County accepts three small grants to fund free third-grade swim lessons and a weekend kayaking class

Richland County park and recreation staff told the Executive and Finance Standing Committee on May 13 that three philanthropic grants will fund free swim lessons for Richland School District third graders and a beginner kayaking program.

Grants described - American Canoe Association: $500 to support a beginner kayaking class. County staff said the program will use kayaks already on site and run instruction primarily in the pool, with a possible final on-water session. - Canvas Foundation: $3,000 to pay instructor costs for swim lessons for third graders in the Richland School District; the lessons are planned as an 8-session program and will be incorporated into the school-year schedule. - W. R. Foyce Saori Family Foundation: $10,000 to cover transportation costs (busing) from Richland Intermediate School to Simons so that third graders may attend without cost to families.

Staff described the grants as no-match and covering program costs (instructor pay and transportation); the county would set program fees to cover any additional costs for non-grant-funded items but expects no cost to families or the school district for the third-grade lessons supported by these grants.

The committee voted to forward acceptance of the grants to the full county board.

Why it matters: the grants fund free swim instruction for an entire grade cohort in the school district and expand affordable recreation programming. Officials said free swim lessons are a safety and public-health benefit in a river and lake region and mark a continuing collaboration between county recreation staff and the school district.

Next steps: if the full county board approves acceptance, staff will finalize program scheduling and instructor arrangements and begin communications with schools and families.