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A Word from the Director
April 9, 2008 was one of my favorite days: the Area 4 Special Olympics, sponsered by GCRD, started about 10:00 a.m. on the beautiful campus of Furman University. The sun was out and as the temperature rose to about 70 degrees, my only responsibility was to meet Butch Kirven and show him to the podium, where he would officially open the games. Shortly after meeting Butch the parade of atheletes began, and because I was on the edge of the field I was able to get a closer view of each face of the over 1,000 athletes as they marched by the grandstand. Every face had an excited smile on it that I will remember throughout the next year as I perform my job. Those smiles will rejuvenate me on a daily basis. Those smiles are why we do our jobs.
Executive Director
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| Special Olympics Overview |
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Have you ever thought about standing up in the middle of a large college stadium and singing the national anthem to an audience of 2,500 plus? For Bethel Elementary student Ross Jeffeaux this was the opportunity he had been waiting for. This brave eleven year old, diagnosed with autism, helped open the annual Special Olympics Spring Games at Furman University this week. Over 965 athletes, representing 33 schools participated in this Track and Field event. Many thanks go out to the 1,300 volunteers who made this event possible and memorable for all.
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A Birthday Party in the Park... |
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Please join us as we celebrate the 39th birthday of the Recreation District's very first park---Butler Springs Park. The park has been completely renovated and a grand re-opening is scheduled for Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. A hot dog supper will be served following the ceremony. The park is located at 301 Butler Springs Road, Greenville 29615. For more information call our office at 864-288-6470. |
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Greater Greenville Senior Sports Classic |
 Adults from all over Greenville County will take to the track, the pool, the courts, and more next week for the Greater Greenville Senior Sports Classic. Athletes like 80 year old Lewis Still, 89 year old Jereldean Pinson, 50 year old Deborah Gambon and 54 year old Marshall McCall have either participated in this annual event each spring or like Ms. Gambon (now that she is 50 years young), will be participating for the very first time! The Classic challenges all to compete for medals and most of all, just for fun and the chance to meet new friends. The Classic will run Monday, April 14 and will conclude with a "Parade of Athletes", Luncheon and Awards Ceremony on Friday, April 18.
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| Great Events Coming Your Way in May... |
May 10: Best Friend Dog Show
 If your best friend is Fido we've got just the event for you. On May 10 we invite you to join us at Riverbend Equestrian Center for our Best Friend Dog Show. The canines will compete in whimsical categories and the event promises to be just plain fun for all. Watch for details at www.gcrd.org
May 22: Senior Walk
 What could be better than spending a spring morning on the beautiful campus of Furman University, getting a little exercise, and meeting new friends? That's exactly what the Senior Walk, for adults age 50 and over, is all about. There is no fee and registration is not required. The walk will start in front of the gymnasium. Watch for directional signs when you drive onto campus. The event begins at 9:00 a.m.
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| Getting in the GREEN |
 Progress continues on the Greenville Hospital System Swamp Rabbit Tram Trail. Our staff works every week with people like Andrew Meeker from the City of Greenville and Dan Powell from the Planning Commission and Wanza Bates from Fountain Inn City Council all of whom are assisting with the long range vision of creating a trail system for the County that will connect with the various municipalities from Travelers Rest to Fountain Inn and beyond. All of this is much like putting a puzzle together. It requires thought, planning, and strategy. The end result will be a national model for all of us to enjoy with our families for years to come.
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| Did you KNOW... |
 that over 3,850 youth right here in Greenville County participate in District 7 Little League? Some of these players will be on hand July 8-10 when the 2008 Big League World Series begins at Flour Field at the West End, home of the Greenville Drive. Be there to cheer on our players at West End and at the "Red" Owens Complex in Easley.
Did you KNOW...
that playing Frisbee promotes fitness, spirit, and fellowship---all of which are great reasons to join up with Greenville Ultimate Frisbee? The club is forming leagues now and will play at the Pavilion Recreation Complex. For more information call 322-PLAY or visit the Ultimate Frisbee website. |
| A Brand New Community Center |
Our new Brutontown Community Center is a showplace. Through a partnership with the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority we have a new modern facility complete with gymnasium and a large activitiy room. This will enable us to expand our programming in this community that has been a long time supporter of our Recreation District. We had a great turnout for the grand opening in March.
 
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| Living in Retirement |
 The Recreation District has partnered with Furman University's FULIR (Furman University Living in Retirement) program this spring and is offering an 8 week course that explores the history, past, present, and future of various Recreation District park sites. In this photo class members toured Lake Conestee Nature Park with Dr. Jeff Beacham. Next week the class will tour the Shoeless Joe Jackson Park.
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| Go Woodmont High |
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We are excited to announce that Woodmont High is the latest school in Greenville County to declare Camp Spearhead as the recipient of Spirit Week Funds. Woodmont joins Berea, Greenville, Hillcrest, and Travelers Rest High Schools in this effort. Woodmont raised $7,500 during their spirit week campaign. |
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According to a National Park and Recreation Association survey...
the fondest memories of family outings and vacations involve visits to county, state, and national park and recreation areas.
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