Commission Update ______

COMMISSIONERS:

Andy Thomas, Chair

Teddy Manos, Vice Chair

Collin Bruner, Secretary-Treasurer

Dale Aren

Eduardo Curry

Lisa King

Mattese Lecque

David Bennett, Executive Director

Commission Update ______

November 14, 2018

Commission Meeting – Monday, November 19, 2018 - CCPRC Headquarters at 5:30 pm

Commission Meeting Agenda Highlights

Old Business: None

New Business:

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.

Action Items:

Seven items will require Commission action on Monday evening (supplemental information attached).

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, NOVEMBER 19, 2018

AGENDA I. Call To Order And Welcome Thomas

A. Introduction of Guests and Notification to Media

II. Public Comments Thomas

III. Approval of Minutes Thomas

A. (ACTION) Approval of October 15, 2018 Regular Commission Meeting Minutes

IV. Old Business

A. None

V. New Business

A. Planning and Capital Projects Report Bowie

B. Financial Report McManus

a. (ACTION) General Contractor for Wannamaker County Park (WCP) New Dog Park Approval b. (ACTION) Whirlin’ Waters Treehouse Bucket Replacement Approval c. (ACTION) Information Technology Backup and Disaster Recovery d. (ACTION) Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Acceptance Approval C. (ACTION) Personnel Policy & Procedures Updates Bowie/Coulter D. (ACTION) 2018 Fees and Changes Macchia/Elliott

VI. Next Meeting A. Regular Commission Meeting, Monday, December 10, 2018, 5:30pm at CCPRC Headquarters, Charleston, SC

2 UNAPPROVED MINUTES CHARLESTON COUNTY PARK & RECREATION COMMISSION REGULAR COMMISSION MEETING 861 RIVERLAND DRIVE, CHARLESTON, SC, 29412 MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2018

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

Commission Members Absent: Mr. Collin Bruner

Staff Present: Mr. David Bennett, Mr. Kevin Bowie, Mr. Charlie McManus, 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, and Ms. Renee Dickinson

Legal Counsel Present: Mr. Dwayne Green

Guests Present: John Mott

I. Call to Order and Welcome

A. Introduction of Guests and Notification to Media

The Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission met on Monday, October 15, 2018 at the CCPRC Headquarters, Charleston, SC. Mr. Thomas, Meeting Chair, called the meeting to order and welcomed those in attendance. Mr. Thomas informed those present that notification of the meeting was sent to the local news media and others requesting notification.

II. Public Comments

A. Mr. Mott presented his recommendation on using a CCPRC property to link the Ashley River Blue Trail. Mr. Thomas noted that a staff member will be in touch with him to further discuss. Mr. Bennett noted that the possibility has also been discussed at the monthly Area Director’s meeting.

III. Approval of Minutes

A. (ACTION) Approval of minutes of August 20, 2018 Regular Commission Meeting

Motion to approve the minutes of the August 20, 2018 Regular Commission Meeting was made by Ms. King, seconded by Ms. Lecque, and approved by the Commission. (#016-1819)

IV. Old Business

A. None

V. New Business

A. (ACTION) Building Naming (SK8 Charleston Park Office)

Motion to accept staff’s recommendation to name the SK8 Charleston Park Office located at 1549 Oceanic St, Charleston, SC 29403 as the Thomas J. O’Rourke SK8 Charleston Building was made by Ms. Aren, seconded by Ms. King, and approved by the Commission. (#017-1819)

3 Regular Commission Meeting October 15, 2018 Page 2 of 4

B. Planning and Capital Projects Report

Mr. Bowie presented an update on the following Commission approved Capital Projects:  Cooper River Marina Update: o Master Plan Update – Design Works . Wetlands and critical line have been located and flagged . Surveying of the upland has been completed . Currently conducting site inventory & analysis . Reviewing zoning and development constraints for the site . Conducting precedent study (what other local, regional and national parks have done) . Reviewing historic land use of the site o Future: . Public Workshop and Website for public input . Refine Master Plan Concepts based on input . Present preferred plan to Commission\Staff  Sol Legare Boat Landing Improvements: o Retained Jon Guerry Taylor and Associates for permitting and engineering services. Services includes: . Reviewing traffic patterns . Parking improvements . New gate for adjacent property owners . Design for new ground-out dock  McLeod Plantation Historic Site – “C” Funds o Charleston County Transportation Committee (CTC) approved installing a multi- purpose sidewalk along Folly Road and Country Club Drive o Anticipated completion within the next year  Pending Commission Approval: o Recreation Trails Program Grant . The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a federal-aid assistance program designed to help states provide and maintain recreational trails for both motorized and nonmotorized recreational trail use.  Stono River County Park  $100,000 Grant is a 80/20 match o Restrooms (Stono River/James Island County Park) . CTX Restroom Building  Purchase from NJPA Cooperative  Prefab Concrete building  150 mph wind load  Group 1 seismic design  Vandal resistant  20-year warranty on concrete components  No longer will need to pump out the primitive/wall trailer restroom o Johns Island County Park Entry Drive Widening . This project is to widen the entrance to Johns Island County Park to allow two- way traffic.  Publically Advertised RFQ  5 firms responded 4 Regular Commission Meeting October 15, 2018 Page 3 of 4

 KTC Enterprises Inc. had the lowest bid o Debris Removal Monitoring Contract . Debris removal related to a declared disaster (FEMA). In order to meet FEMA reimbursement eligibility, the agency needs to have two contacts in place prior to an event:  Debris Removal  Debris Monitoring o Dog Spray Play for Wannamaker County Park . Vortex USA to provide engineering, equipment and labor to install the new Dog Park Spray Feature . Procure through the National Purchasing Partners Cooperative Agreement. o Wannamaker County Park Shade Sails . Shade Systems, Inc. to provide shade sails for the new dog park at Wannamaker County Park that will provide shade for patrons through the HGAC-Buy (Helping Governments Across the Country) cooperative purchasing agreement.. They will deliver:  Engineering  Equipment  Labor  Installation  Ongoing Capital Projects: o West County Aquatic Center

C. Financial Report

Mr. McManus presented and reviewed the financial reports for the month of August. Mr. McManus handed out the report for the checks over $7500. Andy inquired about the check for the Folly Beach Re-nourishment and any additional cost estimates have been received since the recent storms. Mr. Hale confirmed that it was an annual cost, but no other cost estimates have been received. There were no further questions from the Commission.

a. (ACTION) Recreational Trails Program Grant Motion to accept the 2018 Recreational Trails Program Grant of $100,000 to provide funding for the Stono River County Park project was made by Mr. Curry, seconded by Ms. Lecque, and approved by the Commission. (#018-1819)

b. (ACTION) CXT Restroom Building – Stono River County Park Purchase Approval Mr. Manos inquired as to whether the vendor is local. Ms. Newshutz noted that they are not local, but pre-fabricated. Mr. McManus noted that a co-operative agreement was used to negotiate the price.

Motion to approve the purchase of a prefabricated concrete restroom building from CXT Concrete Buildings, Inc. for $ 142,714.99 with funds coming from the CIP budget was made by Ms. King, seconded by Mr. Curry, and approved by the Commission. (#019-1819)

5 Regular Commission Meeting October 15, 2018 Page 4 of 4

c. (ACTION) CXT Restroom Building – James Island Climbing Wall Purchase Approval Motion to approve the purchase of a prefabricated concrete restroom building from CXT Concrete Buildings, Inc. for $ 282,903.29 with funds coming from the CIP budget was made by Ms. Aren, seconded by Mr. Curry, and approved by the Commission. (#020-1819)

d. (ACTION) Johns Island County Park Entry Drive Widening Contract Approval Motion to enter into a contract with KTC Enterprises, Inc. in the amount of $47,777 with the funds coming from the CIP budget was made by Ms. Lecque, seconded by Ms. Aren, and approved by the Commission. (#021-1819)

e. (ACTION) Debris Removal Monitoring Services - Contract Approval Motion to enter into a contract with Patriot Response Group, LLC, for debris removal services for a base year with four additional one year options with the funds coming from the General Agency Operating Fund assigned fund balance was made by Mr. Manos, seconded by Mr. Curry, and approved by the Commission. (#022-1819)

f. (ACTION) New Dog Park Spray Play Feature – Wannamaker County Park Motion to purchase goods and services for a dog park spray play feature from Vortex USA, Inc. for $144,447.00 with funds coming from the CIP budget was made by Ms. King, seconded by Mr. Curry, and approved by the Commission. (#023-1819)

g. (ACTION) New Dog Park Shade Sails – Wannamaker County Park Motion to purchase shade sails for the Wannamaker County Park new dog park from Shade Systems, Inc., for $78,151.00 with funds coming from the CIP budget was made by Mr. Manos, seconded by Ms. Aren, and approved by the Commission. (#024-1819)

h. (ACTION) Point of Sale (POS) System Purchase Motion to enter into a five-year contract with Agilysys, Inc., to purchase their hosted technology service and hardware for a total cost of $216,817 for year one with funding coming from current approved IT budget was made by Ms. King, seconded by Ms. Lecque, and approved by the Commission. (#025-1819)

VIII. Next Meeting

Regular Commission Meeting, Monday, November 19, 2018, 5:30pm at CCPRC Headquarters, Charleston, SC

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:15 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Thomas, Chair Shanté Ellis, Executive Administrative Manager

6 September 2018 Checks Over $7,500

Date Check # Vendor Description Amount General Agency 9/20/2018 23297 Cahrleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Explore Charleston visitors guide and one year premiere listing $ 13,800.00 9/27/2018 23428 Glover Fence Company JICP - extend fence at climbing wall $ 20,000.00 9/27/2018 23461 Tyler Technologies Executime implementation and disaster recovery contract $ 16,537.29

Capital Improvement Projects 9/10/2018 50 Brunson Construction Company Hollywood Pool $ 116,026.11 9/10/2018 52 Water Technology, Inc. JISZ water feature $ 25,060.73 9/27/2018 54 Newkirk Environmental, Inc. Long Savannah master plan $ 20,729.51 9/27/2018 57 Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. Old Towne design $ 27,401.54

7 Combined General Agency Operations September 2018

Combined Revenues Prior YTD Actuals Year To date Actuals Current Year Budget % of Budget Support Services 332,264 398,793 15,797,790 3% Park Services 4,358,317 4,431,664 14,024,886 32% Recreation Services 428,052 570,486 1,716,945 33% Total Revenue 5,118,633 5,400,943 31,539,621 17%

Combined Expenses Support Services 1,918,902 2,014,687 12,141,917 17% Park Services 3,892,783 3,873,667 16,882,976 23% Recreation Services 956,262 1,000,136 4,447,258 22% Total Expenses 6,767,947 6,888,490 33,472,151 21% Change in Fund Balance (1,649,314) (1,487,547) (1,932,530)

8 Support Services September 2018

Revenues Prior YTD Actuals Year To date Actuals Current Year Budget % of Budget Administration Millage 258,096 278,214 15,573,250 2% Administration 63,554 64,366 122,500 53% Marketing 10,000 36,430 51,000 71% Safety 614 19,784 51,040 39% Total Revenue 332,264 398,794 15,797,790 3%

Expenses Administration 457,542 499,914 3,867,280 13% Executive 335,440 302,936 1,458,653 21% Financial Services 194,423 171,717 978,929 18% Human Resources 100,659 166,040 613,128 27% Information Technology 263,465 271,878 1,928,031 14% Marketing 204,373 206,874 1,077,267 19% Park and Program Services 82,736 109,760 509,415 22% Planning and Development 183,435 192,509 1,193,536 16% Safety 96,828 93,060 515,678 18% Total Expenses 1,918,901 2,014,688 12,141,917 17% Change in Fund Balance (1,586,637) (1,615,894) 3,655,873

9 Park Services September, 2018

Revenues Prior YTD Actuals Year To date Actuals Current Year Budget % of Budget Administration 51,046 29,328 77,900 38% Caw Caw Interpretive Center 8,708 7,764 41,905 19% Cooper River Marina 341,300 286,122 891,375 32% Folly Beach County Park 177,747 190,610 437,320 44% Folly Beach Fishing Pier 431,961 449,348 1,067,245 42% Isle of Palms County Park 351,010 344,323 804,335 43% James Island County Park 957,728 974,160 5,322,121 18% Johns Island County Park 41,982 43,321 123,930 35% Kiawah Beachwalker Park 158,020 166,894 334,310 50% Lake House at Bulow 30,804 37,000 177,350 21% Laurel Hill Plantation 2,263 1,570 10,060 16% McLeod Plantation 114,739 93,296 461,670 20% Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park 236,419 254,400 675,210 38% Mount Pleasant Pier 105,649 107,692 336,070 32% North Charleston Wannamaker County Park 1,323,181 1,428,459 3,137,235 46% Old Towne Creek County Park ‐ ‐ ‐ 0% SK8 Charleston 25,761 17,377 117,000 15% Stono River Park ‐ ‐ 2,430 0% West County Aquatics Center ‐ ‐ 7,420 0% Total Revenue 4,358,318 4,431,664 14,017,466 32%

Expenses Administration 274,525 259,325 1,335,975 19% Caw Caw Interpretive Center 57,311 58,486 312,798 19% Cooper River Marina 103,947 109,214 553,607 20% Folly Beach County Park 108,405 129,174 403,559 32% Folly Beach Fishing Pier 296,050 307,735 1,062,639 29% Isle of Palms County Park 170,435 185,986 617,598 30% James Island County Park 1,049,704 958,828 4,654,067 21% Johns Island County Park 69,493 90,161 447,500 20% Kiawah Beachwalker Park 91,231 90,213 284,728 32% Lake House at Bulow 43,156 20,409 163,825 12% Laurel Hill Plantation 5,437 3,102 30,029 10% McLeod Plantation 47,338 52,150 316,934 16% Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park 302,314 290,186 1,193,832 24% Mount Pleasant Pier 95,344 104,554 459,232 23% North Charleston Wannamaker County Park 825,261 857,998 2,900,840 30% Old Towne Creek County Park 6,805 7,970 41,115 19% SK8 Charleston 44,414 51,445 262,745 20% Stono River Park ‐ ‐ 16,295 0% Undeveloped Properties & HQ Maintenance 301,612 296,485 1,739,432 17% West County Aquatics Center ‐ 246 86,226 0% Total Expenses 3,892,782 3,873,421 16,796,750 23% Change in Fund Balance 465,536 558,243 (2,779,284)

10 Recreation Services September 2018

Revenue Prior YTD Actuals Year To date Actuals Current Year Budget % of Budget Accessibility 2,622 2,990 3,940 76% Community Recreation 40,189 169,443 148,500 114% Interpretive 19,763 18,916 143,000 13% Outdoor 261,846 264,104 767,595 34% Special Events 61,697 78,809 421,045 19% Runs, Races & Fitness 41,935 36,223 232,865 16% Total Revenue 428,052 570,485 1,716,945 33%

Expenses Administration 122,799 126,870 569,757 22% Accessibility 5,025 475 32,271 1% Community Recreation 233,680 296,417 1,001,324 30% Interpretive 137,237 127,523 733,001 17% Outdoor 258,887 271,494 1,158,578 23% Special Events 115,523 100,143 496,060 20% Runs, Races & Fitness 83,110 77,213 456,267 17% Total Expenses 956,261 1,000,135 4,447,258 22% Change in Fund Balance (528,209) (429,650) (2,730,313)

MEMORANDUM

TO: David Bennett FROM: Charles McManus DATE: November 13, 2018 RE: General Contractor for Wannamaker County Park (WCP) New Dog Park Approval

An invitation to bid was issued for the New Dog Park Construction project at WCP; five firms responded. IPW Construction Group, LLC, submitted the lowest qualified bid of $2,053,015.00.

The project will come from the CIP 2017 GO Bond WCP Dog Park GL Line: 20002795 90070 8175. Recommend approval to enter into a contract with IPW Construction Group, LLC, for the General Construction of the New Dog Park at WCP in the not to exceed amount of $2,053,015.00 with the funds coming from the CIP fund.

MEMORANDUM

TO: David Bennett FROM: Charles McManus DATE: November 14, 2018 RE: Whirlin’ Waters Treehouse Bucket Replacement Approval

Request approval to purchase a bamboo paint themed bucket from Whitewater West Industries to replace the existing SCS Treehouse 1800L bucket at Whirlin’ Waters. The bucket will be a direct purchase of a custom replacement part for the existing bucket which is failing and may not be usable next season. The price for the bucket, including tax and shipping, is $44,429.60. The intent of the purchase is to replace the existing bucket at Whirlin’ Waters and have it delivered in time to be installed by WhiteWater, our contractor for erecting the new slide at Whirlin’ Waters Waterpark. The expense will be funded from the CIP Reserve WW Bucket Replacement GL Line: 21350000 90070 8285. Recommend approval to purchase a replacement bucket for the SCS Treehouse at Whirlin’ Waters from WhiteWater West Industries for $44,429.60 with funds coming from the CIP Reserve.

MEMORANDUM

TO: David Bennett FROM: Charles McManus DATE: November 13, 2018 RE: Information Technology Backup and Disaster Recovery

The current IT backup and disaster recovery solution in use by the agency has reached its end of life and will no longer be supported. Staff recommends the purchase of the Unitrends Backup and Disaster Recovery solution. The solution incorporates an onsite appliance for quick recovery of backed up data and cloud-based disaster recovery services for long term storage and continuity of IT services during a disaster event. Costs includes hardware, annual support, cloud storage and Disaster Recovery as a Service in the amount of $52,500 under GSA contract # GS-3SF-0511T. The purchase will come from the General Agency IT Software Purchases/Upgrades GL line: 11152700 82080 0000. Recommend the purchase of the Unitrends Backup and Disaster Recovery solution through Red Top Technology in the amount of $52,500 with funds coming from the General Agency IT budget.

MEMORANDUM

TO: David Bennett FROM: Charlie Mc Manus DATE: November 13, 2018 RE: Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Acceptance Approval

On October 26, 2018, we received the grant contract from the 2018 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Program. The grant is for the construction of the Dunes House and other infrastructure at Folly Beach County Park. This competitive grant is administered through the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism under the approval of the National Park Service. It is a reimbursable grant with a 50/50 match. The grant amount awarded is $500,000. The budget for the Folly Beach County Park Project is $3,000,000. The remaining funds will come from the CIP fund. Recommend acceptance of the 2018 Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant of $500,000 to provide funding for the Folly Beach County Park Project.

MEMORANDUM

TO: David Bennett & Kevin Bowie FROM: Jan Coulter DATE: November 14, 2018 RE: Agency Personnel Policy Approvals

Directors collectively reviewed & approved the recommended changes (listed on page 3 of the attached policies) for Commission approval. Recommend approval of the recommended changes to policy PPPM012, PPPM028, PPPM045, PPPM062, and PPPM064 (outlined on page 3-5 of the attached Agency Personnel Policies and Procedures) as written.

16 UPDATES AND REVIEWS AGENCY PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL

CAPRA Standard 4.1 Approved: TBD Next Review: January 2019

REVIEWER CHANGES CHAPTER DATE Jan Coulter Updated document with CAPRA formatting. All 11/5/18

Jan Coulter Updated document with Policy Numbers to all All 11/5/18 begin with PPPM and ensured sequential numbering Jan Coulter Added “(including pregnancy and child birth or PPPM012 11/5/18 related medical conditions)” Jan Coulter Added “Resources” PPPM012 11/5/18

Jan Coulter Added “Christmas Eve, December 24” PPPM028 11/5/18

Jan Coulter Added “In addition, regular full time employees PPPM028 11/5/18 may take one Personal Day per fiscal year, Use of the Personal Day requires pre-approval. This Personal Day does not count as hours worked for the purpose of calculating overtime, it is not redeemable at the end of employment, nor can it be carried over from year to year.

Holiday leave may not be used after giving notice of resignation. Employees who give lengthy formal notice to retire may receive Holiday pay and use their Personal Day until two weeks before their last day.” Jan Coulter Added “Day” to Section I. 5 PPPM028 11/5/18

Jan Coulter Changed “calendar” to “fiscal” in Section I. 5 PPPM028 11/5/18

Jan Coulter Changed “an alternate day off shall be approved PPPM028 11/5/18 for the employee, considering division needs, with the approval of the Division Director. The holiday must be taken within the subsequent 90-day period.”

Agency Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission CAPRA Standard 4.1 3 | P a g e Approved: TBD Next Review: January 2019 17 “the employee will be paid for the hours actually worked on the holiday plus holiday pay to give the employee a full day’s pay for 7.5 hours.

If the holiday is not taken on the actual holiday and is taken at a later date, the time will not be counted as time worked for the purposes of calculating overtime.” in Section II Kevin Bowie Removed “Personal Holiday (one day selected by PPPM028 11/5/18 the employee)”. Jan Coulter Changed “time-off” to “time off” in the first PPPM045 11/5/18 paragraph. Jan Coulter Added “nonexempt” to the first paragraph. PPPM045 11/5/18 Jan Coulter Changed “1/2” to “.5 hours” in the second PPPM045 11/5/18 paragraph. Jan Coulter Removed “but less than 40 hours, if approved, will PPPM045 11/5/18 be compensated on an hour-for-hour basis. Hours worked in excess of 40 hours per week.” in the second paragraph Jan Coulter Removed “40” and “time” and added “All 37.5 PPPM045 11/5/18 hours must be actual hours worked in order to receive compensatory time.” in the second paragraph Jan Coulter Removed “toward the 40 hours.” in the second PPPM045 11/5/18 paragraph Jan Coulter Added “as time earned towards compensatory PPPM045 11/5/18 time.” in the second paragraph Jan Coulter Removed “will be” and added “are” in the second PPPM045 11/5/18 paragraph Jan Coulter Removed “special” and added “CCPRC” in the PPPM045 11/5/18 second paragraph Jan Coulter Removed “may be accrued and used in PPPM045 11/5/18 increments of one hour or more and” in the third paragraph Jan Coulter Added “submitted and” PPPM045 11/5/18

Jan Coulter Removed “annual leave and sick leave” and PPPM045 11/5/18 added “other leave as such” in the third paragraph Jan Coulter Removed “Compensatory time off must be used PPPM045 11/5/18 within 90 calendar days of accrual.” in the third paragraph Jan Coulter Added “In compliance with federal law, employees PPPM045 11/5/18 may not accrue more than 240 hours of compensatory time.” In the fourth paragraph Jan Coulter Added “employee’s” In the fourth paragraph PPPM045 11/5/18

Jan Coulter Removed “Division Director” and added PPPM045 11/5/18 “employee’s supervisor” in the fourth paragraph Agency Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission CAPRA Standard 4.1 4 | P a g e Approved: TBD Next Review: January 2019 18 Jan Coulter Changed “insure” to “ensure” in the fourth PPPM045 11/5/18 paragraph Jan Coulter Changed “40-” to “37.5” in the fourth paragraph PPPM045 11/5/18

Jan Coulter Removed “position” and added “classification” in PPPM045 11/5/18 the fifth paragraph Jan Coulter Removed “he is” and added “they are” in the fifth PPPM045 11/5/18 paragraph Jan Coulter Removed “due to promotion” and “must be taken PPPM045 11/5/18 within 6 months of the due date of the change” in the fifth paragraph Jan Coulter Added “compensatory” in the fifth paragraph PPPM045 11/5/18

Jan Coulter Removed “Additionally, all compensatory time PPPM045 11/5/18 accrued by an employee whose position has been redefined as a result of this policy, must use his earned compensatory time within 6 months of the date of this policy change or by the end of the current fiscal year, whichever is longer.

At no time will any cash payment for compensatory time be made to an employee who terminates after the date of this policy, if the employee is not entitled to compensatory time at the time of termination.” in the fifth paragraph Jan Coulter Removed “Program coordinators” and added PPPM062 11/5/18 “CCPRC staff” in the third paragraph Jan Coulter Removed “program” and added “area” in the third PPPM062 11/5/18 paragraph Jan Coulter Added “Volunteers must have an approved PPPM062 11/5/18 background check on file with CCPRC. A background check may be conducted at any time and may be conducted at any interval.” in the fourth paragraph Jan Coulter Removed “program” in the fourth paragraph PPPM062 11/5/18

Jan Coulter Added Policy 064 PPPPM064 11/13/18

Agency Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission CAPRA Standard 4.1 5 | P a g e Approved: TBD Next Review: January 2019 19 Pending CCPRC PP&PM POLICY NO: PPPM012 DATE: TBD

SUBJECT: EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AUTHORITY: COMMISSION

It is the policy of Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission to provide equal employment opportunity for all without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and child birth or related medical conditions), national origin, disabilities, age, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual orientation or any other legally protected status. This policy relates to all phases of employment including, but not limited to, recruitment, employment, job assignment or placement, promotion, demotion, transfer, lay-off, recall, termination, compensation and training.

The Commission's policy of equal employment opportunity shall be administered with a positive attitude. It is each manager’s/supervisor's responsibility to insure affirmative implementation of this policy. Accordingly, this policy will be periodically brought to the attention of each supervisor.

All employment related decisions shall be made upon relevant job related factors and without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and child birth or related medical conditions), national origin, disabilities, age, or any other legally protected status.

The mere fact that an individual is handicapped or disabled shall not be considered. Consideration shall only be given to the ability of the individual to satisfactorily and safely perform the essential functions of the job after the implementation of any reasonable accommodations.

If an employee is seeking an accommodation, whether it is physical, mental, religious, or a related medical issues, the employee should notify their supervisor who will bring the requested accommodation to the Human Resources Division for final determination. The Agency will make an individual assessment to comply when reasonable.

In furtherance of this policy, any supervisory employees shall not date employees under their direct or indirect supervision. Any violation of this policy may be subject to discipline, up to and including termination of employment.

Supervisory employees shall not allow personal friendship or social relationships, on or off the job, to influence their treatment of subordinate employees or their employment decisions. It is the Commission’s policy that all employees should be treated with respect and not subjected to any disparate treatment.

(Policy last Approved April 23, 2001Regular Commission Meeting Motion # 101-0001)

Agency Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission CAPRA Standard 4.1 27 | P a g e Approved: TBD Next Review: January 2019 20 Pending CCPRC PP&PM POLICY NO: PPPM028 DATE: TBD

SUBJECT: COMMISSION PAID HOLIDAYS AUTHORITY: COMMISSION

It is the Commission's policy to provide a prudent number of paid holidays to regular full-time employees yet maximize the number of days the agency's services are available to the public.

A total of twelve days has been adopted by the Commission as mandatory paid holidays for regular full-time employees.

Mandatory Paid Holiday Schedule

New Year’s Day, January 1 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, 3rd Monday in January President’s Day, 3rd Monday in February Memorial Day, last Monday in May Independence Day, July 4 Labor Day, 1st Monday in September Veterans Day, November 11 Thanksgiving Day, 4th Thursday in November Friday after Thanksgiving Christmas, Eve, December 24 Christmas Day, December 25 Day after Christmas, December 26

All divisions will observe the mandatory holiday schedule with the exception of those involved in positions which may have unique working hours, park and visitor services operations. If one of the above holidays falls on a weekend day, the holiday shall be granted on the day preceding or following the holiday, as determined by the Executive Director.

In addition, regular full time employees may take one Personal Day per fiscal year. Use of the Personal Day requires pre-approval. This Personal Day does not count as hours worked for the purpose of calculating overtime, it is not redeemable at the end of employment, nor can it be carried over from year to year.

Agency Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission CAPRA Standard 4.1 57 | P a g e Approved: TBD Next Review: January 2019 21 Pending CCPRC PP&PM POLICY NO: PPPM028 DATE: April 23, 2001

SUBJECT: COMMISSION PAID HOLIDAYS AUTHORITY: COMMISSION PAGE 2

I. Compensation for Holidays Observed:

1. Regular full-time employees will observe holidays with pay with the exception of those employees involved in positions which have unique working hours or operations. The latter of the above will follow individual holiday and/or compensation schedules approved by their Division Director. 2. Part-time employees are not entitled to compensation for holidays. 3. Employees who are on leave without pay will not be compensated for holidays falling within the work week in which they are absent unless their leave is protected by the Family Medical Leave Act.

Employees who are on any type of suspension without pay or are on leave in conjunction with termination will not be compensated for holidays falling within the leave period. 4. Annual leave will not be charged when a holiday occurs on the leave day. 5. The Personal Day holiday must be used within the current fiscal year and may not be carried over.

II. Compensation for Holidays Worked:

When the demands are such that an employee is required to work an official holiday, the employee will be paid for the hours actually worked on the holiday plus holiday pay to give the employee a full day’s pay for 7.5 hours.

If the holiday is not taken on the actual holiday and is taken at a later date, the time will not be counted as time worked for the purposes of calculating overtime.

(Policy last Approved April 23, 2001Regular Commission Meeting Motion # 101-0001)

Agency Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission CAPRA Standard 4.1 58 | P a g e Approved: TBD Next Review: January 2019 22 Pending CCPRC PP&PM POLICY NO: PPPM045 DATE: TBD

SUBJECT: COMPENSATORY TIME OFF AUTHORITY: COMMISSION

It is the Commission's policy to permit supervisory authority to grant compensatory time off to full-time nonexempt employees as defined by grade and/or job responsibilities for time worked in excess of the standard work week, in compliance with applicable Federal and State Wage and Hour regulations. According to the Fair Labor Standards Act, compensatory time off must be given to non-exempt employees for hours worked in excess of 40 hours per week. All hours worked in excess of 37.5 hours (defined work week of the Commission) will be compensated, if approved, on a one and a half hour per hour basis. All 37.5 hours must be actual hours worked in order to receive compensatory time. Annual leave, sick leave or other time off does not count as time earned towards compensatory time. In order to adhere to this policy any non-exempt employee must obtain authorization prior to working overtime; non-exempt are employees will be required to take lunch break; and no non-exempt employees may volunteer to work any CCPRC events unless they will be performing tasks they normally would not do in their given position. Compensation for compensatory time could be disapproved if prior approval from a Supervisor is not obtained. Compensatory time off may be submitted and used in conjunction with other leave as such. In compliance with federal law, employees may not accrue more than 240 hours of compensatory time. Compensatory time off shall be approved by the employee’s immediate supervisor and shall only be taken after requesting and receiving approval using the leave approval process. Each employee’s supervisor shall ensure that all hours worked in excess of the 37.5 hour work week are scheduled, logged, and otherwise documented. When compensatory time has been accrued by an employee whose classification within the Commission has changed so that they are no longer under the compensatory time off policy, all compensatory time previously accrued will be paid out.

(Policy last Approved April 23, 2001Regular Commission Meeting Motion # 101-0001)

Agency Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission CAPRA Standard 4.1 89 | P a g e Approved: TBD Next Review: January 2019 23 Pending CCPRC PP&PM POLICY NO: PPPM062 DATE: TBD

SUBJECT: COMMISSION VOLUNTEERS AUTHORITY: COMMISSION

The Commission authorizes the use of volunteer personnel, within expressed limitations, for the purpose of enhancing the delivery of Commission services.

The primary purpose of the volunteer program is to help enrich and extend the work of paid staff to assist in providing programs and activities for visitors and volunteers.

CCPRC staff are responsible for training and monitoring the volunteers in their area. The selection of volunteers depends upon the needs of the individual area and the qualifications and skills of each applicant.

Volunteers are accepted from the public without regard to race, creed, religion, age, sex or any other legally protected status. Volunteers must have an approved background check on file with CCPRC. A background check may be conducted at any time and may be conducted at any interval. Specific conditions regarding volunteers are stipulated within the individual area.

Volunteer socials may be scheduled to recognize our volunteers and their valuable contributions to the agency.

(Policy last Approved April 23, 2001Regular Commission Meeting Motion # 101-0001)

Agency Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission CAPRA Standard 4.1 119 | P a g e Approved: TBD Next Review: January 2019 24 Pending CCPRC PP&PM POLICY NO: PPPM064 DATE: TBD

SUBJECT: DISASTER PAY POLICY AUTHORITY: COMMISSION

In the event of a disaster or emergency caused by severe weather, fires, power failures, a pandemic, or events challenging our security, it may become necessary to close one or more work locations. The Executive Director (or designee) will initiate this policy when it is deemed necessary to suspend normal Commission operations.

It is the division/department’s responsibility to accurately record all hours worked during an emergency/disaster and approve all time following established payroll processing procedures.

Full-time employees who are scheduled and required to work during a declared emergency/disaster when normal Commission operations have been closed shall receive full pay for the workday (disaster pay) based on their regular rate of pay and scheduled daily work hours. Disaster pay shall not count as hours worked for the purpose of computing compensatory time or pay.

When the Commission closes after the start of a workday due to a declared emergency/disaster, full-time employees who report to work and are subsequently released by the Executive Director (or designee) will receive full pay for the balance of the workday (disaster pay) based on their regular rate of pay and scheduled daily work hours.

Full-time employees who are not required to work during a declared emergency/disaster when normal Commission operations have been suspended, and who are on an approved leave, shall not be eligible for any additional paid time off and will be paid according to their approved original leave request.

Full-time employees who are on an approved leave that ends while normal Commission operations have been suspended during a declared emergency/disaster shall be eligible for disaster pay beginning on the day after their approved and utilized leave ends.

Full-time employees with an approved and scheduled leave when normal Commission operations have been suspended who are not able to take their leave due to a declared emergency/disaster shall be allowed to rescind their leave request and receive disaster pay.

(Policy Approval TBD Regular Commission Meeting Motion # TBD)

Agency Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission CAPRA Standard 4.1 121 | P a g e Approved: TBD Next Review: January 2019 25

MEMORANDUM

TO: David Bennett & Kevin Bowie FROM: Philip Macchia DATE: November 14, 2018 RE: Annual Fee/Change Recommendations

Annually, staff meet with the various park managers and program supervisors to discuss their fee/change recommendations. This annual process is the result of conducting market research, receiving customer feedback, and researching trends, with the goal of increasing revenue streams to help offset operational costs.

Overall the agency strives to balance the cost-to-benefit ratio by providing basic facilities and services without a fee for use (playgrounds, picnic sites, trails, spray play areas, boat landings), and by keeping the admission fee affordable at the day parks. Specialized facilities and programs (water parks, overnight accommodations, marina, rentals, special events, etc.) are provided by charging a market-based fee. This balanced approach is a major factor in the success of our agency and allows us to provide unique leisure opportunities to our customers.

Attached are the recommendations for Commission consideration.

Recommend approval of proposed fees and changes.

26 Fees & Changes 2018

Daypark Proposals Shelter Rentals Increase Edisto Hall and Cypress Hall rental rates by $100 and include breaking down the tables and chairs as a standard part of the rental. West County Aquatic Complex Proposals Admission Rates Establish an admission rate of $2 per person.

Waterpark Proposals Admission Rates Increase all Splash Island general admission rate by $1 from $6.99 to $7.99.

Increase Whirlin’ Waters general admission rate from $19.99 to $21.99. Campground Proposals Campsite Rentals Increase Campsite rental rates:

Pull-Through Back-In Water/Electric Primitive Current Rate $56 $49 $45 $28 Proposed Rate $61 $54 $50 $33

Cottage Rentals Increase the weekly cottage rates. Current price is based on 7-day rental with the 7th night free, we will be discounting the 7th night free. Memorial Day to Labor Day. No increase proposed to the nightly rate.

Weekly Current Rate $1014 Proposed Rate $1183

27 Cooper River Marina Proposals Long Term Dockage Rates Increase long term rates Yearly Monthly Current Rates $10.20/ft $12.20/ft Proposed Rates $11.95/ft $12.95/ft

Transient Dockage Rates Increase transient peak season rates Monthly Weekly Daily Current Rates $18/ft $10/ft $1.90/ft Proposed Rates $19/ft $11/ft $2.10/ft

Increase transient off-season rates

Monthly Weekly Daily Current Rates $15.10/ft $8.60/ft $1.80/ft Proposed Rates $17/ft $9/ft $1.85/ft

Membership Proposals West County Aquatic Complex

Establish a membership rate of $25 per person. Climbing Wall Passes Increase cost of Annual Pass from $290 to $330. Equestrian Passes Discontinue sale of Equestrian Passes and allow customers with an Individual Pass admission to ride a horse on the trails at Johns Island County Parks and Meggett. Total Estimated Revenue If approved, these proposals could generate $583,129 in additional revenue.

1 By Keith McCullough

Tropical Storm Michael heads north of South Carolina By Bo Petersen [email protected] Oct 11, 2018 Updated 2 hrs ag

Tropical Storm Michael swept across the Charleston area Thursday morning, its high-speed winds toppling trees and downing power lines as the system quickly marched northeastward.

Wind gusts between 50 and 60 mph across parts of Berkeley and Charleston counties were the main cause for concern across the region.

The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office said that wind speeds up to 40 mph were reported on the Isle of Palms connector and advised against driving high-profile vehicles, such as large cargo trucks and buses, on the span.

Ahead of Michael’s arrival, county government offices in the A satellite image of Tropical Storm Michael on Lowcountry, including those in Berkeley, Charleston and Thursday, October 11, 2018. (NOAA) Dorchester counties, closed offices and suspended normal Meanwhile, in downtown Charleston, large waves crashed operations Thursday. Each of the counties are expected to over the seawall at the Battery, spraying some onlookers who reopen Friday. School districts across the region followed suit. had ventured out with their cellphones.

Charleston-area schools close as Hurricane Michael strikes, SC Dead palm fronds and leaves danced on the sidewalk. A under state of emergency woman cleaned shattered glass from the middle of Water Street. As stormy conditions Thursday morning began to dissipate, maintenance crews were almost immediately tending to David Grant walked with one hand on his head to keep the blown transformers and toppled utility poles. By 4 p.m., there wind from stealing his baseball cap. His wife, Michelle, clad in were still 1,439 power outages reported across the tri-county a yellow rain jacket, captured a photo of the waves and area, according to S.C. Electric & Gas. planned to send it to family in Pennsylvania. The Charleston couple braced themselves against the wind. The heavy wind and power outages across the area also contributed to multiple traffic light malfunctions near busy “I slept in rollers last night, now look at my hair,” Michelle roads such as U.S. Highway 17 at Stocker Drive, Charleston Grant said with a laugh. police said. In Dorchester County, authorities said Thursday morning that At the Charleston International Airport in North Charleston, there had been reports of numerous downed trees and power operations were not impacted by the passing of Tropical lines. At least one set of power lines was down and blocking Storm Michael, officials said, barring several cancellations and the Twin Lake Drive and Weir Road intersection near Summer- delays determined by airlines. ville around the time of the morning rush-hour commute. 2

Cancellations and closings in Charleston due to Hurricane Michael It rains, it pours By Connelly Hardaway l October 10, 2018

Due to the impacts of Hurricane Michael, we're starting to see event cancellations around the Charleston area. (In case Charleston County Public Libraries are closed (including book you didn't already know, all Charleston schools are closed drops) tomorrow. tomorrow, Thurs. Oct. 11.) If you're hosting a canceled or MUSC's Blessing of the Dogs, originally scheduled for today, postponed event, let us know by emailing has been rescheduled for Mon. Oct. 15. [email protected] The S.C. Aquarium is closed Thurs. Oct. 11. Tonight's West Ashley farmers market has been canceled. The Steven Wright at the Charleston Music Hall, originally next market will be held next Wed. Oct. 17. scheduled for Thurs. Oct. 11, has been canceled. All tickets Tomorrow's Yappy Hour at the James Island County Park has will be refunded automatically from their original point of been canceled and there are no plans to reschedule. All purchase. Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission parks and facilities will be closed tomorrow with the plan of re-opening The Powder Magazine's lunch and lecture, scheduled for noon on Friday. today, has been rescheduled for Thurs. Nov. 1 at 1:15 p.m.

Drayton Hall is closed tomorrow and will reopen as quickly as possible.

Festival of Lights now taking canned food donations at area Chick-fil-A restaurants For humans and their four-legged pals Posted By Connelly Hardaway on Tuesday Oct 29, 2018 4:21 PM

James Island County Park's Holiday Festival of Lights returns In addition to donations at the gate, the Holiday Festival of on Fri. Nov. 9, bringing with it the chance to check out a lot of Lights is currently participating in a Lowcountry Food Bank cool lights (naturally), enjoy kid-friendly activities, and give food drive at Chick-fil-A restaurants. Today, Oct. 29-Nov. 2, back to humans and animals in need in the Lowcountry. guests who bring canned food items for donation to local While thefestival takes place daily Nov. 9-Jan. 1, there are Chick-fil-A restaurants will receive a coupon for $5 admission special discount evenings each weekday, Mon.-Thurs. starting to the Holiday Festival of Lights, Mondays-Thursdays. Nov. 12. And in case you've never driven through the winter Each year James Island County Park offers festival wonderland that is the Holiday Festival of Lights, just a attendees the opportunity to bring a canned food item to the friendly reminder that this annual event is more than just lights for a $5 discount on vehicle admission (typically $20/ pretty lights. Guests can also enjoy marshmallow roasting, per vehicle with 1-15 guests). Donations support those in festival train rides, enchanted walking trail, a portable climb- need this holiday season; at last year's festival 13,751 pounds ing wall, and gift shops. of food were donated to Lowcountry Food Bank, providing an There is entertainment at the festival on select evenings, too estimated 11,459 to those in need. — be sure to check the full schedule online. 3

Over decades of I-526 debate, the world has changed BY JASON CROWLEY Oct 4, 2018

As the smoke cleared from the back room of the South Charleston experienced an average of five days of “dry Carolina Transportation Infrastructure Bank (STIB) meeting weather flooding” annually. Today, high tides, with no rain, on Tuesday, it was obvious that the board did not understand now flood Charleston 30 times a year. This causes debilitating at least one important reality: The world has changed in the transportation problems, along with extensive and costly past half-century since I-526 was first conceived. Its failure to damage to businesses and homes. Some neighborhoods must acknowledge this now places the Charleston metropolitan cope with standing water in their front yards every few region in grave danger — from chronic flooding, from weeks, posing not only inconvenience but a serious public catastrophic storm damage and from intractable traffic con- health threat. gestion. Despite these seismic changes, some of our local elected Fifty years ago, there was broad consensus that interstate leaders continue to declare that spending almost three- highways, looping around and through metropolitan areas, quarters of a billion dollars extending Interstate 526 to Johns were the preferred modes of transportation. The automobile, Island is the region’s top infrastructure priority. it was believed, could serve all of our transportation needs, The debate over this project has frozen, for more than a if only we provided enough asphalt. Subsequent decades, decade, $420 million designated for the highway extension and billions of dollars of investment, in Atlanta, Washington, by the STIB — money that could be used on other, more D.C., Los Angeles, and other large American cities with important transportation projects right away. It has blocked massive road systems and intractable gridlock, have the construction of inexpensive, easily implemented conges- debunked that belief. tion relief measures like the Maybank Highway “pitchfork,” The world has changed in other ways too. Fifty years ago, which just last month Chairman Vic Rawl declared the county does not have enough money to build.

And the I-526 extension debate has hijacked a much- needed public discussion about the future of the region — about projects like bus rapid transit and flood relief — in favor of a pointless war of words about a road the Department of Transportation’s own projections suggest will cut 36 seconds off of the average trip from Savannah Highway to downtown Charleston.

For two years now, the county has failed to identify funds to cover the road shortfall. On Tuesday, Charleston promised to make up that shortfall — a minimum of $305 million — by pledging the core state funding allocated to the county (called “aid to subdivisions”) as collateral, thus jeopardizing basic county services for years in the future.

McMaster during I-526 meeting (copy) Gov. Henry McMaster walked into the State Transportation Infrastructure John Adams said, “Facts are stubborn things.” And today Bank meeting after it voted to reconsider its June vote to end its we must face facts. The most important of these is that the participation in extending Interstate 526. McMaster and his running mate, Pamela Evette, watched in the audience as the bank board then voted to I-526 extension simply cannot be built. First, there is not revive the project. Seanna Adcox/Staff 4

Over decades—continued enough money. The STIB funding available is $305 million Johns Island must be considered along with the infrastructure short of the $725 million projection amount and, as the needs throughout the region. In the city of Charleston alone, county discovered, the additional money for the road simply essential flood abatement projects are estimated to costat does not exist. least $2 billion. The city has identified less than one-tenth of that funding, leaving Charleston in grave danger from Second, the Environmental Impact Statement is years out of catastrophic storms like Florence, Irma and Matthew. date. Revising this document and completing other federal The $420 million allocated to the I-526 extension in 2007 is reviews would take years and cost millions more dollars, with the single largest, most practical opportunity to begin work no guarantee of ultimate approval. on flood abatement projects in West Ashley and downtown And then there is the question of competence. It has taken and on James and Johns islands. Charleston County almost 10 years to build a 3/4-mile-long In the face of these realities, our representatives have lane on Maybank Highway between the Stono bridge and continued to perpetrate the political fantasy that the 526 River Road (which has eliminated the congestion at this inter- extension can and should be built. If our politicians will not section). It is inconceivable that this same county can tell the truth, it falls to citizens to pull back the curtain on the construct an 8-mile-long interstate, through a county park process and force the issue. Nothing less than the survival of and residential neighborhoods, with two massive bridges our region is at stake. over the Stono, in less than a few decades. Jason Crowley is communities and transportation program director with the The circumstances surrounding the proposal to extend 526 to Coastal Conservation League.

See and Be Scene Oct 18, 2018

The 27th annual Latin American Festival is a cultural celebration at Wannamaker County Park in North Charleston. The event on Sunday, Oct. 14, drew hundreds. Stephen Massar/Special to The Post and Courier

All photos by Stephen Massar / Special to The Post and Courier

What's Poppin: events to put on your calendars right this minute Pop into fall, y'all Posted by Mary Scott Hardaway on Tue, Oct 2, 2018 at 4:21 PM

From Oktoberfests to wine tastings aplenty, to Woodford and brunch event with Woodford starting at 11 a.m. and then pouring through town, there is a lot to drink and even more to visit the South Seas Oasis tiki-themed pop-up from 5 to 8 p.m. eat this week (we're looking at you, Farmstead Co Frito pie Chef Blair Machado's Farmstead Co pops up at The Daily every with barbecue and coffee cured pork). Check out the more Mon. and Thurs. in October from 6 to 10 p.m. The menu than 30 food and drink related events below: features everything from blue crabs to pork belly to enchila- Tuesday das.

Short Grain continues their residency at Edmund's Oast Friday starting at 11 a.m. For all you starting to sniffle out there, try Get ready to "Prost!" Charles Towne Fermento- the spicy numbing dry pot they're offering on the dinner ry's Oktoberfest kicks off at 2 with the release of their menu. Festbier, music from the Hans Schmidt German Band, and It's beer tasting Tuesday at Edmund's Oast Exchange starting eats from Pub Fare. at 5:30 p.m. $5 donations will go to Amor Healing Kitchen, an organization on Johns Island that prepares meals for those Patrick Emerson of Curated Selections stops by Daps with a undergoing or recovering from cancer treatments. collection of bubbles, Champagne and sparkling wines from 5 The USBG Beach House is hosting events all week long (check to 9 p.m. out the full schedule online). Today's events are sponsored by Maker's Mark. Saturday

Wednesday Hop on the Oktoberfest train at Bay Street Biergarten's German inspired celebration kicking off at noon. It's Wine Down Wednesday at Old Town Creek County Park There will be music from DJ United, $10 boots and liters on from 5 to 7 p.m. select beers, $5 Jager shots, shot skis, a brat station, and more. Bin 526 hosts a Wine 101 class starting at 6 p.m. In-house Love cider? Join the unofficial self-guided cider crawl with sommelier Jack Kauffman leads a fun and interactive course. other like-minded drinkers starting at noon. Follow the Face- Bistro A Vin hosts a five course Louis Latour book event page to find the map laying out all the places you wine dinner starting at 7 p.m can sip.

Thursday Starting at 11 a.m. head to Dockery's for anall- day Oktoberfest celebration with live polka music, the release Get your ass kicked with a 50 minute Barre Code and HIIT of an Oktoberfest brew, brats and kraut, Alpine hat-making, cardio kickboxing pop-up at Workshop starting at 6 p.m. The and more. class includes a ticket for a beer at Edmund's Oast Brewing Co. Millers All Day is busy. Swing by in the morning for a bourbon

Harvest festivals Charleston Currents· 10/08/2018 9:21 am

You know that Halloween is around the corner with the Admission is $8 per person. Kids 12 and under and Gold Pass approach of local harvest festivals. Two are on the way — holders are admitted free. Food and beverages available for North Charleston’s on Oct. 20, followed by a similar event additional fees. For more information, call 843-795-4386, Nov. 3 by Charleston County Parks at the Johns Island County visit CharlestonCountyParks.com. Park. North Charleston event set for Oct. 20 County’s Nov. 3 event offers bluegrass and barbecue North Charleston’s 6th annual Harvest Festival will feature live Charleston County Parks will host a traditional Southern fall musical performances, an artist market, costume contests, shindig with its 17th annual Harvest Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 trick-or-treat on the street, a pop-up pumpkin patch, p.m. Nov. 3 at Johns Island County Park. children’s activities, and more. The fall festivities will take place in the Olde Village of North Charleston, located on East The Harvest Festival is perhaps known best for its foot- Montague Avenue near Park Circle, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. stompin’ showcase of Charleston’s own bluegrass talent. Oct. 20. Admission and parking are free. East Montague Performing throughout the day will be five bluegrass bands. Avenue will close to vehicular traffic from Jenkins Avenue This year’s lineup will feature entertainment from local to Virginia Avenue at 2 p.m. and remain closed for the performers Roger Bellow and the Drifting Troubadours, duration of the event. Marshgrass Mamas, Gravel Road, Yee Haw Junction and River Boy. The celebration includes live music by ultimate 80s rock band The Spazmatics and singer-songwriter Lindsay Holler. No Harvest Festival is complete without a feast! Plenty of food The Kid’s Zone offers a craft activity led by the City’s artist-in- will be available for purchase, including Southern barbecue, residence Quintin Chaplin, carnival games, face painting, roasted and boiled peanuts, kettle korn and traditional favor- drumming with RBM African Drum and Dance, interactive ite festival fare, plus cold beverages. After feasting and bubble and hula hoop play with Good Clean Fun, and a variety dancing, festival-goers are invited to stop by the festival of inflatables. An artist market featuring local artists, crafters, crafters’ market to get a jump on holiday shopping. and makers will line two blocks of East Montague Avenue, along with a few festive treat vendors. In addition, many of Families will find plenty to keep the kids occupied including the restaurants in the Olde Village will offer food and drink hay rides, a stick pony corral, pumpkin decorating, penny specials. diving and more. This year’s Harvest Festival will also feature a youth Archery Turkey Day Shoot! Turkeys will not be harmed Other highlights include trick-or-treating on the street with in this competition, but the winning archer will take home a free treat bags for kids age 12 and under; a pop-up pumpkin frozen turkey. The showdown is open to ages 8-17, and patch with on-site decorating stations; a mechanical bull, a fall turkeys will be awarded to the male and female competitor -themed photo op, and costume contests with prizes for chil- with the highest score. Interested competitors can sign up at dren, adults and pets. For information on additional programs the event. Or, ages 8-17 can also just try out archery between and events, visit the Arts & Culture section of the City’s 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the event without competing. All website at www.northcharleston.org. activities are free with the festival admission fee.

Latin American Festival at Wannamaker County Park Oct 15, 2018 Updated 1 hr ago

The 27th annual Latin American Festival brings a celebration of culture to Wannamaker County Park in North Charleston on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018.

Zeno Salgado and his sons, Jaden & Zackirie, enjoy the 27th annual Latin American Festival brings a celebration of culture to Wannamaker County Park in North Charleston on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018. Stephen Massar / Special to The Post and Courier.

4 fall festivals and other events to attend in Charleston this weekend By Liz Foster [email protected] Oct 11, 2018

Latin American Festival In the immortal words of Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine, “Come on, shake your body baby, do the conga; I know you can’t control yourself any longer.” But where are you going to “let the music move your feet,” you ask? At the 27th annual Latin American Festival at Wannamaker County Park in North Charleston on Sunday, of course. It’s time to “get your salsa on” with a day full of the electrifying culture of our neighbors to the south.

As far as entertainment goes, prepare to “baila, baila, baila” (dance, dance, dance) to four-time Grammy nominee Plena Libre, considered “the soul of Puerto Rico in three-part harmony,” regional mexicano music from Kimberly La Guer- WHEN: Noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14 rera and “tropical pop” from UltimaNota. The local Buen WHERE: Wannamaker County Park, 8888 University Blvd., Ache Dance Group will perform traditional Afro-Latino dances North Charleston and always a thrill, members of Capoeira Charleston will PRICE: $10 general; free for ages 12 years and younger show off their Brazilian martial arts and acrobatics skills. If you’ve got the moves, be sure to enter yourself into the salsa MORE INFO: 843-795-4386, ccprc.com/1699/Latin-American- dance contest scheduled for later in the afternoon. Festival

As for the food: amarillos, empenadas, pinchos, arroz con MORE INFO: 843-795-4386, ccprc.com/1699/Latin-American- pollo, ceviche, tacos, fajitas and mucho mas. There will be Festival kids’ activities, art and additional vendors on site as well. Out- side coolers and dogs are prohibited. Lowcountry Paws Pet Expo The Lowcountry Paws Pet Expo on Saturday will feature vendors for all kinds of pets.

Lions and tigers and bears, oh, nope! The annual Lowcountry Paws Pet Expo at the Charleston Area Convention Center on Saturday will focus more on the Garfield variety of cats, as opposed to the likes of Mufasa and Shere Khan. Dogs, birds, guinea pigs, lizards and fish will also be in the mix, but alas, no Baloos. The expo will feature more than 40 vendors in the areas of pet health and wellness, training, food, supplies and more. Adoptable pets will be on site and attendees will have opportunities to win gifts and prizes. There will be demon- strations from the Charleston Dog Wizard and the MUSC Pet

4 fall festivals— continued

Therapy Team, and, of course, a Halloween Pet Costume Con- float above the crowd with music, lights and special effects, test. You are welcome to bring your pets, but they must be all weather-permitting, of course. A dozen balloons are on a non-retractable leash — even cats (I’ve seen it). scheduled to be on site for launches.

WHEN: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13 But the festival is more than just balloons: Food, beverage WHERE: Charleston Area Convention Center, 5000 Coliseum and additional vendors will be set up, as well as bounce hous- Drive, North Charleston es and other kids’ activities, and The Spazmatics will take the stage on Friday night. Saturday afternoon will feature Victory PRICE: $3 adults; free for kids and pets; free parking Cup polo matches and the balloons and vendors will be back MORE INFO: 843-937-4831, eveningpostevents.com/ Saturday night with live music from The First Class Band. lowcountry-pet-expo VIP and alternative polo viewing and activity options are also available. This is a pet-friendly event, but they must be leashed at all times. No outside coolers permitted.

WHEN: 4-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12; 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13; polo matches: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13

WHERE: Hyde Park Polo Club, 6763 Davis Road, Ravenel PRICE: Kids pass ages 3-18 years: $5; free for ages 2 years and younger; Friday night and Saturday morning balloon festival pass: $10; Saturday all-day balloon festival and polo access pass: $22-$25; tethered ride pass: $30 per person; Saturday polo: $45-$50 individual, $80-$90 couple; Saturday polo VIP: $125-$150 individual, $225-$270 couple; additional Saturday activity and VIP options: $190-$1,500; $15-$20 parking MORE INFO: 512-953-9428, victorycup.org/charleston Hot Air Balloon Festival The Victory Cup polo tournament will take place during this weekend’s Hot Air Balloon Festival at Hyde Park Polo Club.

Provided/The Victory Cup

When I think of hot air balloons, the films “Wizard of Oz” and “Up” immediately come to mind, but I’ve never considered that seeing one in real life would be an option here. But now it IS an option at Saturday’s Charleston Hot Air Balloon Festi- val at Hyde Park Polo Club in Ravenel. Attendees will have opportunities to go up for a tethered ride, and in the evening there will be balloon night glows, a “spectacular display of color and sound” as the “shapes and colors come to life” and 10

4 fall festivals— continued

Fall Festivals and Fairs It’s stayed relatively warm this month, but hopefully autumn will be in the air as local townships and venues host their annual fall festivals and fairs this weekend.

The annual Oktoberfest at St. Matthew’s Lutheran is an extensive celebration and all “saints and sinners willkommen (welcome)” for beer from Holy City Brewery, authentic German food (spelled with lots of consonants in a row) and wine, music from the Hans Schmidt German Band and Ed Morris on accordion and kids’ activities. Don’t forget your dirndl and lederhosen for a photo opportunity with Martin Luther (German theologian and reformer) on the church steps.

WHEN: Noon-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13

WHERE: St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 405 King St., downtown Charleston St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church will PRICE: $20 adult; $10 child; beer and wine tickets sold sepa- host its annual family-friendly Oktoberfest on Saturday. rately File/Sally Rainey/Special to The Post and Courier MORE INFO: 843-723-1611, oktoberfestcharleston.com

This Week in the Arts: Oct 28, 2018

Saturday Harvest Fest What: Charleston County Parks will host its 17th annual harvest fest with local bluegrass bands, hayrides, barbecue, pumpkin decorating and more.

When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 3

Where: Johns Island County Park, 871 Riverland Drive

Price: $8

More Info: 843-795-4386, ccprc.com

Charleston County Parks’ 17th annual harvest fest will take place Nov. 3 and will host five local bluegrass bands. File/provided

Harvest Festival, Holiday Festival of Lights and more coming to Charleston County Parks in November By: Stetson Miller Updated: Oct 28, 2018 11:48 AM EDT

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) - Several events are happening at Charleston County Parks next month including the Harvest Festival, the Holiday Festival of Lights and a 5K that features a post-race chili meal. More information about the events is available below:

Harvest Festival

Saturday, Nov. 3, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Johns Island County Park

Enjoy live music from 5 local bluegrass bands, plus plenty of food, beverages and crafts for sale

Kids and families will have lots to keep them occupied, including hayrides, pumpkin painting, and an archery competition

Admission is $8 per person; kids 12 and under are free and Gold Pass holders are free

Holiday Festival of Lights

The festival opens nightly starting Nov. 9 at James Island County Park

Tour a 3-mile drive through over 700 light displays and an estimated 2 million lights

Then park the car and enjoy marshmallow roasting, gift shops, and other lights you can only see on foot

Join us on special event nights for live music, entertainment and more

Admission is $20 per vehicle of up to $15 people; bring a canned food item Monday through Thursday for $5 off

Visit HolidayFestivalofLights.com for details

Chili 5K

Saturday, Nov. 17 Laurel Hill County Park in Mount Pleasant Admission is $28-$34

Enjoy a trail run in this beautiful park property, followed by a To learn more visit ccprc.com. post-race party featuring chili and beer 12

Health Notes: October 1 and 8, 2018 Other Events: October 11, 2018

Today Today

Beachside Yoga Yappy Hour What: Sunset yoga series at Folly Beach County Park guided What: After-work happy hour in the dog park with live music by a professional instructor. All fitness levels are welcome. by Dave Gillease and beverages for sale. When: 6-7 p.m. Oct. 1, Oct 8 and 11 When: 4 p.m.-sunset Oct. 11 Where: Folly Beach County Park, 1100 West Ashley Ave. Where: James Island County Park, 871 Riverland Drive Price: $8-$10 Price: $2 park admission More Info: 843-795-4386 ccprc.com/1804/Beachside-YogaOther Calendar Events More Info: 843-762-2172, ccprc.com/1181/Yappy-Hour October 8, 2018

Saturday

Half Marathon, 5K What: The Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commis- sion will host the annual Lowcountry Trail Half-Marathon and 5K through Johns Island County Park. Registration includes post-race beverages, food and live music. Online registration ends Oct. 11; spectators welcome.

When: 8:30 a.m. races Oct. 13

Where: Johns Island County Park, 2662 Mullet Hall Road Price: $32-$40 Home & Garden: Oct 28, 2018 More Info: 843-795-4386, https://bit.ly/1Omv0W7 Thursday

Monarch Migration

Join a naturalist with the What: Join a naturalist to search for and potentially tag Mon- Charleston County Parks arch butterflies while learning about their annual migration. on Nov. 1 at Folly Beach When: 1-3 p.m. Nov. 1 County Park in a monarch tag and release Where: Folly Beach County Park, 1100 West Ashley Ave. effort as the butterfly makes its yearly Price:$7-$9 migration. More Info: 843-795-4386, ccprc.com Provided/CCPR

October 29, 2018

Harvest Festival. Charleston County Parks will host a C4WNEW: Nov. 15-16, Trident Technical College, North traditional Southern fall shindig with its 17th annual Harvest Charleston. This event, the Center for Women’s annual Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 3 at Johns Island County conference, will feature author Elizabeth Gilbert as special Park. The Harvest Festival is perhaps known best for its guest. To learn more or buy tickets, click here. foot-stompin’ showcase of Charleston’s own bluegrass talent. Performing throughout the day will be five bluegrass bands.

This year’s lineup will feature entertainment from local performers Roger Bellow and the Drifting Troubadours, Marshgrass Mamas, Gravel Road, Yee Haw Junction and River

Boy. Admission is $8 per person. Kids 12 and under and Gold Pass holders are admitted free. Food and beverages available for additional fees. For more information, call 843-795-4386, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.

Early morning bird walks at Caw Caw: 8:30 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday, Caw Caw Interpretive Center, Ravenel. You can learn about habitats and birds, butterflies and other organisms in this two-hour session. Registration not required, but participants are to be 15 and up. $10 per person or free to Gold Pass holders. More: http:// www.CharlestonCountyParks.com.

Holiday Festival of Lights. The Holiday Festival of Lights returns to James Island County Park starting Nov. 9 for its 29th year This spectacular light show is one of Charleston’s most beloved holiday events, featuring an estimated two million shimmering lights. The Holiday Festival of Lights is open every evening, through Jan. 1, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. nightly and closes at 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Birds at Caw Caw Interpretive Center More info: www.HolidayFestivalofLights.com Photos by Keith McCollough 14

South Carolina’s abundant outdoors not just for hunting and fishing By Tommy Braswell Special to The Post and Courier Oct 27, 2018

Sometimes enjoying the harvest isn’t about that trophy buck. But there are a few moderately priced extras that can help It’s not about that doormat flounder or that cooler of shrimp, you enjoy your day in the woods. all worthwhile endeavors for Palmetto State outdoors Among the items I forgot to pack on our latest camping trip enthusiasts. were hiking poles that would have helped on some of the It’s about enjoying the moment, stepping back and taking in steeper ascents and descents along the trail. And that the beauty we are blessed to call South Carolina’s great backpack with my binoculars would have been great to carry outdoors. There are few things I enjoy more than a nice quiet some snacks and water. Had we decided to hike the trail a day walk through the woods. earlier I would have wanted my lightweight rain jacket.

Last weekend my wife and I made what has become an annual South Carolina’s mountains offer great hiking opportunities, camping trip to Devil’s Fork State Park, about an hour west of but you don’t have to make a four-hour drive to enjoy some Greenville on the shores of beautiful Lake Jocassee. Devil’s wonderful hikes. Fork has a couple of nice trails that we had already hiked.

A camping neighbor told us about a hike to a Lower Whitewater Falls overlook, just outside Devil’s Fork. She and her husband were delighted to see a mother bear and two cubs (from their vehicle) while traveling there.

Whitewater Falls starts in North Carolina and ends in South Carolina. It consists of six different waterfalls and is known as the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi. The Lower Whitewater Falls consists of a 200-foot drop, and the moderately strenuous, well-marked hike is approximately five miles round-trip.

We didn’t see any bears, but we did see four turkeys grazing in a field adjacent to the parking area along with plenty of squirrels and birds. Most importantly, we were rewarded with a spectacular view from the overlook.

One of the great things about hiking is that it’s something for people of all ages. On our return from Lower Whitewater Falls we met kindergarteners with their parents, and septuagenari- ans on the trail.

A pair of comfortable walking shoes and clothes you don’t Lower Whitewater Falls in Oconee County is part of the highest waterfall east of the Rockies. mind getting dirty is pretty much all you need to get started. Tommy Braswell / Special to The Post and Courier

abundant outdoors— continued

Just a few miles up U.S. Highway 17 North is the Awendaw Passage of the Palmetto Trail, the coastal terminus of a hiking trail that crosses South Carolina. The Awendaw Passage is seven miles one-way from Buck Hall to the Swamp Fox trail- head on Highway 17, with parking at either end.

Also in that area is South Tibwin, a 2.3-mile loop trail near McClellanville, and the Sewee Shell Ring Boardwalk, a one- mile hike.

Just south of Charleston is the Caw Caw Interpretive Center, Caw Caw Interpretive Center part of the Charleston County Park system that offers more Photo by Grace Boehm / File The Post and Courier than six miles of trails, and Dungannon Plantation Heritage

Preserve and Wildlife Management Area in Hollywood. and the Charleston County Public Library has several books on A good online resource for South Carolina hikes is sctrails.net, hiking in South Carolina. See you on the trail.

Nonprofit Helping Out for Oct. 17, 2018 Staff Report Oct 17, 2018

Helping Out highlights some of the many charitable events Registration includes tickets to the festival train, the carousel and activities going on in the Charleston area. and climbing wall, along with marshmallow roasting.

Supper with Santa, taking place during the Holiday Festival of Advance registration is required. Tickets are $25 each for ages Lights, is a benefit event for The Parklands Foundation of 12 and younger and $50 for ages 13 and up. Charleston County. Proceeds benefit the foundation’s Pass It Forward Project, The event, which includes breakfast for dinner, a visit with which identifies barriers in accessing park facilities, programs Santa and entry to the festival at James Island County Park, and services, and facilitates the collection of donations and will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. Nov. 16. goods for community members in need.

Registration begins for Holiday Festival of Lights Fun Run and Walk

By Bill Sharpe | October 18, 2018 at 6:53 PM EST

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - It’s a chance for you to see the beautiful Festival of Lights early at the James Island County Park and enjoy some exercise at the same time.

On two consecutive nights, Wednesday Nov. 7 and Thursday Nov. 8, the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission is sponsoring the Holiday Festival of Lights Fun Run and Walk.

You’re encouraged to register as soon as possible because the event fills up quickly, according to a spokesper- son for the festival. Holiday Festival of Lights Fun Run and Walk This non-competitive 2-mile run/walk offers you a chance to

see hundreds of the festival’s light displays up close on foot, before the event opens for traffic. The run/walk begins each night at 6:30 and you’re asked to get to the park early. After the run/ walk, you can enjoy other event festivities like the gift shops, roasting Marshmallows and the festival train. Advance purchase of tickets is required.

For more information, go to ww.CharlestonCountyParks.com

Nonprofit Helping Out for Oct. 31, 2018 Staff Report Oct 31, 2018

Helping Out highlights some of the many charitable events and activities going on in the Charleston area. ATTENTION: Submissions should now be made using our online form.

The Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park is offering discounted entry to visitors who bring a canned food item to donate. Lowcountry Food Bank discount nights are every Monday through Thursday beginning Nov. 12.

Donations are good for $5 off the vehicle admission fee.

“I was at the Teal Diva’s 5K over the weekend and I was blown away by Wannamaker County Park. I use a wheelchair for mobility and have become accustomed to needing to wheel over tree roots and cracked walkways. This was not the case here! It could not have been easier to wheel through the paved course! Your staff at the park was also incredibly friendly and knowledgeable! Thank you for the work that you do to keep your park accessible for all! I look forward to the next races held at Wannamaker!!”

M. Basten — Wanamaker County Park Visitor

“The overall program was excellent. Our guides during the outing were extremely knowledgeable and safety conscious.” Canoeing at Caw Caw Participant – Caw Caw Interpretive Center

“My son really enjoyed this all day camp. The location and the fact it was all day was great for me to be able to leave him while I was at work.”

Explorers Camp at Wannamaker Parent – Wannamaker County Park

“I love the entire event – it's a great opportunity for friends to get together in the middle of the work week to relax and have fun. The staff are beyond awesome- so friendly and it feels like they are enjoying the event as much as the customers!”

Wine Down Wednesday Participant – Old Towne Creek County Park

”Well run and great course. I enjoyed and look forward to participating next year!”

Lowcountry Trail Participant – Johns Island County Park

“We LOVED this program!!!!! Heidi and Allie are amazing, and really have a great rapport with the kids. The journals are a great tool to use, and to have them draw. Going into Caw Caw at night was really special. The activities planned keep things moving along very well!”

Junior Naturalist Parent – Caw Caw Interpretive Center

A few weeks ago, women from across the state gathered at the South Carolina Wildlife Federation’s annual Women’s Outdoor Retreat (WOR) at Hickory Knob State Resort Park. The WOR is a weekend event designed for women of all ages to experience nature and outdoor recreation with like-minded ladies in a non-competitive environment. Nature walks, kayaking, fishing, outdoor cooking, and photography are just a few of the nearly 30 classes to choose from.

CCPRC was well represented by Kristina Wheeler, Natural History Interpretive Specialist, through her offerings of three birding classes and one night walk. Her birding class focused on developing skills through field observations using field guides, identifying marks, and calls. The night hike was very well attended and participants were treated to hearing the local screech owls and a number of other twilight delights. Over the course of the weekend, she hosted nearly 70 participants on her programs and interacted with many more casually during the open networking opportunities.

The SCWF could not offer this weekend without partnerships with entities like the SC Department of Natural Resources, Clemson University Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management and the SASS (Surviving Assault Standing Strong). Now CCPRC has enabled them to provide an even wider variety of activities, conducted by a diverse group of expert instructors.

Here’s a quote provided by Sara Green with the SCWF and participant of Kristina’s: “One of the best birding presenters I have ever seen. Enjoyed the daytime class and the extra evening walk. Great presenter and tons of knowledge.” – Wendy Conant

The Folly Beach re-nourishment project; overseen by the Army Corps of Engineers; has been ongoing for several months. Re-nourishment of the east side of the island is complete and work is underway on the west end of the island at Folly Beach County Park. Pipe is now currently being laid from the Folly River through FBCP parking lot and onto the beach. Once connected they will re-nourish the area towards the terminal groin and then begin working their way back towards the pier. The link provided below can be used track real-time progress of the project. http://www.cityoffollybeach.com/2018-beach-preservation-project-information/

The set-up of this year’s Holiday Festival of Lights has been in full gear the month of October. Under the guidance from left - Eric Stewart, District 2 Assistant Director; Greg Elliott, Parks Director, and Jonathan Moore, Lightshow Supervisor, the show will be ready to unveil by the November 7th Fun Run/Walk in spite of this year’s hurricane season.

One of our visitors at James Island County Park Campground sent this picture to us. She lives on a farm in Duncan, SC. When her calf was born last month, she decided to name her Jamie in honor of her wonderful times spent at our campground. This photo shows Jamie with mama, Jewel, at one week old. This is a reminder that customers really do build great memories at our facilities and your efforts are appreciated and felt by our customers

New windows were recently installed in the Activity Cen- ter at the James Island County Park Campground.

The new Low E, double pane windows are safe and efficient. This investment should be reflected in the up- coming electric bills.

Charleston Collegiate School hosted their annual Run Like the Devil 5k/ Fun Run at Johns Island County Park in October. It was a very successful event on a beautiful day with approximately 200 participants and spectators.

Johns Island County Park hosted Fenn Vac Corp. on the 3-D archery range for a corporate team building exercise in October. The event was so successful the company is planning another event for mid-November.

Mullet Hall Equestrian Center at Johns Island County Park was the site for the Sand Dollar Horse Show the end of October. This is a competitive and fun event. The show always includes the annual costume contest for the riders and horses.

HIP HOP, Hooray!

Our weekly Hip Hop Hollywood class is keeping to the beat following our kick-off the third week in October and will continue to run through March. Participants raved about the fun they had learning fresh choreography from our talented instructor, Jordan Benton. We encourage all to come join us at 6:30pm every Tuesday at Schroder Community Center. Jennifer Holmes, mother of the late Genesis Holmes, is an advocate of Hollywood community programs and enjoys attending the Hip Hop class.

Starlight Yoga at the Holiday Festival of Lights

Get your holiday spirit flowing with Starlight Yoga at the Holiday Festival of Lights this November. Participants can practice mindfulness and leave feeling rejuvenated after this glowing yoga session instructed by Ji Hwang. Join us at the end of the month, Wednesday November 28th as we give thanks and appreciation for the most wonderful time of the year!

Lowcountry Trail Half Marathon/5K Run

What a successful Lowcountry Trail Half Marathon and 5K we had this October. Thanks to our updated Facebook page and frequent networking, we are happy to share the following participant testimonial, “My name is Emily Daigler. I registered to run the Lowcountry Trail Half Marathon the day before the race, because my mom saw it on Facebook. I have been a medium distance runner in the past, but I haven’t done any training for the last few weeks. Today, I finished in three hours. This race has been a great motivation to keep training and improve my time for the future!” We are thrilled to be able to share stories such as this to help motivate others in the community!

Now in its 28th year, the 2018 Latin American Festival was our most successful yet! With 4,859 people in attendance, the agency brought in over $80,000 in revenue. Along with the beautiful weather, the Grammy nominated Plena Libre (headliner band) attracted many residents from all over the Lowcountry to Wannamaker County Park on October 14.

Looking around at all the festival attendees, it was obvious how important the event was to the community. It was very nice to see so many happy people celebrating and enjoying the Latin America cultures!

On Monday, October 29th, SK8 Charleston hosted the ‘Ghouls & Groms’ Halloween Costume Party. The event went off without a hitch with a total of 143 people in attendance. Kids of all ages were dressed in costumes to impress!

McKevlin’s Surf Shop sponsored the event and provided prizes for the costume contest along with the CCPRC Marketing Division.

Food was available for purchase and music was provided by local rock band B. Frasier. Another successful event at SK8 Charleston.

Total Calls In: 6,896

Average Talk Time: 3.04

Average Wait Time: 0.33

Passes sold through Corporate Online Pass Sales:

 92 Gold Passes Race and Festival Sponsored in October:

Lowcountry Trail Half Marathon & 5K: 10 sponsors

Latin American Festival: 16 sponsors

Website Visits Pageviews

 October 2018: 73,635  October 2018: 192,843

 October 2017: 70,546  October 2017: 192,208

Top 10 CCPRC.com Pages Visited

6. Harvest Festival 1. Camping & Lodging 7. North Charleston Wannamaker County Park 2. James Island County Park 8. Gold Pass Membership 3. Holiday Festival of Lights Fun Run & Walk 9. Parks & Facilities 4. McLeod Plantation Historic Site 10. Folly Beach Pier 5. Latin American Festival

Top Visitor Locations Top Referral Sites

1. Charleston, SC 1. Facebook.com , 33.6%

2. Charlotte, NC 2. Charleston CVB.com, 12.2%

3. Mount Pleasant, SC 3. com.google.android.gm, 7.4%

4. Summerville, SC 4. CharlestonRunnningClub.com, 3.7%

5. Goose Creek, SC 5. Sciway.net, 2.6%

Social Media Marketing Facebook Post With Highest Organic Reach

 Facebook Page Likes: 50,803  Reach: 26,842  Facebook Reach: 61,749

 Twitter Followers: 7,368

 Twitter Impressions: 18,310

 Instagram Followers: 6,165

Email Marketing

 Open Rate: 33.5%

 Click-Through Rate: 13.6%

 Opens By Device:

 Mobile: 53%

 Desktop: 47%

Attendance Attendance Attendance Attendance YTD 1819 1819 YTD YTD 1819 1718YTD YTD 1718 YTD1718 Variance Variance % % 24,695 22,152 66,064 63,790 2,543 2,274 11% PICP 4% SI 198,318 200,697 47,531 44,042 -2,379 3,489 -1% JICP 8% SZ 185,328 182,541 88,312 81,838 6,474 2,787 WW WCP 8% 2% 160,538 148,032 12,506 TOTAL 6,144 6,178 CAW -1% 8% -34 14,373 12,800 1,573 JoICP 12% 212,385 136,964 75,421 FB Pier FB 55% YTD 1718 YTD YTD 1819 YTD 1819 Variance Vehicles Vehicles MP Pier MP vs. Attendance1718 Total 1819 Facility 89,830 96,023 -6,194 -6% % 17,509 15,893 45,609 43,525 1,616 2,084 BWP 10% BWP 5% 21,381 20,093 50,943 44,946 1,288 5,997 FBCP FBCP 13% 6% 100,144 35,675 36,833 94,534 -1,158 5,610 -3% IOP IOP 6% 74,565 72,819 TOTAL 1,746 Bulow 1606 1436 12% 170 2% LaurelHill -19% -136 569 705 Old Towne Old 1095 71% 455 640 Occupancy Occupancy YTD 1819 YTD 1819 YTD 1718 YTD 1718 10,319 McLeod 9,984 -335 -3% Campsites 28,693 36,637 -7,944 -22% 79% 78% LIHP Cottages -1,991 7,561 9,552 -21% 55% 59% SK8 1,018,644 941,286 77,358 Marina TOTAL 91% 94% 8%

28 HUMAN RESOURCES UPDATE

Volunteer Coordinator Report OCTOBER 2018

Activity Category Hours Volunteers CHARLESTON CLASSIC CROSS COUNTRY 73 14 COMMUNITY RECREATION 3 1 DAY PARK VOLUNTEER 8 1 HEADQUARTERS 29 6 HOLIDAY FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS 224 35 LATIN AMERICAN FESTIVAL 286 47 LOWCOUNTRY TRAIL HALF MARATHON & 5K 64 12 MCLEOD PLANTATION 54 4 OUTDOOR RECREATION 17 2 PADDLESPORTS & OUTDOOR CLUB 5 1 THE GREEN TEAM 10 4 WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY 19 6 Total October 2018 Volunteer Hours: 792 Current Fiscal Year to Date Volunteer Hours: 2496 Previous Fiscal Year to Date Volunteer Hours: 2064 Current vs Previous Fiscal Year to Date Volunteer Hours: 432

Value of Volunteer Hours: Total October 2018 Volunteer Full-time Employee Equivalent: 4.87 Current Fiscal Year to Date Volunteer Full-time Employee Equivalent: 3.84 Previous Fiscal Year to Date Volunteer Full-time Employee Equivalent 3.18 Current vs Previous Fiscal Year to Date Volunteer Full-time Employee Equivalent: 0.66

Value of Volunteer Hours Formula: # volunteer hours / 162.5 (equivalent of one full time employee) = # full-time employee equivalent

Monthly Employee Cost Savings Total October 2018 Volunteer Hours Value: 19,494.61 Current Fiscal Year to Date Volunteer Hours Value: 61,486.08 Previous Fiscal Year to Date Volunteer Hours: Value 50,918.16 Current vs Previous Fiscal Year to Date Volunteer Hours Value: 10,567.92

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

29 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: October 2018 EEO Information

FULL TIME PART TIME TOTAL OF ALL EMPLOYEES EMPLOYEES EMPLOYEES Number of 172 664 836 Employees White 144 511 78% Hispanic 5 8 2% African 16 118 16% American Asian 2 4 1% Indian 1 1 0.24% Two or more 4 16 2% Races Male 98 276 45%

Female 74 388 55%

30 Planning & Development Update

Ideal weather conditions this fall have provided opportunities for staging prescribed burns at CCPRC’s undeveloped properties located at Two Pines (McClellanville) and Meggett County Park. Prescribed burning is an important land management strategy that enhances soil nutrients, controls invasive plant growth, provides new habitation for native wildlife, and reduces risk of uncontrolled forest wildfires. Furthermore, prescribed burns are essential for successfully promoting and sustaining Longleaf Pine forest, an important and richly diverse ecology. CCPRC continues to engage with Sabine & Waters for planning and implementing prescribed burns.

Marsh Island at Meggett County Park After Prescribed Burn

Meggett County Park Prescribed Burn Map

Two Pines Prescribed Burn Map Section of Two Pines After Prescribed Burn 31 1 Planning & Development Update—continued

Brunson Construction Company has installed the building footers, concrete foundations, and underground plumbing. They’ve started installing the concrete block wall for the restroom building, as well as the wood frame office building walls. The roof trusses will be installed next. The parking lot layout is complete and the site is being graded for final surface material. The swimming pool has been dug out & graded. The Elevations have been shot and the walls have been framed. A construction progress meeting was conducted on October 25 for a project update and site visit. The next progress meeting will take place on site Thursday, November 29. This project timeline is progressing as scheduled.

Restroom & Office Buildings Road & Parking Pool Progress

Our contractor, Neuman Pools Inc. (NPI), has begun site work on the construction area by installing silt fencing and tree protection per DHEC requirements. The contractor has removed the trees and begun grading the site. NPI is establishing locations for each of the footers and starting the soil de-watering process to lower the water table for footer placement. Whitewater West Inc. (WWI), our attraction supplier, has received approximately 10-12 truck loads of structural steel thus far. WWI is expecting to begin receiving the fiberglass slide components within the next couple of weeks.

Construction Site of the New Whirlin’ Waters Waterpark Attraction

Wantman Group Inc. (WGI), our pier replacement consultant, conducted an initial Conceptual Design meeting on November 6 to outline replacement options for the Folly Beach Fishing Pier. During the meeting, the team concluded on constructing the new pier with pre-stressed concrete pilings for long life and to employ a top-down construction. Top down construction builds a new pier over the existing footprint while demolishing the old pier at the same time. The benefits of this construction method, is a shorter construction timeline. The Folly Beach Fishing Pier, built in 1995, has reached the end of its useful life 32 due to deteriorating wood piles by marine boring worms. 2 Planning & Development Update—continued

Our project partner, Ducks Unlimited, has negotiated a lower price with Ben Cox, LLC, that is within our budget . They issued a Notice to Proceed that is effective November 15. Work is scheduled to take place this winter andbe complete by spring. The work will include: installing a concrete block-mat emergency spillway, replacing the existing water control structure with a new concrete spillway box & 25 lineal feet of 42” HDPE pipe, reshaping the banks, and re-topping the levee to an elevation of at least 5.5’ above mean high water.

The new dog park at Wannamaker County Park, Bark City, has gone through the bidding process and five contractors submitted bids. A recommendation for the technically qualified low bidder will be presented during this month’s Commission meeting. It is anticipated the construction will begin in December with tree protection and removal. Two features of this facility, a “spray pad” for dogs and shade sails to provide shade for dog owners, have previously been approved by the Commission and will be obtained through cooperative agreements and coordinated by the general contractor selected.

Applied Technology & Management, INC., (ATM) conducted a Charrette with staff on October 25 to brainstorm ideas for Master Planning the upland property at the Cooper River Marina. Comple- menting modifications to the existing marina were also discussed. The next step on this project will be to conduct a public meeting to engage the local community to determine what uses would entice them to use the park, the frequency of future visits and the type of daily users we could expect to use the park. This information will assist in the planning of future development and improvements to target potential recreational opportunities of our park site. 33 Charrette Conducted by ATM with PRC Staff 3 Planning & Development Update—continued

A pre-bid meeting was conducted on November 6 for hiring a contractor to prepare the site for adding the new CXT concrete restroom and shower building to service the primitive campground and nearby Climbing Wall. Three contractors attended the non-mandatory pre-bid meeting. The restroom will consist of an ADA accessible prefabricated building with electric, public sewer, and public water. The current restroom trailers are at the end of their useful life and are in need of replacement. The CXT restroom will serve both sites. By replacing the trailers with this new permanent building and tying into public water and sewer facilities, this project will provide substantial savings to operational expenses for many years to come.

A pre-proposal meeting was conducted on November 7 for the new Dunes House and infrastructure replacements/ improvements to be constructed at Folly Beach County Park. Nine companies attended the pre-proposal meeting at which the construction documents created by our design consultant, Glick Boehm Architecture (GBA), were presented. Proposal are due November 29. After the evaluation process, the staff recommendation is anticipated to be presented during the December Commission meeting. Construction could begin as early as January 2019.

Folly Beach County Park New Amenities Pre-Proposal Meeting

CCPRC was awarded a $500,000 Land Water and Conservation Fund grant for the Dunes House and Infrastructure Replacement Project at Folly Beach County Park (FBCP). This is a competitive grant administered by the SC Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism (SC PRT) on behalf of the National Park Service. Originally the grant was for $300,000, but because of the park’s regional and statewide significance CCPRC was awarded the maximum $500,000 grant. The Fiscal Briefing with the Grant Administrator from SC PRT, CCPRC’s Procurement Manager, Project Manager, and Grant Manager was conducted on Oc- tober 26 at FBCP. After signing the grant agreement, construction can begin on this project.

SC PRT site visit with PRC staff 34 4