Greenville County Recreation District Headquarters - Daniel Rodgerson

DP3 Architects provided design services for the Greenville County Recreation District’s new administrative office building, as well as a long-range vision plan for the site. The new facility houses the relocated and expanded administration offices for the district in 7,000 square feet of new construction.

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UPCOMING EVENTS - Dan Rodgerson

UPCOMING EVENTS
The Greenville News - Greenville, S.C.
Date: Jun 12, 2004
Start Page: B.4
Section: Metro
Text Word Count: 2089

Document Text
Briefs

SpringWell Church in Taylors and Brookwood Community Church in Greenville received Church Health Awards during the 2004 Purpose-Driven Church Conference at Saddleback Church and Purpose-Driven ministries in Lake Forest, Calif. in May. Both churches are affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. Churches from 20 nations received the award, which honors those that have shown excellence in adapting the discipleship program, "40 Days of Purpose," to their congregation. The program is based on Rick Warren's best-selling book "The Purpose-Driven Life."

12 Ordinary Men,a series on the life of the 12 disciples, will be held each Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 3810 Grandview Drive, Simpsonville. Children in grades 2-5 will have a special summer class at the same time.

Mercy Christian Center will hold services Sunday at 12 Odom Circle (near Cedar Lane Road and 253). Services begin at 2 p.m. Call 859-7817 or 295-9398.

When We Pray Ministries, 401 Camellia Lane, Simpsonville, will have a summer Bible study on Mondays in June and July at 7 p.m. at the Mauldin Branch Public Library.

Impacting Communities serviceswill be held every Saturday at 6:30 p.m. with the kickoff on June 19 at the Littlejohn Community Center, Hwy. 93, Clemson. Call 1-866-712-5228.

Upstate Marriage Savers Training Seminarwill continue today at Southside Fellowship, Woodruff Road and Hwy. 14, Simpsonville. The training will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event will be led by Mike McManus, founder and executive director of Marriage Savers. Sponsored by Heritage Community Services and its Family Assets and Character Councils.

United Christian Ministries,3315 Brushy Creek Road, Greer, will have new service times beginning Sunday with the morning worship services at 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. and Sunday School at 10 a.m. Call 848-2728.

One Hundred Sixteenth Annual Session of the Woman's Baptist Educational and Missionary Convention of South Carolinawill be held at Morris College Monday-Friday with Dr. Jacqueline W. Canty, president presiding. Highlights of the meeting will take place Thursday with the annual address and election of officers at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, S. Harvin St. The annual banquet will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday on the campus of Morris College. Speaker: Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, first women elected president of the Hampton University Minister's Conference and the first African American woman elected to the American Baptist Church. The week will also include meetings of the youth department and the young woman's auxiliary, along with training sessions and seminars on missionary activities for district and local auxiliaries delegates.

Chautauqua 2004: American Visionswill be held June 20 at 8:45 a.m. at St. Matthew United Methodist Church, 701 Cleveland St. Puritan preacher John Winthrop's "City on the Hill" sermon, preached in 1630, will be recreated by Dr. George Frein.

Spiritual Gifts Workshop will be held at Israel Metropolitan CME Church, 307 N. Calhoun St., on June 15. Speaker: Pastor Vanessee Burns. Call 235-3779.

How To Manage Your Money God's Way,a 12-week course by Larry Burkett of Crown Financial Ministries, will begin Aug. 1 at Dominion World Ministries. Deadline: June 30. Cost: $45 for singles and $55 for couples for materials. Call 242-4583.

Programs

Annual Women's Day Celebrationwill begin today at 11 a.m. with a Mother/Daughter Luncheon at Long Branch Baptist Church, 28 Bolt St. Speakers: Minister Barbara Brown and Kortney Nance from Queen Street Baptist Church and Barbara Sullivan and Michelle Bowens from Long Branch Baptist Church. Sunday at 8 a.m., Minister Dorothy Lamkin will be guest speaker and at 10:45 a.m. Minister Alberta Colley from New Mt. Bethel Baptist Church will speak.

Union Baptist Church,50 Union Church Road, will have the following programs: 10 a.m. today -- Fun Day; and 11 a.m. Sunday -- Youth Day with Minister Lamonta Beaty and 4 p.m. -- Pastor Rev. William H. Cox and First Lady 25th Pastoral Anniversary. Speaker: the Rev. Thomas Sloan with Enoree Baptist Church as guest.

Community Health Fair will be held today at Palmetto Baptist in Easley from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: $20. Services offered include Real Men Checking It Out free prostate screening, blood pressure, vision glaucoma check, mammogram and cholesterol screening. To sign up for screening, call Annette Black at 306-9481 or Nelson Crosby at 843-2401. Sponsored by Jesus Is Lord Ministries.

Annual Men's Day,11 a.m. Sunday. Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church, 35 Pendleton Road. Speaker: Elder Troy Jarvis, Delrio, Texas.

Annual Women's Day,11 a.m. Sunday. Enoree Baptist Church, 215 Augusta St. Speaker: the Rev. Sally Taylor.

Annual Youth Day Program,4 p.m. Sunday. Straightway Missionary Baptist Church, 105 Guess St. Speaker: the Rev. Jearod Ferrette, associate minister of Second Calvary Missionary Baptist Church of Greenville. Music by Second Calvary Missionary Baptist Church Choir and the McCullough Singers of Greenville.

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church,12 Pack Street, will have the following programs: 10:45 a.m. Sunday -- Annual Women's Day Observance Program with speaker the Rev. Sister Onesha Chambers, member of the Red Top Baptist Church, Columbia; 4 p.m. Sunday -- All-Male Choir 19th Anniversary; June 14-18 from 6 to 8 p.m. -- Vacation Bible School. Ages: 2 to Adults. Refreshments nightly; 6 to 8 p.m. June 23 -- Partnering With Your Doctor. To register: 1-800-273-2555; 4 p.m. June 27 and 7 p.m. June 28-July 1 -- Revival meeting with Asbury Memorial Baptist Church, 1505 Benjamin St., Anderson. Speaker: the Rev. Michael Benton, pastor of Fairforest Baptist Church, Lithonia, Ga. Call 233-8100.

Appreciation Servicefor Pastor and Mrs. J. Gary Sherman Sr., 5 p.m. Sunday. New Salem Baptist Church, 2916 Hwy. 414, Tigerville. Speaker: the Rev. Curtis Johnson, pastor of Valley Brook Outreach Baptist Church, Piedmont.

Christ Church Episcopal, 10 N. Church St., will have the following programs: 10:45 a.m. -- College students at Christ Episcopal Church at the Parish House; 7 p.m. Wednesdays -- "The Grill" dinner, fellowship, study; and 6 p.m. beginning June 22 on Tuesdays -- Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University, a 13-week program taught by Dave Ramsey. Call 271-8773.

Faith Memorial Chapel, Cedar Mountain, N.C., will conduct services at 11 a.m. on Sunday with the Rev. Dr. Allen Crews McSween, pastor of Fourth Presbyterian Church.

Lowndes Hill W.T. Radden Inspirational Choir 21st Anniversary Service,5 p.m. Sunday. Lowndes Hill Baptist Church, 1516 Lowndes Hill Road.

New Pilgrim Baptist Church,105 Bethany Road, Simpsonville, will have the following programs: 11 a.m. Sunday -- Honoring Women. Speaker: Ruth Stephens of Calvary Baptist Church, Simpsonville; and 5 p.m. June 20 -- Dedication of New Educational Wing Program. Speaker: the Rev. Sean Dogan of Long Branch Baptist Church of Greenville.

Senior Missionary Ministry's 80th Anniversary Service,4 p.m. Sunday. Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 2 Jeff Circle. Speaker: the Rev. Brenda Carter. Music by Greater Metropolitan Missionary Church.

Six Year Anniversaryfor Pastor Windell Rodgerson, 11 a.m. Sunday. Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 305 Ansel Street. Speaker: Dr. J.W. Henderson.

Youth Day,11 a.m. Sunday. Reedy River Missionary Baptist Church, Mauldin. Speaker: Minister Roderick Cummings from McCormick.

Crossroads Career Networkwill host a free seminar Tuesday entitled "Learn How to Set Career Networking Goals" from 6:45 to 9 p.m. in the Memorial Dining Room. First Presbyterian Church, 200 W. Washington St.

Annual Men's Day Program,11 a.m. June 20. John Wesley United Methodist Church, 101 Court St. Speaker: the Rev. James L. Friday.

Annual Women's Day, 11:15 a.m. June 27. Generostee Baptist Church, 806 Generostee Church Road, Starr. Speaker: the Rev. Janice Bates Williams of Janice B. Williams Ministries, Greenwood.

Holly Springs Baptist Church,251 Hannon Road, Inman, is celebrating their 200th anniversary with the following programs: 10:30 a.m. Sunday -- Carlisle Driggers; 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 11-15 -- Vacation Bible School; 6 p.m. Sept. 12 -- Squire Parsons in concert; and 10:30 a.m. Sept. 19 -- Annual Homecoming. Call 877-6765.

Vacation Bible School

Abner Creek Baptist Church,2461 Abner Creek Road, Greer: 6:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday-Friday. Ages: 3 years to 6th grade. Theme: "Rickshaw Rally -- Racing to the Son." Call 877-6604.

Dunean Baptist Church, 21 Allen St.: 6-8:45 p.m. Sunday-Thursday. Ages: 3 years to 5th grade. Theme: "SonGames 2004, The VBS of Champions." Call 233-7457.

Calvary Baptist Church, 3810 Grandview Drive, Simpsonville: 9 a.m. to noon Monday-Friday. Ages: 4 to 6th grade. Theme: "Sword and Shield."

Covenant United Methodist Church,1310 Old Spartanburg Road, Greer: 9 a.m. to noon, Monday-Friday. Ages: 3 years of age (as of Sept. 1, 2003) to 5th grade. Theme: "Jesus Helps You POWER Up!"

Joy of the Lord Ministries, 1904-C Laurens Road: 6 to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday. Refreshments will be served. Call 294-6918.

New Haven Christian Fellowship,7770 Augusta Road, Piedmont: 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Ages: 3 to 12.

New Hope Baptist Church, Hwy. 72, West, Clinton: 6 to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday. Theme: "Castle Kids."

Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church,2 Jeff Circle: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Shady Grove Baptist Church,140 Shady Grove Church Road, Pelzer: 5:45 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Theme: "Spotlight on Jesus."

Mountain Creek Baptist Church,255 West Mountain Creek Church Road: 6 to 9 p.m. June 21-25. Ages: 3 through high school. Theme: "Rickshaw Rally -- Racing to the Son." Dinner served each night. Call 244-4524.

Wren Baptist Church,6:30 to 8:45 p.m. June 21-25. Theme: SonGames 2004. Classes for everyone from infants to adults. Call 845-5678.

Berea Heights Baptist Church,6914 White Horse Road: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 27-30.

Grace Baptist Church, 15195 Wells Hwy., Seneca: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. June 27-30. Theme: "Lava Lava Island -- Where Jesus' Love Flows!!" Call 888-0703.

St. Michael Evangelical Lutheran Church,2619 Augusta Road: 9 a.m. to noon July 19-23. Ages: 3 to 11. Theme: "Davey and Goliath's Camp Creation." Call 232-8510.

Music

The Atkins Family,6 p.m. tonight. Gordon Street Assembly of God.

Southern Sound of Easley, Bill Shaw and The Pickens Family,6:30 p.m. tonight. McKissick United Methodist Church, King Street, Easley. Love offering concert.

Flashback,a musical presented by the youth drama team of Messiah Lutheran Church, Charlotte, N.C., 7 p.m. tonight at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2820 Woodruff Road, Simpsonville. Freewill offering.

Jimmy Justice Family 31st Anniversary Celebration,7 p.m. tonight at East Henderson High School, Hendersonville, N.C. Special guest: The Inspirations. Tickets: $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Children 12 and under are free. Call (828) 685-3730.

The Melodyaires and Daystar,7 p.m. tonight. Valley of Joy, 105 Mustang Drive, Easley.

The Mighty Voices and Arthur Goodjoin & The Singing Tornadoes,6 p.m. tonight. New China Baptist Church, Milam Road, Clinton.

Annointed Witness,7 p.m. Sunday. Wren Baptist Church, 120 Wren Road, Piedmont.

Mass Choir Concert featuring Rory Griffin,5 p.m. Sunday. Friendship Baptist Church, Carver Street -- Freetown Community.

Rocky Sunbeam Choir Third Annual Concert,4 p.m. Sunday. Rocky Mount Baptist Church, 7531 White Horse Road.

Two Tenors and Bass Concert,featuring Charles Pendergrass, Michael Harmon and Wade Gambrell, 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Israel Metropolitan C.M.E. Church, 305 N. Calhoun St. Love offering concert. A special presentation featuring Willie 'Skinny' Duncan as Malcolm X and James Williams as Martin Luther King will be performed. Proceeds to benefit the scholarship programs of the SOS Community Chorale. Call Truman Humbert at 299-0644.

Sold Out,a touring student Christian musical troupe from Beach United Methodist Church, Jacksonville, Fla., 7 p.m. Wednesday. Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 7 Shannon Drive.

Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Youth Choir Anniversary,4 p.m. June 27. Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.

Evangelist Cynthia Clark Concert, 4:30 p.m. June 27. Reedy River Missionary Baptist Church. Featuring: New Forksville Baptist Church Gospel Choir. Love offering concert. Call: 299-0644.

Revivals

Nicholtown Missionary Baptist Church,327 Ackley Road, will continue with a revival at 7 p.m. tonight with guest speaker the Rev. Jeffrey Williams of Rock of Ages Baptist Church and 11 a.m. Sunday with the Rev. Brandon Whitehurst of Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church. Sponsored by the Youth Ministry of Nicholtown Missionary Baptist Church.

Mount Calvary Baptist Church,305 Ansel St., 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Speaker: Dr. Charles B. Jackson, of Brookland Baptist Church, Columbia.

Good Shepherd Church, 5315 State Park Rd., Travelers Rest. 7:15 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 6 p.m. Saturday youth service and 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday. Speaker: Evangelist Rodney Bohler from Oklahoma City, Okla.

Homecomings

Dry Oak Assembly of God Church,1644 Holliday Dam Road, Belton: 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Speaker: the Rev. and Mrs. James Gaulden. Music by Total Praise Quartet. Dinner will follow the service.

Religion announcements should be submitted in writing by noon Tuesday to be considered for Saturday publication. Mail to Religion News, The Greenville News, P.O. Box 1688, Greenville, SC 29602 or fax to 298-4395. The News is not responsible for lost or damaged photographs.

Cutline: In concert: The New Forksville Baptist Church Gospel Choir will perform June 27 at Reedy River Missionary Baptist Church.

Cutline: In concert: The Inspirations will perform at the Jimmy Justice family 31st anniversary celebration tonight at East Henderson High School in Hendersonville.

Mugs: Frein, Clark

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CITY BRIEFS - Dan Rodgerson

CITY BRIEFS
The Greenville News - Greenville, S.C.
Date: Feb 2, 2005
Start Page: CC.13
Section: City People
Text Word Count: 354

Document Text
Greer library offers

Valentine activities

The Jean M. Smith Branch Library, 505 Pennsylvania Ave., Greer, will offer Valentine's programs for children and adults, including a "Valentine Tree" craft and exploring "English Tea Time."

Children will learn how to create a valentine tree with hearts and photos during a craft workshop Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. Children ages 5-11 should bring several small photos from home to help create their tree. Pre-registration is required and limited to 15. Free.

Adults are invited to celebrate and learn about the ritual of English tea with Greer Citizen columnist Rita Cooper Feb. 14 at 10:30 a.m. Cooper will discuss recipes, etiquette and the history of tea time as well as offer samples. Cost is $3 and pre-registration is required.

For more information and to register for either program, call 877-8722.

Improving community

topic of TR meeting

"Enhancing Our Community" will be the topic of discussion for the Travelers Rest Area Business Association monthly meeting Tuesday. The lunch meeting begins at noon and will be held at Classic Events in Travelers Rest.

This meeting will be in panel format, with the speakers Daniel Rodgerson, executive director of the Greenville County Recreation District; Tim Cross, athletic director of the Travelers Rest Youth Association; Ty Houck, park manager of Paris Mountain State Park; and Dean Campbell, group leader of the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway. Cost of the meal is $6.50 with reservations required. Call 834-9031.

Deadline for City Briefs information is one week before publication. Mail to City People, c/o The Greenville News, P.O. Box 1688, Greenville, SC 29602 or e-mail us at citypeople@greenvillenews.com

Cutline: Wolfe receives Order of Silver Crescent: Jack Wolfe, center, accepts the Order of the Silver Crescent Award recently from State Sen. Harry Cato, left, and Greenville County Councilman Joe Dill. The Order of the Silver Crescent is the state's highest honor for volunteer and community service. Wolfe has served as chairman of the Greenville EMS Study Committee; served on the Blue Ridge Water Board of Directors; and started a golf tournament to raise money for two fire engines for the Glassy Mountain area of Greenville County.


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Dry September soaking up some of summer's excesses- - Dan Rodgerson

Dry September soaking up some of summer's excesses
The Greenville News - Greenville, S.C.
Author: Patricia Newman
Date: Sep 29, 2005
Start Page: B.2
Section: Metro
Text Word Count: 528

Document Text
Area ahead in rainfall this year, but some fear upswing in wildfires early next year

By Patricia Newman

STAFF_WRITER

pnewman@greenvillenews.com

Although most of the Upstate has seen very little rain in September, forecasters say the unusually wet summer months have prevented the area from going into a drought.

The last time any measurable amounts of rain fell at Greenville/Spartanburg Airport was Aug. 30 when the area got moisture from Hurricane Katrina, said meteorologist Steve Burrus, of the National Weather Service.

Remnants of Hurricane Rita dropped a trace of rain at GSP Monday, said meteorologist Greg Schoor of the National Weather Service in Greer. He said a cold front moving through the area today is expected to bring isolated showers and thunderstorms with a 40-percent chance of rain.

Any new rainfall will be less than a tenth of an inch, he said.

Burrus said before the dry spell started, the Upstate had a 5-inch rain surplus for the year. With no rainfall in the last four weeks, the surplus has dwindled to less than 3 inches.

The dry conditions may be a "precursor to a serious winter-spring wildfire season," according to officials with the state Forestry Commission.

This month has been the driest September in South Carolina since 1985, the same year the state had a serious wildfire season, according to Ken Cabe, information officer with the commission. He said firefighters battled more than 10,000 wildfires and more than 95,000 acres of land burned that year.

But weeks of hot dry weather have been a blessing to some area businesses.

The weather is contributing to higher-than-normal attendance at some of Greenville County's recreation facilities, said Daniel Rodgerson, executive director of the Greenville County Recreation District.

"The dry weather and having it being so hot has made Discovery Water Park a huge success," he said. "With the combination of the lack of rain and the heat with the brand new facility, our expectations were literally doubled."

He said a lot of people are also going to the ice skating rink inside the Pavilion Recreation Complex in Taylors to cool off.

"We believe that above-average attendance is due to it being so hot and miserable outside that people just want an indoor cool experience."

An extremely wet summer caused interruptions in the 5.8-mile widening project of Interstate 385, but project manager Randy Green said "they haven't lost any time due to rain in the last month."

"The weather has been very favorable for the construction," he said.

Kevin Gass, project executive for Turner Construction hired to build three new high schools in Greenville County -- Carolina High, Travelers Rest and Wade Hampton, said the excessive rains of the first six months of this year was hard on the construction schedule.

"The last month and a half the dry weather have been a blessing for us," he said. "Basically we have been able to work seven days a week getting all the site work finalized for the parking lots and football fields."

If there is no measurable amounts of rainfall in South Carolina in a few weeks, the state drought response committee will meet to decide whether to declare an official drought.

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Ball-field plan scaled back - Dan Rodgerson

Ball-field plan scaled back
The Greenville News - Greenville, S.C.
Author: Anna B Brutzman
Date: Dec 10, 2004
Start Page: B.1
Section: Metro
Text Word Count: 890

Document Text
Henderson announces changes just days before meeting

By Anna B. Brutzman

STAFF WRITER

brutzman@greenvillenews.com

Three days before a Greenville County Council vote, Chairwoman Phyllis Henderson said she's cutting back her plan to build tournament-level baseball and soccer complexes.

Henderson said she was responding to concerns from other council members and the Convention and Visitors Bureau, which would have had $142,000 of its funding cut.

Now she wants to spend $150,000 a year in tourism dollars to pay down a $2 million bond, half of what she first proposed. That would leave another $150,000 for other groups.

However, the Greenville Hospitality Association has received a legal opinion stating the County Council would be violating state law if it approves the plan at Monday night's meeting.

A letter from Columbia attorney Belton Zeigler states: "My advice would be that County Council delay action on the transaction until alternative means to finance the desired athletic facilities can be identified."

Zeigler couldn't be reached for comment Thursday.

Henderson said she hadn't seen Zeigler's letter. But she believes she followed proper procedure and is proposing an appropriate use of the tourism dollars under state law.

Roughly $300,000 in grant money collected through a 2 percent hotel tax was allotted to 21 arts and cultural groups this year.

Henderson's original plan, proposed in the council's finance committee on Nov. 22, would commit $300,000 annually for the next 20 years to the construction of $3.5 million in ball fields. The idea was that improved facilities would attract tournaments and generate more tourism dollars.

That plan and Henderson's revision Thursday should have been reviewed by the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee, said its chairman, Chip Davis. The committee is appointed to oversee and make recommendations about the funding before money is allotted, Davis said.

"(Henderson) feels like these are her funds and she can spend them however she wants," Davis said. "They are required to be spent under the guidelines set forth."

Kirk Goeldner, chairman of the board for the Metropolitan Arts Council, said he'd like to see the tourism-spending plan slowed down so everyone can have a good look at it.

"We should compete, but I want it to be done openly and fairly," he said. "A lot of secrecy is going on in this situation."

Zeigler wrote in his letter that recreation facilities aren't a valid use of the tourism grants. Instead of the state accommodations tax, Zeigler wrote, Greenville County should be looking at using a local hospitality tax to fund ball fields.

The cities of Mauldin and Easley used such a tax for their recreation complexes, officials there said.

Davis said the Greenville Hospitality Association hired Zeigler because of the peculiarities in Henderson's procedures. Davis is president of the association.

A majority of council members said Wednesday that they wouldn't support Henderson's plan in its original form because of its impact on, among other groups, the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Henderson said Thursday she is optimistic the council would support her revised plan. She said she thought a meeting last week between the advisory committee and youth sports officials fulfilled the review requirement.

Henderson said she regretted the manner in which she presented her original proposal. This included not informing the advisory committee or the agencies that had applied for grants in past years.

"I admit if I had an opportunity to do it again, I would do it differently," she said. "But we've got to get beyond the process."

Davis said he wasn't satisfied with the plan's changes.

"A bad plan recrafted is still a bad plan," he said.

Henderson said any interested group in the county would continue to compete for the remaining tax dollars if her plan is approved.

But that money has been severely limited, Goeldner said. Its loss would be a blow to groups already working with limited funds, he said, adding that he is also sympathetic to the need for ball fields.

"To do one at the exclusion of another is not the best plan," he said.

An alternative plan suggested by council member Cort Flint would scale back the youth sports plan to $1 million, with a cost of $75,000 annually in tourism money. That would leave $225,000 to other groups.

Henderson said the grant money isn't an entitlement and is meant to go to projects that bring in the most tourists.

She stood by the importance of youth sports in bringing in tourism dollars and the need to expand facilities to bring in more tournaments.

Dan Rodgerson, executive director of the Greenville County Recreation District, said the cut in grant money would mean that fields would have to be phased in and the quality of amenities possibly cut back.

"Some money is better than no money," he said.

Henderson said if the sports complexes attract more tournaments and tourists, more money would flow in for other groups.

The hotel tax brought in a total of $711,000 in 2004, according to a report from the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee, which oversees how the money is used. Of that, only $446,000 is available to tourism projects and roughly $146,000 has been committed to three museums downtown at Heritage Green for the next 17 years.

That left $300,000 for other groups to apply for this year.

Staff writer Anna B. Brutzman can be reached at 298-4394.




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New park, athletic fields coming to site of old hospital - Dan Rodgerson

New park, athletic fields coming to site of old hospital
The Greenville News - Greenville, S.C.
Author: April M Silvaggio
Date: May 27, 2004
Start Page: B.2
Section: Suburbs
Text Word Count: 320

Document Text
Facility will have two large athletic fields

By April M. Silvaggio

STAFF_WRITER

asilvagg@greenvillenews.com

Word that bulldozers will soon be churning up the earth to build a new park at the site of the old Greenville County Tuberculosis Hospital was great news Wednesday to Henrietta Tisdale.

"For years, that place over there hasn't been anything but an eyesore," said the 56-year-old grandmother, who lives less than a mile away.

"We've needed a park around here for a long time. The kids don't have nowhere to go."

All that will begin to change next week when Greenville County and the Greenville County Recreation District break ground on a $1.2 million park at the site on Beverly Road.

A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

On that day, a sign will be unveiled naming the new facility for former County Councilman Dr. Dick Herdklotz.

The 29-acre site will be home to two oversized athletic fields -- which when used by youth ages 10 and under can be divided into four fields instead of two.

A .75-mile walking trail, a new playground and picnic shelters will also be built on the property.

The Tuberculosis Hospital occupied the site for more than two decades, closing in the 1950s. The state leased the building and used it as a work-release center for prisoners from 1974 until 1997.

When the state moved out, teens and vagrants moved in, officials said.

Graffiti covered the walls, and beer bottles littered the property until the building burned in November 2002.

Since then, the charred remnants of the building have been razed.

The new park could be finished as early as fall, Dan Rodgerson, executive director of the Recreation District, has said.

The cost of the park will be paid by a state grant and the county's insurance claim on the burned building.

Graphic: Staff

New park

Ground breaking June 3 for park at site of old TB hospital.

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Water park washed up until next year - Dan Rodgerson

Water park washed up until next year
The Greenville News - Greenville, S.C.
Author: April M Silvaggio
Date: Jun 22, 2004
Start Page: B.1
Section: Metro
Text Word Count: 365

Document Text
STAFF WRITER

asilvagg@greenvillenews.com

SIMPSONVILLE - Jaquilla Perry had high hopes of spending time with her 4-year-old son Jacob this summer splashing amidst the spouting geysers at the Greenville County Recreation District's new $2.3 million water park.

But those plans will have to wait until next year.

Because of permitting and construction delays, the Discovery Island Waterpark being built at Southside Park won't open this summer. Officials with the Recreation District say the facility, complete with splashy slides and a 270-foot lazy river, will likely open next May.

"Because it is such a unique facility, some things involving permitting and construction have just taken longer than we originally planned," said Robin Poole, who serves as marketing manager for the organization. "We were optimistic about the possibility of opening this summer, but these delays kept that from becoming a reality."

So for one more summer, the Perry family will swim at other Recreation District pools and enjoy the water parks when they vacation in July at Myrtle Beach.

"It is a shame," Mrs. Perry said. "But we can wait. Jacob has a little pool in the back yard again, and we'll go to the other county pools."

Along with the geysers and the lazy river, plans call for the water park to include a 250-foot tube slide and a 185-foot body slide, as well as play area to serve the tiniest of swimmers.

Shelters will be built to accommodate parties, family reunions and corporate events. The facility will be available for private rentals after hours.

The idea emerged less than a year ago to convert the aging Southside Park pool into a family aquatic center, Poole said.

Over the past 10 months, the Recreation District staff secured a low-interest revenue bond, contracted for the design of the facility, bid for construction, handled permitting issues and initiated site work for the new facility.

"The entire organization put forth an amazing effort," said Dan Rodgerson, executive director of the Recreation District. "We are disappointed that Discovery Island won't be completed until later this year."

Officials expect an estimated 40,000 people to use the water park during its first summer.

Staff writer April M. Silvaggio can be reached at 298-4801.

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Soccer in the outfield -- teams practice anywhere - Dan Rodgerson

Soccer in the outfield -- teams practice anywhere
The Greenville News - Greenville, S.C.
Author: Ishmael Tate
Date: Nov 14, 2003
Start Page: A.11
Section: A Section
Text Word Count: 485

Document Text
Sport's growth strains county's rec facilities

By Ishmael Tate

STAFF WRITER

itate@greenvillenews.com

Soccer has grown; the number of fields has not kept pace.

Foothills Premier Soccer Club, the third largest organization in Greenville County, only had one field at Northside for their under-12 through under-18 teams, said president Jay Crane, 34.

His teams used the baseball outfields at Gateway park and Westside park.

"It was a bear to get that many people on three or four little areas. The county assigned all the teams basically an hour and half or two hours of time to practice on patches of grass," he said.

It's common to use baseball outfields for soccer fields, said Dan Rodgerson, the recreation district's executive director. The district has 24 soccer fields, and to preserve game fields, teams generally do not practice on them, he said.

Although plans for eight to 10 more athletic fields are in the works, the district is struggling to keep up with Greenville's growth, he said. "The No. 1 need that sufaced from a study commissioned by the County Council was more athletic fields," he said.

Foothills coaches used cones and bookbags to mark unlined fields, Crane said. They often shared the fields with three to five other teams.

"Name any field around here and we've been there," said soccer dad David Masters, 45. "We've always had to change fields."

Their teams have traveled to Furman University, churches and even as far away as Greer to practice, said parent Cindy Davis. A central place where soccer teams could have a complex would be ideal, Masters said.

Soccer teams have to share fields with football, baseball and adults playing after work, said parent Eddie Landreth, 36.

"Plus, football is king up here, so when the season starts we've got a time conflict," he said.

Ideally, fields would rest between seasons to maintain quality, Landreth said. With constant practices and games on the fields, that doesn't happen, he said.

Andrew Hyslop, 36, director of coaching for Greenville Futbol Club, said the club's 1,100 players play on fields at Wenwood Soccer Complex, East Riverside Park and Sunset Park in Mauldin, but still need more, he said.

"We would love to have four fields to better serve our members," he said.

St. Giles soccer teams have access to 10 fields, said Pearse Tormey, the executive director. Those 10 fields can equal between 16 and 18 fields for younger teams and the club will eventually add two more full size fields, he said.

"Some people think the kids think they should just play games. If the kids can't train and practice, they're not going to get a whole lot better," he said.

Ishmael Tate can be reached at 298-4020.

Cutline:

TANYA ACKERMAN / Staff

At Northside County Park: Jay Crane, 34, president of Foothills Premier Soccer Club, coaches on the outfield of a baseball field with Jorge Jaramillo, left, and Zachary Masters.

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Chamber announces Leadership Greenville class - Dan Rodgerson

Chamber announces Leadership Greenville class
The Greenville News - Greenville, S.C.
Date: Aug 24, 2003
Start Page: X.7
Section: Upstate Business
Text Word Count: 361

Document Text
The Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce has selected members for Leadership Greenville's 30th class. They include:

Steve Abernathy, Piedmont Natural Gas; Mike Armor, SYS Constructors Inc.; Jeff Balck, Black Forest Marketing LLC; Steve Balzer, Ernst & Young LLP; Michael Batchelor, Greenville Hospital System; Gina Boulware, Soby's New South Cuisine; Terence Brooks, Greenville County Sheriff's Office; Cindy Brothers, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; Chet Chea, 13th Judicial Circuit; Mike Coggin, South Carolina Bank and Trust; Mark Cothran, office of Rep. Jim DeMint; Murray Dodd, Greenville Water System; and Barry Finkelstein, Erwin-Penland Inc.

Also, Bruce Forbes, United Ministries; Jamie Francis, Leatherwood Walker Todd & Mann PC; Julie Franklin, City of Greenville; Bryan French, Johnson Controls Inc.; Anne Genevieve Gallivan, American Heart Association, S.C. Affiliate Inc.; Mike Gambrell, City of Greenville; Doris Haley, Professional Healthcare Services; Jennifer Hincapie, Sullivan Co. LLC; Brice Hipp, Alliance for Quality Education; Christina Hunter, Greenville County Schools; Dan Jaeger, YMCA Eastside Family Branch; and James Jones, Bank of America.

And, Chris Kelly, Gallivan, White & Boyd PA; David Lominack, Carolina First Bank; Colin Martin, Mace Marketing Group; Amy Mathis, Greenville Technical College; Horace McCormick, Michelin North America Inc.; James McKissick, Merrill Lynch; Drew Medlyn, Chamber of Commerce; Terrell Mills, Wyche, Burgess, Freeman, & Parham PA; Lee Palms, Marsh USA Inc.; Renata Parker, Stone International LLC; Mike Posey, United Way of Greenville County; and Judith Prince, University Center of Greenville.

Also, Dan Rodgerson, Greenville County Recreation District; Karen Schwartz, Bon Secours St. Francis Health System; Susan Schwartzkopf-Deane, The Greenville News; Steve Shafer, Fluor Daniel; Gant Sowinski, Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd PA; Steve Spinks, The Spinx Co. Inc.; Dale Stewart, Mitsubishi Polyester Film LLC; Kris Strasser, Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart PC; Travers Tapper, Goodwill Industries of Upper S.C. Inc.; Mike Teachey, T.B.G. Inc.; John Uprichard, FGP International; Rand Wilson, BB&T of South Carolina; and Curtice Winsch, Wachovia.

Participants are chosen based on their community involvement and personal achievements.

Leadership Greenville was created in 1973 to develop informed, committed and qualified individuals capable of providing dynamic leadership for Greenville County. Class members participate in 10 months of educational and skill-building exercises. Also, the class chooses a project that benefits the Greenville community.


Leadership Greenville is a program designed and facilitated by the Greenville Chamber to help develop informed, committed and qualified leaders for Greenville County. By taking an intensive look into the issues affecting Greenville County, Leadership Greenville prepares and motivates participants to provide quality, dynamic leadership within the area. Since the program began in 1973, there have been approximately 1,650 participants. Many alumni have served in key leadership positions within their businesses and organizations, as well as city council, county council, school board, members of Congress and judges. Leadership Greenville requires a 10-month commitment. Participants are selected through an application process based upon their past involvement in the community and their ability to set and achieve high personal goals. New classes embark each year on a journey to understand the inner-workings of our area, including Managed Growth and the Economy, Quality of Life, Human Services, Local Government, Justice, Education and State Government.Each class selects a project or projects to meet a need in the area. Class Projects are chosen based on proposals submitted by class members, as well as nonprofit Chamber-member organizations.

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10/12/2011

County parks get seed money from bonds - Dan Rodgerson

County parks get seed money from bonds
The Greenville News - Greenville, S.C.
Author: Jason Zacher
Date: May 8, 2003
Start Page: B.2
Section: Suburbs
Text Word Count: 389

Document Text
$1.8 million in sales will fund improvements, new playing fields

By Jason Zacher

STAFF_WRITER

jzacher@greenvillenews.com

Eight Greenville County parks will receive a total of $1.8 million in renovations and additions in an effort to ease the strain caused by their popularity.

The sale of the bonds was tentatively approved by the county council Tuesday night, and the plan was unveiled Wednesday.

Seven of the parks getting upgrades are: Pittman Park, Westside Park, the Pavilion, Southside Park, Lakeside Park, Butler Springs and the Sterling Community Center.

The bulk of the money will go to the eighth park: new fields in the Blue Ridge area, where the Greenville County Recreation District will spend $500,000 to develop playing fields for the Blue Ridge Youth Association.

Another half-million dollars will go to Pittman Park.

The bonds were sold after Greenville County voters said "no" to a sales tax increase to improve the parks.

A year ago, the county spent about $100,000 on a parks study by the Woolpert consulting firm that concluded that the county has too few parks and recreation facilities to meet the growing demand from suburban residents and youth sports clubs.

If the proposal had been implemented, the county would have received 12 new parks, 30 miles of greenways and $10 million in renovations for a total price tag of $97 million.

"The voters were clear that we weren't ready to bite off that much," said Phyllis Henderson, chairwoman of the Greenville County Council.

Wednesday's bond money will be used to construct 10 new fields.

"The Woolpert study showed there was a really dramatic shortage of fields, but we are doing what we can with the resources that we have," said Daniel Rodgerson, director of the Greenville County Recreation District.

Other major projects include:

+Additional soccer fields at the Pavilion and Westside Park.

+Replacements of playgrounds at the Sterling Community Center, Westside Park and Butler Springs.

The bonds will be sold by the county and will count against the county's debt limit.

A homeowner with a $100,000 home will pay 80 cents each year for the next 20 years to pay off the bonds.

"At the end of the day, we need money," Henderson said. "We're just going to have to figure out a creative way to do it."

Jason Zacher covers Greenville County and can be reached at 298-4272.

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10/12/2011

Water park crowds overflowing - Dan Rodgerson

Water park crowds overflowing
The Greenville News - Greenville, S.C.
Author: E Richard Walton
Date: Jul 3, 2005
Start Page: B.17
Section: Metro
Text Word Count: 862

Document Text
Expect long lines when visiting Discovery Island

By E. Richard Walton

STAFF WRITER

rwalton@greenvillenews.com

Missy Johnson of Simpsonville has surveyed the Discovery Island water park, and she takes her hat off to Greenville County's recreation officials for building it.

She likes the snazzy venues, such as slides for kids to glide from three stories above the park to a series of small pools. Its organized chaos makes the kids shriek with happiness.

"It's great entertainment for the Simpsonville-Mauldin area," she said.

There's just a small problem, she said Saturday. "It definitely needs to be bigger."

She brought her daughter Erika and a friend, Victoria, both 12.

The park, which cost about $2.4 million, quickly reaches its 800-person capacity most days, water park officials said.

While the wait Saturday was an average 10 minutes in the midday heat, kids and their parents waited in lines for more than an hour two Saturdays ago.

"We only waited about 10 to 12 minutes," Johnson said this weekend.

Johnson said the park is so successful it's drawing people from surrounding areas, compounding overcrowding.

"I'm from Laurens," she said. "I've seen people (in the park) from there."

At 3 p.m. Saturday, the park was at its capacity. The wait to get in lasted about 15 minutes. Joy Anderson said she brought her niece, Emma, age 3, to Discovery Island, but her wait wasn't tedious.

"You don't wait for too long," she said of their first visit.

Families who arrange parties and other prearranged gatherings are not required to wait in line.

Discovery staffers said there were more visitors in the park earlier Saturday.

"We were really packed earlier," Discovery park worker Kristen Ferri said.

"It's really busy every day," co-worker Joy Strickler said. "The more people hear about it, the busier it will become."

Dan Rodgerson, head of the Greenville County Recreation District, could not be reached for comment about future plans for the water park.

Beth Scheimann, an aquatic manager, said the recreation district has begun informal talks to expand the park, but nothing has been decided. She said there also have been preliminary talks among the recreation district planners.

Scheimann said planners expect that families who don't go to the beach or a lake July Fourth weekend might come to the water park.

"We expect it to be busy, but not as busy," she said.

Johnson said parks featuring water are popular.

"We love water parks," she said. "We just got back from the beach."

Linda Medina of Mauldin said a few weeks ago on a Saturday it took her a while to find the park. She was leaving after she and her granddaughter spent a few hours at the park.

"I had to wait about an hour," she said. "It's a pretty good park."

Medina said she tried to find the park a few weeks ago but couldn't. That weekend, there were about 175 people waiting in line to get in. A sign near the entrance said officials would not be letting anybody in until some swimmers left.

Ernestine Hill left the water park in frustration after waiting a short while in the hot sun with three kids.

"I'm going to buy these kids a swimming pool," Hill said, the stress obvious on her face.

Most people estimated the waiting to get in that Saturday at about an hour.

One couple with three children waited briefly before heading back to their cars.

Rick and Cheryl Wardlaw said it was the first time she brought her grandchildren to the water park.

"It was a new park to try with the grandkids," Cheryl Wardlaw said. "The price is real good." She said she and her co-workers had been talking about the park on her job.

Rick Wardlaw said he wanted to leave after learning of their hourlong wait a few weeks ago.

"Let's go," he said.

Shawn Smith walked up to the park with his three children and turned right around to leave.

"I'm not going to stand in line here," he said. Smith said the water park was near his home, and closer than Six Flags park in Georgia.

He said he was taking his kids to another water park near White Horse Road.

Carmen Wright said she enjoyed the park, but it was way too small.

"They should have made it bigger, considering how big Greenville is," she said.

Lisa Whitney said she and her daughter, age 7, enjoyed the park. They didn't have to stand in line because her daughter was attending a birthday party. The hosts, she said, made reservations.

"It was my first time and it was wonderful," she said while heading to her minivan.

Sandra Fulmer said she brought her son Trevor, and his friend, Scottie, both 10, to the park.

"It's out first time here," she said. "We love it." Staff writer E. Richard Walton can be reached at 2984317.

VOICES

"It's great entertainment for the Simpsonville-Mauldin area. It definitely needs to be bigger." -- Missy Johnson, Simpsonville

Cutlines:

ALAN DEVORSEY / Staff

Waiting their turn: Visitors to Discovery Island water park stand in line for a chance to take the plunge down the water chute.


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Add waterpark to list of kids' things to do - Dan Rodgerson

Add waterpark to list of kids' things to do
The Greenville News - Greenville, S.C.
Author: Eric Connor
Date: May 1, 2005
Start Page: GG.28
Section: Guide To Greenville
Text Word Count: 778

Document Text
STAFF_WRITER

econnor@greenvillenews.com

So the kids have played all the Playstation they can stomach (imagine that improbability) and have begun to perform every pro wrestling move imaginable on their baby brother?

Never fear, escaping your home in Greenville is not difficult.

New this year is the Discovery Island Waterpark at Southside Park outside of Mauldin, which operates seven days a week during the summer, offering an alternative to driving to Lake Hartwell or Lake Keowee on a hot summer day.

The park is open during the summer months from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $6 for anyone taller than 48 inches and $5 for anyone under 48 inches. Ages 2 and under are free.

"We are excited about the new facility," says Dan Rodgerson, executive director of the Greenville County Recreation District. "There is nothing like it in the Upstate. Greenville deserves a facility like Discovery Island and the concept was embraced by local leaders, politicians and the tourism community."

Near the waterpark at Southside Park is the newly finished Discovery Park playground.

In Berea, the Westside Aquatic Center has an indoor pool that is an epicenter for competition as well as recreational swimming and birthday parties.

Also new this year will be the Greenville Bombers, a Class A minor league baseball newly relocated to Greenville from Columbia. The team, affiliated with the Boston Red Sox organization, will play in Municipal Stadium on Mauldin Road until a ballpark is built in downtown Greenville for the 2006 season. The team's name also will be changed.

You also can try the Pavilion Recreation Complex in Taylors, where you can ride a vintage train or build a snowman on the ice rink. The engine, a miniaturized replica of an old Southern diesel engine, runs a half-mile loop around the Pavilion on Scottswood Road off East North Street.

Inside, the ice rink attracts skaters, and during the winter, a weekday morning program lets kids play with artificial snow.

In Greer, there's Kids Planet, a half-acre park with two large-scale playgrounds, picnic shelters and walking trails.

On Saturdays, take the kids -- at least age 7 -- for a leisurely horseback ride at the Riverbend Equestrian Park, a bucolic, 66-acre park near the foot of Paris Mountain.

Visit the Recreation District's Web site, http://www.gcrd.org/, for more information on events and destinations.

If you're looking for a kid-friendly outing that lasts just long enough to keep them interested but doesn't stretch their patience, visit the Greenville Zoo in Cleveland Park downtown.

The zoo recently opened a compelling orangutan and leopard exhibit. Also, the ever-popular "Boo in the Zoo" event for Halloween (the animals are put to bed) will offer yet another not-so-scary carnival of candy gathering.

For live family entertainment, there are plenty of choices throughout the year.

The Greenville Symphony Orchestra conducts a series of Lollipop Concerts for small children at satellite branches of the library system and Greenville Mall.

After a story-themed, classical music performance (the program tries to feature as many instruments as possible from show to show), children get a lollipop and a chance to touch and learn about the instruments. The series runs in winter and spring; go to greenvillesymphony.org for a schedule.

In the summer, the Peace Center's amphitheater echoes with free music. Also, in the summer, the older kids might enjoy the free Upstate Shakespeare Festival, with two productions each season at the Reedy River Falls Park amphitheater.

The Bi-Lo Center offers family-friendly performances, such as the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus each February and a number of kid-themed shows that tour through the area. If you don't mind your kids watching an occasional brawl, the Bi-Lo Center is also home to the Greenville Grrrowl minor-league hockey team.

For a truly out-of-this-world experience, see the stars at the Roper Mountain Science Center, which houses a giant telescope and offers a planetarium show, along with special programs.

The science center also is host to Second Saturday each month, when the Living History Farm demonstrates how pioneers made their own clothing and food and other science activities are offered.

YMCA branches around the county offer various activities, whether it's day camps or league sports.

+ GREENVILLE ONLINE

For a searchable online calendar of entertainment events in the region, go to GreenvilleOnline.com and click on Entertainment.

Cutline: File photo by ALAN DEVORSEY / Staff

Tentatively fun: Caelan, left, Christian and their dad, Cimeron Holcombe, test the ice at the Pavilion's skating rink.

Cutline: KEN OSBURN / Staff

Kids Planet: Cindy McCrady of Greer helps her daughter, 2-year-old Mackenzie, on the slide.

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Water park to close for season Saturday - Dan Rodgerson

Water park to close for season Saturday
The Greenville News - Greenville, S.C.
Date: Sep 20, 2005
Start Page: B.2
Section: Metro
Text Word Count: 173

Document Text
STAFF_REPORTS

SIMPSONVILLE -- There is one more weekend of water park fun for residents and families at Discovery Island.

The water park, located in Southside Park between Simpsonville and Mauldin, will close for the season on Saturday, a Greenville County Recreation District press release said.

Hours will be from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

It said Discovery Island has had more than 120,000 guests -- three times the number of visitors the Greenville County Recreation District expected for the park's first year.

The success of the water park has officials looking at options. In the past few weeks, a Texas-based consultant was hired to do a feasibility study to see how to expand Discovery Island and whether another water park should be opened somewhere else in the county.

"The community is eager for more activities within the water park," Dan Rodgerson, executive director of the Greenville County Recreation District, said in the release.

"We are currently researching various funding options and amenities for the site. We are optimistic we can make it happen."

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10/12/2011

Work on Simpsonville water park to begin - Dan Rodgerson

Work on Simpsonville water park to begin
The Greenville News - Greenville, S.C.
Author: April M Silvaggio
Date: Feb 23, 2004
Start Page: B.2
Section: Suburbs
Text Word Count: 354

Document Text
Groundbreaking set for Thursday at Southside Park

By April M. Silvaggio

STAFF_WRITER

asilvagg@greenvillenews.com

SIMPSONVILLE -- When the Greenville County Recreation District breaks ground this week on an estimated $2.3 million water park complete with spouting geysers, splashy slides and a 270-foot lazy river, Jaquilla Perry plans to be there with her 3-year-old son, Jacob.

"I want to see what all the talk is about," the 29-year-old Simpsonville mother said.

"If it is going to be anything like the ones we've been to at the beach, I can already tell you we'll be at Southside Park all the time when it opens. It seems like it'll be a really neat place to take the kids."

The official is planned for a groundbreaking ceremony 1 p.m. Thursday at Southside Park on Baldwin Road.

Plans call for Discovery Island Family Aquatic Center to be opened this summer, said Dan Rodgerson, executive director of the recreation district.

On Thursday, folks can view the architectural renderings and through some visual aids see the actual size of the facility and the height of the tallest slide.

Along with the lazy river, the water park will include a 250-foot tube slide and a 185-foot body slide, as well as play structures and a play area to serve the smallest swimmers.

"To me, this is something Greenville County has needed," Perry said. "There is nothing like this anywhere around here."

And it is better than filling up a small plastic swimming pool in the back yard with a garden hose when the summer heat hits, she said.

"That is what we would be doing, because Jacob loves the water," she said.

Shelters will be in place at Discovery Island to accommodate parties, family reunions and corporate functions. The facility also will be available for private rental after hours.

It will be funded from the issuance of a low-interest revenue bond, which allows the proceeds from the use of the facility to pay for the debt service on the construction costs. Admission probably will cost $4-$6 per person, Rodgerson said.

Officials expect an estimated 40,000 people to use the park in its first summer.

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1-/12/2011

2.3 million project to help rec district learn if strategy will float - Dan Rodgerson

2.3 million project to help rec district learn if strategy will float
The Greenville News - Greenville, S.C.
Author: April M Silvaggio
Date: Dec 17, 2003
Start Page: B.2
Section: Suburbs
Text Word Count: 445

Document Text
Agency's overall goal is to run more efficiently

By April M. Silvaggio

STAFF WRITER

asilvagg@greenvillenews.com

SIMPSONVILLE - Public swimming pools generally lose money.

On the flip side of the coin, the same studies that document those losing trends show that publicly operated water parks are typically money makers.

That's one of the reasons that the Greenville County Recreation District is about to build a $2.3 million water park at Southside Park.

"Our overall goal is not necessarily to make money, but definitely to run more efficiently," said Dan Rodgerson, executive director of the Recreation District. "And we'd really like to carry this concept through the rest of the district."

The recreation district, structured as a special purpose tax district chartered by the state Legislature in 1968, is overseen by a seven-member board of commissioners who are recommended by the Greenville County Council and approved by the governor.

The district is one of the largest providers of public leisure time opportunities in Greenville County.

A total of 41 park sites provide the setting for a wide range of activities from picnicking and camping to horseback riding and ice skating. Special programs offered throughout the year include community center activities, day camps and instructional opportunities in various sports.

A 4.5-mill operational tax - which equals about 2 cents on the property tax dollar - is currently assessed by the district. Folks who live outside the district in the cities of Greer, Greenville, Mauldin and Simpsonville pay nothing.

The district has an annual operating budget of an estimated $5 million, with about another $2 million for capital improvements. But that $2 million barely covers maintenance and upkeep on the existing facilities.

"We're experiencing explosive growth all throughout the county, but we don't have a mechanism in place to have our park infrastructure keep up with the growth," Rodgerson said.

"Our parks are heavily used and have a lot of maintenance issues. That is just going to get worse unless we really start to think outside the box and do what we need to do to keep the green in Greenville."

In the meantime, Rodgerson said he is trying to ensure that the district is run more like a business.

"And for the long term, we're starting some dialogue with some movers and shakers in Greenville to see what we can do to make sure that we've got enough parks for the people who are moving here," he said.

The recreation district is seeking corporate sponsorships from businesses to help with the cost of amenities at Discovery Island. A ground breaking ceremony in January will recognize the major contributors.

Staff writer April M. Silvaggio can be reached at 298-4800

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10/12/2011

Ballpark figure pitched for new fields - Dan Rodgerson

Ballpark figure pitched for new fields
The Greenville News - Greenville, S.C.
Author: Anna B Brutzman
Date: Mar 2, 2005
Start Page: A.1
Section: Front
Text Word Count: 992

Document Text
Little League teams hope to swing funds for facilities

By Anna B. Brutzman

STAFF_WRITER

Brutzman@greenvillenews.com

There won't be the usual parade down Brushy Creek Road on Northwood Little League's opening day March 26.

The baseball fields at the league's home of 25 years -- Northwood Middle -- have been scraped away to make room for a new school. The backstops, concession stand, picnic tables and wooden bleachers are gone, and this year's 600 players are migrating from field to field at county parks, churches and schools to keep their league together.

Watching his 11-year-old son, Andrew, field grounders at his first practice of the season Tuesday, Northwood Little League parent Mitch Glasko wondered why the county doesn't spend more money on baseball programs.

"It's a shame," he said. "They spend money on everything else."

Dual proposals that Greenville County Council member Jim Burns pitched Tuesday would provide a total of $1 million for Northwood to build five fields -- but at the expense of other recreation projects. They were referred to the council's finance committee and need final approval from the full council.

Northwood Little League coach David Chemell said the league has a strong place in the community -- he works with kids whose grandparents played for Northwood.

"It'll be different this year," he said.

Burns' proposal comes four months after former Greenville County Council Chairwoman Phyllis Henderson failed in her bid to cut tourism grants for the arts to help Northwood build a new $3 million complex on the Enoree River. Without county help, the league runs the risk of dissolving, Burns said.

Little League parent Angela Bovee of Greer said she and other parents are worried about what will happen if the county doesn't approve supporting a new home park for the league.

"There won't be a team," she said.

Still, about $400,000 that Burns recommended for Northwood comes from County Council surplus funds allocated in December for other parks. Nine parks, ranging from the Pavilion to a new home for Camp Spearhead, would lose 10 percent of the funding the county committed for new facilities and renovations. Another $600,000 would be borrowed and paid off over the next 10 to 15 years, but it would use $70,000 in annual tourism grants the Greenville County Recreation District has used in the past for a variety of other projects.

"When we didn't really have enough money to do projects right in the first place, shaving 10 percent is a challenge," said Dan Rodgerson, Greenville County Recreation District executive director.

Some of the money has also already been spent, Rodgerson said, including $375,000 for new soccer fields on Anderson Ridge Road. Under Burns' proposal, the fields are only supposed to get $337,500.

Burns said exceptions would be made for such situations, and he expects tweaks in the plan over the coming weeks.

Greenville resident Farrell Thomas said he is sympathetic to the urgency of Northwood's needs but questioned why the council would divert money from areas of the county that are much more needy. He is executive director of the Piedmont Christian Athletic Association, a group in southern Greenville County largely targeting at-risk minority youths for baseball, soccer, basketball, track and golf teams. Two projects near Piedmont -- at Woodmont High and in the Princeton area -- would lose a total of $95,000 in funding under Burns' proposal.

"There are no facilities in the Piedmont area," he said. "For these individuals, sports is an outlet. It keeps you out of trouble."

Council member Joe Dill, who represents northern Greenville County, also objected to Burns' proposal during Tuesday's council meeting -- it would cut $95,000 from a Blue Ridge park project.

Blue Ridge resident David Carson said his 18-year-old son played baseball with Northwood, and he has always supported the program. But like Thomas, he questioned why the county would neglect his area.

"I guess people assume there's so many trees, there's no need for a park," he said, adding that kids need organized activities: "It's a health issue. Look at all the heavy-set kids."

Northwood's time to build a new home is running short -- ground must be broken by July for fields to be ready for the 2006 season, according to Northwood coach Pat Fitzsimmons.

The Eastside community needs the fields, he said, because it depended in the past on the eight ball fields the Little League operated at Northwood Middle, he said. According to county recreation officials, there are only four public baseball fields in the Eastside.

Northwood's plan is to recreate what it had at its former site, on land donated to the Greenville County Recreation District by the Western Carolina Regional Sewer Authority, Fitzsimmons said. Ultimately, the league wants to build a concession stand and restrooms, a playground and parking lot. The Little League has committed $500,000 and would run the fields. It had counted on about $1.75 million coming from the county for construction.

"The idea is to have a nice park on the Eastside," Fitzsimmons said.

'Staff writer E. Richard Walton contributed to this story.

BE HEARD

Find out how online

+The Greenville County Council is considering how to fund ballfields. Read the proposals and learn where to voice your views by clicking on Local News and selecting Politics at: GreenvilleOnline.com

WHAT'S NEXT

+The $1 million in dual funding proposals to start construction of Northwood Little League fields needs approval by the county's finance committee. Once back in County Council's hands, the proposal will then need a public hearing and two affirmative council votes.

"They've been struggling to find adequate places to play. They had to cut practices short."

Jenni Gentry, Taylors

"It'll be different this year."

David Chemell, Northwood Little League coach

Mugs with quotes

Cutline: PATRICK COLLARD/Staff

Wound up: Northwood Little Leaguer Austin Burrows throws to first base during his team's first practice of the year Tuesday night at Butler Springs Park. League officials are seeking county help to build five new fields.






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Campers will get another year at Spearhead - Dan Rodgerson

Campers will get another year at Spearhead
The Greenville News - Greenville, S.C.
Author: Anna B Brutzman
Date: Apr 7, 2005
Start Page: A.1
Section: Front
Text Word Count: 715

Document Text
Civitans camp session to cost $25,000

By Anna B. Brutzman

STAFF WRITER

Brutzman@greenvillenews.com

Hundreds of developmentally disabled children and adults will return to Camp Spearhead this summer, but it's going to cost camp leaders $25,000 as opposed to the $1 fee of years past.

Parents might prefer that money go toward camp activities, but they said they are still happy their children will return to the camp they know one more year.

Camper parent Sheri Price, a special education teacher, said she was relieved because her foster son, Larry Keasler, might not be able to attend a new camp if it had limited facilities. He uses a wheelchair and needs to stay in an air-conditioned space, she said.

"He's no longer in school so camp's all he has left," she said. "It's going to be the worst day of his life when I tell him he can't go back to camp."

Tammy Wakefield, also a special education teacher, said it's important to keep the camp going while a new Camp Spearhead is under construction at Pleasant Ridge County Park in northern Greenville County. Developmentally disabled people who skip a summer of programs such as Camp Spearhead could lose basic skills, she said.

The Greenville County Recreation District, which took over management of Camp Spearhead in February, approached Greenville Civitan Charities Inc. about a month ago to negotiate a new, eight-week lease for the site used for the camp since 1992, said Dan Rodgerson, executive director of the Recreation District. Repairs and insurance costs for the camp this year are pushing costs over $30,000, he said.

New site not ready

He said the new site at Pleasant Ridge County Park has not broken ground yet and working with the Civitans was the only way for Camp Spearhead to open again this year.

Camp Spearhead erupted into controversy a year ago when the Civitans asked the county's Disabilities and Special Needs Board, the camp's former operator, for a new lease on the Cleveland camp. No written lease for the camp - for which Spearhead leaders said they paid $1 a year - was found, and both sides sued after the Civitans asked for an annual $25,000 fee.

All litigation was dropped in December when the Recreation District offered to take over and relocate camp to Pleasant Ridge County Park, boosted by $500,000 from the Greenville County Council and another $500,000 in other donations, Rodgerson said.

Greenville Civitan Club President Ellen Pourmand said her club's camp has always been available to Spearhead under certain conditions.

She said the $25,000 fee would pay for insurance to cover any incidents at Camp Spearhead.

Whatever is left, she said, would go toward projects the club has carried out on in the community for years - including care packages to soldiers and Easter baskets for developmentally disabled adults.

The long-term prospects of the 178-acre property are uncertain, she said, and the Civitans have had a couple of offers to purchase it.

She said no specific uses for that land have been discussed yet.

Supporting a move

The camp itself is on about 65 acres and has operated for low-income and special-needs children and adults for several decades, Pourmand said.

"We'd like that part to remain as a camp serving individuals from Greenville County," she said. "At this point, it's hard to say if that's what would happen."

Camper parent Pat Grissop said her son Eric got used to attending the Civitans camp, though she supports a move. She said she would arrive early to camp with Eric and sit by the lake - when a busload of children arrived, they could hear the chatter and screams of excitement.

"When the kids got off that bus, they knew exactly where to go and what to do," she said.

'Staff writer Anna B. Brutzman can be reached at 298-4394.

TEACHERS, PARENTS HAPPY FOR ONE MORE YEAR AT CAMP

"Most often it negates what you do all year if you don't have something for the children to do over the summer."

-- Tammy Wakefield, special education teacher

"They have improved that site so much. It makes me ill to have to start from scratch."

--Sheri Price, camper parent, special education teacher

"He's excited to have one more year there."

-- Pat Grissop, camper parent

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Recreation District seeks more money to improve parks - Dan Rodgerson

Recreation District seeks more money to improve parks
The Greenville News - Greenville, S.C.
Author: Ben Szobody
Date: May 24, 2005
Start Page: A.16
Section: Front
Text Word Count: 618

Document Text
Some residents say they need more, better playing fields

By Ben Szobody

STAFF_WRITER

bszobody@greenvillenews.com

Five months after the county spent $4 million for new and improved parks, the Greenville County Recreation District said the ones it already had need at least $10 million of work, and it wants taxpayers to help foot the bill.

A district proposal that surfaced Monday night in County Council's Finance Committee asks permission to increase property taxes by 2 mills, or about $9 extra a year for the county's median $111,800 home. The total district tax rate would increase to 6.7 mills, or about $30 a year for a home of the same value.

"I don't think it's going to happen," said committee Chair Judy Gilstrap, particularly in a reassessment year when she said tax bills are likely to increase anyway. Of the four committee members present Monday, two said they could support the proposal while two said they wouldn't.

The discussion was held to explore other options, including a state law that allows counties to gain a small percentage of added tax revenues in a reassessment year based on inflation.

The proposal to levy new taxes for leaning light poles, rusty fences and dirty bathrooms resurrects a conflicting issue for county taxpayers who have repeatedly asked for more parks and who struggle to hold practices and sports games at odd hours because of limited space and sub-par facilities. They've also consistently voted down tax hikes, including the sweeping "Penny for Parks" plan in 2002.

Chanell Moore, the district's chief financial officer, said the district has increased its millage for normal operations once since 1968 -- by 0.2 mills for disability needs. The requested hike would generate about $2.4 million a year and pay only for overdue maintenance in existing parks, she said.

In one discussed incident, a child recently received an electric shock because of a poorly maintained lighting system at Blue Ridge Middle School. Moore said more than $1 million in immediately needed repairs are related to lighting.

"We just don't think it's prudent to continue to build parks without an ability to maintain them," said Dan Rodgerson, the district's executive director.

The county's maintained park space has increased by 30 percent over the last five years, he said, while the district has lost tax income to city annexation and the recent elimination of the automobile property tax. Of the $4 million in county surplus money allocated to the district at the end of last year, about three-fourths was designated for new parks, Rodgerson said.

Before the committee meeting, however, he said he knew a tax increase of any sort is likely to be unpopular with voters and difficult for elected officials to embrace. Gilstrap, a Democrat, and Scott Case, a Republican, said they couldn't support the request, while Xanthene Norris, a Democrat, and Jim Burns, a Republican, said they could.

Gilstrap and Norris are among five council members facing re-election next year.

"People want parks," Gilstrap said. "They just don't want to pay for it. If we force them to pay, they're going to find council members who won't."

Case proposed finding out how much property tax money the county will be allowed to add to its current revenue stream based on this year's Consumer Price Index, or the inflation of the cost of goods. The county currently gets about $58 million in annual property tax revenues, according to current budget figures, while the nationwide CPI index for the last 12 months is 3.5 percent.

At those rates, the county would net an additional $2 million in revenues as a result of reassessment.

The vote to hold the tax increase proposal while the county's "CPI adjustment" is considered was unanimous.

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Sign-up for rec programs to get easier - Dan Rodgerson

Sign-up for rec programs to get easier
The Greenville News - Greenville, S.C.
Author: Kevin Arrowood
Date: Jan 26, 2004
Start Page: B.3
Section: Metro
Text Word Count: 339

Document Text
Software to aid league registration

By Kevin Arrowood

STAFF_WRITER

karrowoo@greenvillenews.com

When Derrick Edwards heard about the pending installation of the new Recware Safari software in Greenville County Recreation facilities, his first thought was: "Heavenly."

Registering for recreation programs will become easier for Edwards and the other 24,000 people who participate annually in the district's paid instructive programs and sport leagues.

The benefit of Recware Safari "is anybody can go to any one of our facilities to register for any one of our programs," said Dan Rodgerson, executive director of the Greenville County Recreation District.

It will replace a system in which residents have to go to the Pavilion to register for skating lessons, to the Riverbend center to sign up for horseback riding lessons or other places for other activities.

Edwards plans to enroll his 9-year-old daughter in swimming lessons this summer.

The new program will be a lot easier, he said. He registered his daughter for skating lessons at the Pavilion in the fall of 2001.

When he registers her for other recreation programs in the future, he won't have to resubmit their information, Rodgerson said. The information about families who have participated in the county's programs will be stored in the software, he said.

"It will be a convenience for all the residents in Greenville, and it will simplify and streamline our registration process," he said.

Rodgerson said the software also will determine what programs are generating the most interest and which ones aren't getting much attention. That will enable the district to focus on trends and interests in the community, he said.

The old registration system has been inefficient and costly, he said.

For the new system, the software, installation and training for employees will cost about $30,000. It will be "up and going countywide in three months," he said.

The recreation district paid for the software in self-generated funds from the $2 million it receives annually in program fees, he said.

In three to five years, the program is expected to pay for itself.

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