Wednesday, July 13, 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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