not certain, but a majority of

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Pier extension — continued

Town Council members voted to defund it in an April committee meeting. At a May 14 meeting, just three ofthe nine council members supported keeping the pier extension plan alive — Gary Santos, Bob Brimmer and Kevin Cunnane.

“It will allow boats to come over and drop people off at the (park) dock for events,” Santos said. “I think the police and fire opportunities, to be able to cover the water much faster and serve our citizens, is the most important.”

Cunnane also said it would improve public safety if the town’s The plan to extend the pier at Mount Pleasant’s fire boat could dock there. Waterfront Memorial Park. Provided

The reason the pier extension was supposed to be the first and access by boat to the waterfront park was the biggest phase of planned park improvements was not because of item that came forward,” DeMoura said. public safety but because boat access was what the public wanted. A final decision is up to Town Council, which has punted the issue to its Finance Committee. Previous committee and “A few years back there was public comment, public input council votes show a lack of support for the pier extension. taken on what the next phases of the park should look like,

Outdoors Calendar Posted: May 26, 2019

Take a Kid Fishing Tournament ble on Facebook at Take A Kid Fishing - Folly Beach Anglers, or contact Randy Carter at [email protected]. The Folly Beach Anglers’ 11th annual Jerry Pierce Memorial Take a Kid Fishing Tournament will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Charleston Coastal Anglers tournament June 1 at the Folly Beach Pier. The tournament is free and The Charleston Coastal Anglers’ 36th annual open fishing tour- open to kids ages 4-16. Pre-registration is not required. nament will be held Aug. 3. The captain’s meeting will be held Fishing equipment from 6:30-8 p.m. Aug. 1 at James Island County Park’s Edisto will be provided as Shelter. The tournament weigh-in will be 4:30-5:30 p.m. Aug. long as supplies last. 3 at James Island County Park’s Stono Shelter. The entry fee is Trophies and prizes $40 per angler and $20 for youth 15 and younger. Eligible will be awarded in species include king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, flounder, the following boys trout, sheepshead, bluefish, spadefish, blackfish, ladyfish, and girls age groups, dogfish and legal spot-tail with the most spots. Contact Lee 4-7, 8-11 and 12-16. Moyer at 843-509-3728 or Bob Zobel at 843-906-3324. Information is availa-

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Music/Nightlife - Charleston Scene Home & Garden Calendar May 16, 2019 May 5 and May 12, 2019 Saturday Wednesday Shaggin’ on the Cooper Wine Down Wednesday What: Local live bands will perform throughout the season at What: Guests can enjoy wine and live music at Old Towne the Mount Pleasant Pier. Creek County Park. A commemorative wine glass is included, and food truck fare will be available. When: 7-11 p.m. May 18 When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. May 8 Where: Mount Pleasant Pier, 71 Harry Hallman Blvd., Mount Pleasant Where: Old Towne Creek County Park, 1400 Old Towne Road, Charleston Price: $8-$10 Price: $15-$20 More Info: 843-795-4386, bit.ly/2ItoYqe More Info: 843-795-4386, http://bit.ly/2FOGwdP

This Week in the Arts May 19, 2019 Thursday Friday Hops & Vines Moonlight Mixer What: Enjoy drinks and live music. Food truck fare will be available for purchase. What: Shag the night away under the stars at the Folly Beach When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. May 9 and May 16 Pier to oldies and beach music spun by DJ Jim Bowers. Where: McLeod Plantation Historic Site, 325 Country Club When: 7-11 p.m. May 24 Drive, Charleston Where: Folly Beach Fishing Pier, 101 E Arctic Ave., Folly Beach Price: $15-$20 Price: $8-$10 More Info: 843-795-4386, bit.ly/2Whextb More Info: 843-795-4386, bit.ly/2VIt70r Saturday Fishing Tournament What: The Mount Pleasant Pier and the Folly Beach Pier will host a season of monthly fishing tournaments. When: 6 a.m.-2 p.m. May 11 Where: Mount Pleasant Pier, 71 Harry Hallman Blvd., Mount Pleasant Price: $5-$10 More Info: 843-762-9946, http://bit.ly/2J7YBpp

The Charleston County Parks Department will host a moonlight mixer May 24 at the Folly Beach Pier. file/Michael Campina/Special to The Post and Courier 27

Food & Beverage Calendar May 2, 2019 Other Events Calendar May 4 , 2019

Wednesday Friday Wine Down Wednesday Bird Walk

What: Guests can enjoy wine and live music from Dave What: This walk focuses on the Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Pre- Landeo at Old Towne Creek County Park. A commemorative serve at the northeast end of Folly Island. wine glass is included, and this week’s food trucks are When: 8:30-10:30 a.m. May 10 Tamashii and Life Raft Treats. Where: Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve, 1750 East Ashley Ave., Folly Beach When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. May 8 Price: $7 Where: Old Towne Creek County Park, 1400 Old Towne Road, Charleston More Info: 843-795-4386, bit.ly/2JiNw4P Price: $15-$20 Saturday

Fishing Tournament Health Calendar May 13, 2019 What: The Mount Pleasant Pier will kick off its season of Sunday monthly fishing tournaments. The Folly Beach Pier will begin its season on May 25. Triathlon Series When: 6 a.m.-2 p.m. May 11 What: The Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series (swimming, bik- Where: Mount Pleasant Pier, 71 Harry M. Hallman Jr. Blvd. ing, running) kicks off its 29th year and is afive-race series Price: $5-$10 from May-August. More Info: 843-762-9946, ccprc.com/2038/Cast-Off-Fishing- When: 7:15 a.m. May 19, June 16, July 7, July 28 and Aug. 11 Tournaments championship race Alligator Adventure Where: James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Drive Price: $50-$204 What: Search for alligators and separate fact from fiction on More Info: 843-795-4386, ccprc.com/1507/Charleston-Sprint- this journey to learn why these large reptiles are called Triathlon “keystone species.” When: 10 a.m.-noon, May 11 Where: Wannamaker County Park, 8888 University Blvd., May 23, 2019 Other Calendar North Charleston Fishing Tournament Price: $7 More Info: 843-795-4386, bit.ly/2J5E45N What: The Mount Pleasant Pier and the Folly Beach Pier will host a season of fishing tournaments. When: 6 a.m.-2 p.m. May 25 Where: Folly Beach Pier, 101 E Arctic Ave. Price: $5-$10 More Info: 843-762-9946, bit.ly/2J7YBpp

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Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission by Andrew Cline Friday, May 17th 2019

It's almost summer and that means sun, fun, and dancing with the county parks!

by Andrew Cline Wednesday, May 29th 2019

The summer is heating up at your county parks with live music and soothing yoga!

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Customer Service ---From another satisfied customer

The Lake House at Bulow Plantation was the greatest place to have our wedding! We were able to rent the house for 3 nights and provide a free place for our out-of-town wedding party. Everyone was in awe of how beautiful the property was, and planning was a breeze, thanks to site manager Justin, who was prompt in answering all my emails and patiently met us at the house 3-4 times beforehand. The house was clean and the grounds were meticulous. Really can't complain about anything related to the house, except there wasn't great lighting indoors or out… I probably noticed it more than others might since I sell lighting, though.;)

“A little before 4pm at Laurel Hill on May 21st, a man’s dog overheated on the trails and wouldn’t/couldn’t get up. The man left his dog on the trail with his friend and he ran back to the trailhead to look for help. He saw the PRC phone number on the rules sign and called Park & Program Services (PPS) rep, Jill Coggins, who put him in touch with Lynn Jenness, Parks Assistant Director. Lynn offered him a few options. She could give him the combination to the vehicle gate on Hwy 41 but there was no way for him to drive into Laurel Hill from the Park West Recreation Complex where he was parked. He could call the police who also have a combination to the Hwy 41 gate and they could drive onto the property to locate them and help transport his dog. The patron was concerned about the length of time it would take police or himself to get to his car, drive around to the Hwy 41 entrance and then get to his dog. While talking with the dog owner Lynn texted off-duty District 1 part-time employee, Jim Morini, who lives off Hwy 41 and explained the situation. Even though off duty, Jim immediately went to Laurel Hill, got the Gator, found the man and his dog and transported them to their car. Jim went beyond the call of duty to render aid. This shows the depth of customer service customers experience at our facilities on a regular basis. Thanks Jim for your unselfish act of service! — Laurel Hill County Park Visitor

“Our cohort of high potential leaders coming together for the first time were able to accelerate trust and team building. Post activity debriefs were critical to draw on lessons learned related to communication, teamwork, leadership, decision-making, and problem solving.”

Challenge Course Participant – Custom Challenge Course Program at James Island County Park

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“I like how soccer matches were coordinated for the kids and how welcoming everybody was to my son.”

Baptist Hill Micro Soccer Parent – Youth Athletics Program at Schroder Community Center

“Kristina Wheeler is always a fantastic and knowledgeable leader. She makes everything so enjoyable and easy to understand!”

Nature’s Soundscape: How to Really Tune In – Interpretive Program at Caw Caw Interpretive Center

“The instructors asked first what we wanted to learn and they tailored the program to meet our needs. They listened to us and were very knowledgeable.”

Introduction to Kayaking Participant – Outdoor Adventure Program at James Island County Park

“I liked that my child was given the opportunity to surf with a supportive and patient team. Truly a wonderful experience. Thank you!”

Wheel to Surf Parent – Accessible Recreation Program and Folly Beach County Park

“This was by far my favorite event volunteering for. Please do more of these! So rewarding! Great for young volunteers too. Well organized.”

Wheel to Surf Volunteer – Accessible Recreation Program at Folly Beach County Park

“Great venue for meeting friends & enjoying an evening outdoors. The musician added to it all.”

Hops and Vines Participant – Special Event at McLeod Plantation Historic Site

“This is a great, family-friendly event. We love coming with our friends and letting the kids play while we socialize.”

Wine Down Wednesday Participant – Special Event at Old Towne Creek County Park

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Wheel to Surf Adaptive Surfing With perfect weather and conditions, on Saturday, May 4th CCPRC hosted another successful Wheel to Surf adaptive surfing event at Folly Beach County Park. The event was made possible with the support of partner organizations Ocean Cure, Adaptive Surf Project, Adaptive Expeditions, and Coastal Adaptive Sports. Wheel to Surf allowed 32 individuals of varying ages and abilities to experience the joys of surfing with the guidance of adaptive surfing staff from the partner organizations and dedicated volunteers. Throughout the day, smiles and good vibes from all involved radiated around Folly Beach County Park. Wheel to Surf showcases just how inclusive parks and recreation can be while strengthening our relation- ship with the local community and partner organizations.

MUSC Trauma Survivors Day On May 8th, Recreation staff attended MUSC’s Trauma Survivors Day to showcase the beneficial programs and services CCPRC has to offer. The event provided trauma survivors and their families the opportunity to network with other survivors, visit with their medical team, and obtain information from agencies like CCPRC who provide valuable services and resources to promote a life well lived for individuals of all abilities.

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Super Hero Dance Party When they're not busy fighting the forces of evil and saving the world, super heroes enjoy a chance to cut loose and party with their friends and we did just that at our Super Hero Dance for people with special needs. On May 1st, we hosted a Super Hero Dance Party for our friends with special needs and their sidekicks (otherwise known as their families and caregivers!). Because saving the world is hard work, we served tasty treats and cool drinks. One Hundred fifty-three super heroes enjoyed a fun night of socialization and dancing.

Motown in the Moonlight Motown in the Moonlight premiered on May 4th at the Mount Pleasant Pier. Patrons came out to dance to the sounds of Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and many more classic Motown hits. The event kicked off with live music from a local Charleston band, Bobby Alvarez and the Supernaturals. The night was beautiful and attendance did not disappoint with 493 people present for this debut. The next Motown in the Moonlight will be held on September 21st with live music provided by The Majestics.

Wine Down Wednesday Cheers to hump day! This spring we hosted four Wine Down Wednesday events and had record-breaking attendance. May 8th proved to be the highest attended Wine Down Wednesday with 565 individuals in attendance. Guests enjoyed great weather at all four events as well as wine, live music, and food trucks, all while taking in beautiful Old Towne Creek County Park. Wine Down Wednesday has quickly become the best happy hour in town!

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Mullet Haul 5K & 10K Trail Run

The weather again cooperated as we hosted the Mullet Haul 5K & 10K Trail Run on April 27th. The day went off without a hitch and our sponsors provided food and libations as a cherry on top for a race well run for 186 runners. We continue to strengthen our identity in the local running market as one of the primary trail race providers in the Charleston area.

Mark Your calendar Need a yoga fix? Join us for yoga in the water, on a board, on the beach, or in the meadow!

H2O Yoga will be coming soon to the West County Aquatic Center in Hollywood, SC.

Stand up paddleboard yoga programs Power yoSUP and Gentle yoSUP return to the big lake at James Island County Park this summer.

Starlight Yoga returns to Folly Beach County Park on June 6th. Finally, Salute the Solstice Yoga Fest returns to James Island County Park on June 20th. As an added bonus this year, Yoga Fest participants will move and flow to the reggae beat of Mystic Vibrations.

Flowing and glowing under the summer sun has never been more refreshing!

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The District 2 Maintenance Crew recently completed construction of a small kiosk for the Plymouth Boat Landing in Riverland Terrace. This new style of kiosk is being installed all over the county at our smaller boat landings.

This was an excellent beginner project. In addi- tion to learning to read plans and order material, the crew was also able to use their skill set in the basics of carpentry, framing, and roofing.

The Green Team Committee, composed of agency maintenance staff who maintain the grounds at our facilities, arranged a field trip to Middleton Place for committee members and other grounds maintenance employees. Sidney Frazier, lead horticulturist at Middleton Place, served as the group’s tour guide. Sidney shared the history of the gardens during the tour, as well as, the methods used for their grounds maintenance and horticulture practices throughout the plantation. The purpose of the trip was to give our grounds staff a “behind the scenes” perspective of what goes into maintaining America's oldest gardens while also learning techniques that could be applied to PRC facilities.

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Interpretation Staff Members become Certified Interpretive Guides

The Certified Interpretive Guide program is an internationally recognized training developed by the National Association for Interpretation. To attain this certification, individuals must complete a 40 hour workshop, pass a literature review, develop a program outline, and present a ten minute program to their peers. As of May 31st, the Interpretation Department added seven new Certified Interpretive Guides to their ranks, bringing the total to thirteen.

The closing of McLeod Plantation Historic Site due to the US Women’s Open Golf Championship gave programmers a rare opportunity to engage in this training during what is tradition- ally a very busy time. In addition to spending the week growing their skills, participants were able to engage in team- building activities and enjoy spending time with their coworkers in a class setting.

The training was facilitated by three of PRC’s veteran Interpreters and Certified Interpretive Trainers: Shawn Halifax, the Cultural History Interpretation Coordinator; Keith McCullough, the Natural History Interpretation Coordinator; and Beth Burkett, the Interpretation Manager. Each facilitator brought a unique perspective and expertise, ranging from children’s education to challenging narratives. This well-rounded and engaging class demonstrates the commitment that the Interpretation department has towards professionalism and innovation in the workplace.

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‘Oh, the Things You’ll Do’

SK8 Charleston participated in the City of North Charleston’s Children’s Festival in May. The theme of this year’s event was: ‘Oh, the Things You’ll Do’ and included all sorts of Dr. Seuss related costumes and activities. The event had 3000+ young children from all over the Charleston area in attendance. SK8 staff set up a booth with information about the skate park, skateboarding lesson rack cards and a poster for an upcoming Hawaiian Luau. Staff members performed skate- boarding demonstrations throughout the morning, which were well received by the children. Exposure for SK8 Charleston, through demonstration and word of mouth at this event, generated a lot of excitement and curiosity about the sport and the park in numerous children on hand.

Hawaiian Luau & Bowl Jam

Friday, May 17th, SK8 Charleston hosted the 2nd Annual Hawaiian Luau & Bowl Jam with no additional cost to customers for the event. Food vendors and live music were provided. Festivities included a skating competition in the intermediate bowl with prizes awarded to the winners. This event had the single highest day attendance since our Grand Opening with 340 event goers. Contestants traveled from all over the Southeast to participate in the Bowl Jam (14 & under winner was from Jacksonville, FL and the Open winner from Columbia, SC). All in all, this was an incredibly successful event for the park.

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The Marketing Department worked with Wannamaker County Park to wrap one of the fleet vehicles. This particular vehicle logs many trips up and down I-26, and the vibrant new wrap now makes it a moving billboard for Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark.

Total Calls In: 9,621

Average Talk Time: 2.26

Average Wait Time: 0.20

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Discounted Passes sold through Corporate Online Pass Sales:  440 Gold Passes, 238 Super Splash Passes and 102 Basic Splash Passes  24 participating companies May’s Sponsored Events:

 Cast-Off Fishing Tournament: Dick’s, Field & Stream, Charleston Cotton Exchange, Domino’s and Haddrell’s

 Charleston Sprint Triathlon: Athleta, Blue Sky Endurance, Food Lion, The Nate Buttrick Team, Afford-a- Bike, Charleston Sports Pub, Atlantic Esthetics, Premier Physical Therapy, Frametastic, Hanckel Marine and Trek Bikes

 Hops & Vines: EventHaus, Noble Vines and Fam’s Brewing Co.

 Moonlight Mixer: Dasani, Pier 101 and Mike Dupree Law Firm

 Motown in the Moonlight: Dasani and The City’s Greatest Hits

 Shaggin’ on the Cooper: Dasani, Noble Vines, LeafFilter, The City’s Greatest Hits and Overture Apartments on Daniel Island

 Wheel to Surf Adaptive Surfing: Domino’s, Charleston Cotton Exchange and Thurmond Kirchner & Timbes

Wheel to Surf

Hops & Vines

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Website Visits Pageviews  May 2019: 179,093  May 2019: 459,195

 May 2018: 142,288  May 2018: 425,754

Top 10 CCPRC.com Pages Visited 1. Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark 6. Splash Passes 2. Camping & Lodging 7. Gold Pass Membership 3. Splash Zone Waterpark 8. Splash Island Waterpark 4. James Island County Park 9. Isle of Palms County Park 5. Wannamaker County Park 10. McLeod Plantation Historic Site

Top Visitor Locations 1. Charleston, SC 6. Johns Island, SC 2. Charlotte, NC 7. Fayetteville, NC 3. Summerville, SC 8. Germantown, NC 4. Mount Pleasant, SC 9. North Charleston, SC 5. Goose Creek, SC 10. Moncks Corner, SC

Top Website & Social Referral Sites 1. Facebook.com 6. OnlyInYourState.com 2. CharlestonCVB.com 7. chstoday.6amcity.com 3. Instagram.com 8. CharlestonRunningClub.com 4. LowcountryWeekend.com 9. FollyBeach.com 5. CharlestonWeddingGuide.com 10. PamHarringtonExclusives.com

Email Marketing

 Open Rate: 45.19

 Click-Through Rate: 24.4%

 Opens By Device:

 Mobile: 53%

 Desktop: 47%

40 Total Facility Attendance 1819 vs. 1718

PICP JICP WCP CAW JoICP FB Pier MP Pier BWP FBCP IOP Bulow Laurel Hill Old Towne McLeod LIHP SK8 TOTAL

YTD 1718 149,962 681,124 321,329 22,507 25,987 299,582 213,663 68,736 75,305 155,650 3567 4,860 3604 29,550 70,561 23,690 2,149,676 Attendance YTD 1819 142,338 674,728 338,968 22,152 25,843 453,219 225,326 52,744 84,109 172,348 3587 3,335 3076 25,944 66,982 21,445 2,316,144 Attendance

Variance -7,624 -6,396 17,639 -355 -144 153,638 11,663 -15,991 8,804 16,698 20 -1,525 -528 -3,606 -3,579 -2,245 166,469

% -5% -1% 5% -2% -1% 5% -23% 12% 11% 1% -31% -15% -12% -5% -9% 1% 41

SI SZ WW TOTAL BWP FBCP IOP TOTAL Campsites Cottages Marina YTD 1718 YTD 1718 YTD 1718 25,607 44,042 89,104 158,753 25,797 35,080 58,670 119,547 79% 57% 96% Attendance Vehicles Occupancy YTD 1819 YTD 1819 YTD 1819 29,231 55,527 105,912 190,670 19,917 38,159 64,477 122,553 82% 53% 92% Attendance Vehicles Occupancy

Variance 3,624 11,485 16,808 31,917 Variance -5,880 3,079 5,807 3,006

% 14% 26% 19% 20% % -23% 9% 10% 3% 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: May 2019 EEO Information

FULL TIME PART TIME TOTAL OF ALL EMPLOYEES EMPLOYEES EMPLOYEES

Number of Employees 174 956 1130

White 146 651 71%

Hispanic 5 44 4%

African American 16 178 17% Asian 2 22 2% Indian 1 8 1% Two or more Races 4 53 5% Male 101 388 43%

Female 73 568 57%

42 HUMAN RESOURCES UPDATE

Volunteer Coordinator Report MAY 2019

Activity Category Hours Volunteers CHARLESTON SPRINT TRIATHLON SERIES 131 24 DAY PARK 29 3 ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION 4 2 HEADQUARTERS 6 2 HOPS & VINES 13 4 MCLEOD PLANTATION 51 5 MOONLIGHT MIXER 25 6 MOTOWN IN THE MOONLIGHT 25 6 SHAGGIN’ ON THE COOPER 28 7 SPECIAL NEEDS SUPER HERO DANCE 27 8 THE GREEN TEAM 18 12 VOLUNTEERS IN PARKS (IOP & JOICP) 30 8 WHEELS TO SURF 348 71 WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY 17 6 Total May 2019 Volunteer Hours: 752 Current Fiscal Year to Date Volunteer Hours: 9297 Previous Fiscal Year to Date Volunteer Hours: 6980 Current vs Previous Fiscal Year to Date Volunteer Hours: 2317 Value of Volunteer Hours: Total May 2019 Volunteer Full-time Employee Equivalent: 4.63 Current Fiscal Year to Date Volunteer Full-time Employee Equivalent: 5.20 Previous Fiscal Year to Date Volunteer Full-time Employee Equivalent 3.9 Current vs Previous Fiscal Year to Date Volunteer Full-time Employee Equivalent: 1.3 Value of Volunteer Hours Formula: # volunteer hours / 162.5 (equivalent of one full time employee) = # full-time employee equivalent

Monthly Employee Cost Savings Total May 2019 Volunteer Hours Value: 18,533.89 Current Fiscal Year to Date Volunteer Hours Value: 228,971.60 Previous Fiscal Year to Date Volunteer Hours: Value 171,728.70 Current vs Previous Fiscal Year to Date Volunteer Hours Value: 57,242.90 Monthly Employee Cost Savings Formula: $4003 (monthly cost with salary and benefits for a specialist level 207 full time employee) x # of full-time employee equivalent = Monthly Employee Cost Savings

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A SHOUT-OUT TO OUR NAVY VOLUNTEERS

Our Charleston County Park’s volunteers are irreplaceable when it comes to having a successful event. Recently, volunteers that are nuclear engineer students with the Navy have stood out, going above and beyond with their hard work and fun spirits! They’ve attended most of our major events this fiscal year, including Harvest Fest, Ca- jun Festival, Pet Fest, Off Road Duathlon, Save the Light 5K & Half Marathon, Where the Wild Things Run, Charleston Sprint Tri- athlon Series, and Wheel to Surf. In total, they’ve amassed over 1000 volunteer hours. As soon as Edith Foley-Thompson or Dane DeKrey arrive in the Navy van with their de- pendable and dynamic team, they are ready to work. They are incredibly helpful, ensur- ing that the events are fun and well- maintained. They emptied countless water bowls at Pet Fest, played with little ones at Cajun, Har- vest and Charleston Outdoor Festivals, and handed out water to thirsty runners at our races. A huge thank you to all of our Navy Volunteers!

44 Planning & Development Update

The Aquatic Center will be ready for the Grand Opening, June 21, 2019. The facility was substantially completed on June 7, with Certificate of Occupancy and SCDHEC approvals for the building and pool. The final punch list items will be completed prior to the opening. A soft opening will take place as the Parks Division makes the facility ready for the public.

Beachwalker County Park was re-opened to the public on Memorial Day weekend after some unforeseen delays. Over the following couple of weeks, the public was greeted with many new features including: new shower pedestals, larger changing rooms meeting ADA guidelines, composite boardwalk decking, concrete picnic area, new gatehouse, new facility entry signage, enhanced ADA-compliant parking, and an improved facility entry configuration that includes a new entry lane. The recent rainy weather has hampered progress on some of the finishing touches. However, by the time of the upcoming Commission Meeting, the shower deck and changing rooms will be completed and operational. Entrance changes will provide fewer traffic back-ups on Beachwalker Road.

45 1 Planning & Development Update—continued

The new dog park project has begun with elements including clearing, grading, fencing, landscaping, hardscape, benches, shade sails, restrooms, and a dog spray pad.

The Folly Beach County Park new Dunes House and infrastructure replacements/improvements project is underway. SouthCon Building Group, LLC, our contractor, has made good progress after the lengthy delay in getting the required permits. Water and power lines have been installed. SouthCon is currently working to complete the beach access ramps and have started driving the piles for the new Dunes House.

Construction progress at Folly Beach County Park includes new power lines, new beach access ramps and foundation piles for the new Dunes House

May 2019 The Planning & Development Design Staff provides PICP Splash Island — Office and Break-room New Floors assistance with the planning of some projects and facilitates the Design Review Process. The following are projects that were reviewed and have received approval since the previous Commission Meeting: 46 2 Planning & Development Update—continued

A Request for Proposals has been advertised for consultants to provide interpretive master planning services for Old Towne Creek County Park. Six consultants submitted proposals that were evaluated and scored by CCPRC Planning & Development and Recreation’s interpretive staff. The consultants were scored based on their firm’s professional qualifications, past projects and overall capacity to complete the job in a professional and timely manner. The Commission will be notified on the selected consultant, including project cost, at the June meeting.

The interpretive master plan will guide the development and implementation of the park’s interpretive programming, in consideration of the existing park master plan and Phase 1 development opportunities. The selected consultant will work closely with the park’s interpretive steering committee comprised of both CCPRC staff and external experts with historical knowledge of the site’s history. Design development, construction and installation are considered future tasks. Pending authorization, these tasks will be coordinated with the park’s phased construction.

On May 22nd, Planning & Development staff in coordination with Sea Grant Consortium hosted a Spartina grass planting event with 4th and 5th graders from St. James/Santee Elementary School. The event was part of Planning & Development’s continued efforts to promote environmental education and public outreach on undeveloped properties. Staff provided an overview of Awendaw Future County Park and spoke about the importance of protecting and preserving marsh ecology. Sea Grant Consortium staff provided tools, Spartina seedlings and expertise as part of their Seeds to Shoreline outreach program. In addition to planting Spartina, CCPRC has hosted other collaborative events at Awendaw, including SC DNR’s SCORE program (SC Oyster Restoration and Enhancement). Planning & Development staff intends to maintain momentum by coordinating and hosting these events annually on a variety of undeveloped park properties.

4th and 5th graders from St. James-Santee Elementary School planting Spartina grass at Awendaw Future County Park

47 3