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Georgetown County Parks unveils ‘GC Calm’ nature spots and expands Fit Goat outdoor program
Summary
Parks & Recreation Director Beth Goodale said the county has designated five 'GC Calm' spots, will post signs with mindfulness guidance and mascot 'Forest the squirrel,' and expanded the Fit Goat/Adventure Hound program (92 participants last year logged 47,000 miles); a county dog run at Stable Park is opening soon.
Beth Goodale, director of Georgetown County Parks and Recreation, described a new wellness initiative called GC Calm that designates county “calming spots” and gives residents simple, nature-based techniques for reducing stress.
Goodale said the idea came after a South Carolina Heritage Corridor visit and that the county identified five calm spots across Georgetown County: Morse Park (overlooking the water), Stable Park (overlooking a 36-acre Carolina Bay), Eight Oaks Park, Rocky Point and Pee House Landing off Highway 41. The county will place signs at each site explaining short mindfulness exercises and how to "forest bathe," a Japanese-origin practice of intentional time in nature.
"Forest the squirrel is actually our little mascot," Goodale said, noting the signs will guide people through sensory prompts and breathing exercises. She added that forest-bathing practices have been shown in studies to reduce stress and lower blood pressure.
Goodale also detailed the county’s Fit Goat and Iron Goat participation program, tracked through an Adventure Hound app. Participants self-report walks, paddles and rides, and can earn shirts and prizes. According to the program report discussed on-air, 92 participants took part last year and collectively logged 47,000 miles.
Other Parks & Recreation initiatives Goodale described include tiny "mini forests" hidden around the county with an associated photo contest, robust youth sports signups for track, baseball and softball, lively senior-center programming, and an upcoming county dog run at Stable Park with plans to add a dog-and-owner division in the Fit Goat challenges.
Why it matters: The GC Calm and Fit Goat programs are designed to increase public access to outdoor recreation and to promote physical and mental health across age groups. The county is positioning parks as resources for everyday stress reduction and community engagement.
Goodale encouraged residents to check gtcounty.org for program details and registration information for youth sports and upcoming events such as a St. Paddy's Day paddle and float.
