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Parks operations update: events, staff training and grant-supported trails move forward
Summary
County parks staff reported nearly 30 events over the past year, expanded programs and certifications, and progress on capital projects including a 10-mile mountain bike trail supported by LWCF and RTP grants and a pending $1,000,000 LWCF application for Greenway construction.
York County parks staff told the Health and Environmental Protection Committee on June 4 that programming, staff training and several grant-supported capital projects are progressing and that staff will continue outreach and follow-up on funding.
Presenter said the department ran nearly 30 events last fiscal year, has added bird walks and scavenger-hunt programs, expanded pickleball leagues and is partnering with US Coast Guard, US Fish and Wildlife, Catawba Nation and local schools to increase engagement. “We’re activating our parks in a different way,” the Presenter said, noting programs are designed to remove barriers to participation.
Staff highlighted workforce training: 11 staff completed chainsaw certification in the most recent cycle, bringing the total to 21 of 38 full-time staff with that credential; five staff hold national certified parks and recreation professional credentials and multiple staff have wilderness first-aid and pesticides licenses.
On visitation and technology, Presenter credited new queuing software at Ebenezer Park with improving access for county residents and reported year-to-date entry figures showing a notable in-county presence; staff said Catawba Bend is averaging just over 1,000 visitors a month while open four days a week.
Capital projects: Presenter described a roughly 10-mile mountain bike trail network supported by an LWCF grant of $500,000 and a Recreation Trails Program grant (split described in discussion). Staff said the mountain-bike work is mostly complete with punch-list items remaining and a contract completion date slated for September. Presenter also described a pending LWCF application for southern Greenway construction (approximately $1,000,000 with a 50/50 match) with results expected in October.
Worth Mountain Park work includes about 12 miles of equestrian and hiking trails funded via a state earmark (staff referenced $400,000 for equestrian trails and parking) and ongoing coordination with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources because remaining acreage remains under a Wildlife Management Area agreement.
Next steps: staff will supply detailed revenue impacts from recent fee revisions on request, pursue additional grant notifications in October and return with data and recommended timelines for openings and signage as projects near completion.
