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A Word from the Director
As a new first- time grandparent, I am experiencing feelings that I never could have imagined. When I hold baby Ava Jane I am overwhelmed with love and in awe that such a tiny bundle could so dramatically change my life. In her I see innocence and dreams to come true. It really makes me focus on all of our children today, the ones that Ava Jane will grow up with and what roads they will choose for their lives. We are constantly reminded of the negative things that youth are involved with. Today I challenge you to recognize the excellence that they are achieving. Last month Wade Hampton High School raised $152,082 for the Camp Spearhead capital campaign. Other high schools like Eastside, Greenville, & JL Mann collectively raised in excess of one half million dollars for other local charities. The list goes on. As a community we should champion these diligent and caring youth and generously offer them the encouragement and recognition that they deserve.
Executive Director |
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Enchanted Tracks
This year Enchanted Tracks, one of our very popular fall harvest festivals, drew thousands of visitors. Our events staff was on top of their game and worked diligently to ensure that everyone enjoyed the evening. If you were unable to ride the train we apologize and urge you to save the ticket and come back in the spring when "George" begins his 2009 season. Thanks to all of you who attended Enchanted Tracks. We hope that it was a memorable evening for your family. |
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| Coming Up This Month |
Hispanic Family Day: November 8
Join us at Westside Park from 12:00 noon-5:00 p.m. for this first time event presented by Greenville Hospital System featuring Latino music, multi-cultural food, educational booths, and soccer matches. The theme of the day is Sharing our Cultures Through Recreation. Slater Hall Salute to Veterans Cruise-In: November 8
This event, at Slater Hall from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., is planned by the Slater Hall Citizens Committee. There will be over 100 classic cars, a Veterans Day ceremony, live music, and concessions. The event is free and benefits the restoration of historic Slater Hall.
George's Club: November 18
George's Club at the Pavilion. It will be a Thanksgiving theme for the preschoolers who enjoy this fun morning out at the Pavilion. This monthly event offers snacks, story time, and sleigh rides on the ice rink. It's a great way to spoil your grandkids!
Turkey Trot: November 20
Adults age 50 and over are invited to walk for fun and good health around the beautiful Furman University campus. Afterwards there's lunch, door prizes, and lots of camaraderie. Meet us in front of the gym at 11:00 a.m. |
| Getting in the GREEN |
Through our partnership with Trees Greenville we are putting a high priority on the need for legacy trees, ones that live for hundreds of years, in our parks. We've already added many of these plantings along the Greenville Hospital System Swamp Rabbit Tram Trail and will continue to plant trees in our parks throughout the year. This month five willow oaks will be planted at Slater Hall.
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| Did you KNOW... |
that the Pavilion has a new fun activity for your kids? If they like to bounce we're going to have just the place for them to do so by the end of November. We're adding five inflatable toys to the game room where kids can jump to their hearts content. We haven't come up with a name for all of this just yet but the Pavilion's manager, Ted Lambrecht, would love to hear your suggestions. 322-PLAY. The new bounce room will also be available for party rentals. |
| Lake Conestee |
If you haven't visited Lake Conestee Nature Park in awhile this is a great time of year to do so. We've been working on extending the paved trail network, boardwalks, and opening up views to the lake. These trails will eventually connect to the Municipal Stadium and Donaldson Center and become part of a comprehensive greenway of trails throughout Greenville County.
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| Community Centers |
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There are more than playgrounds and day camps at our community centers these days. Actually these amenities are just the tip of the iceberg. The centers are forums for a variety of educational programs as well. This month's calendar at Brutontown Community Center is a great example. The youth will hear speakers from 4-H Club, Greenville Mental Health, and the Greenville Library System. Afterschool tutoring is the first order of business everyday at all of the District's community centers.
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| Hats off to the Turtles |
A big thank you goes out to The Turtles, the volunteer arm of Greenville Natural History Association. They have been busy helping with a variety of tasks on the Greenville Hospital Swamp Rabbit Tram Trail. Volunteers are always needed. Call Ty Houck if you can help out. 676-2180 ext. 141. |
| Camp Spearhead |
| We should have a general contractor on board for Camp Spearhead by the end of the month. Meanwhile Wade Hampton High School recently raised a whopping $152,082 for the camp during their Spirit Week. And in other camp news....we're recruiting staff for next summer right now and yes it does take special people to work at Spearhead. Randy Murr would love to talk with you about this. You can reach him at 676-2180 ext. 127. |
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Announcing The Greater Greenville Parks Foundation |
The Greater Greenville Parks Foundation (GGPF) is a 501 - C - 3 nonprofit organization created specifically to support and benefit the Greenville County Recreation District's development, improvement and maintenance of public parks, trails and recreation facilities. It will also support delivery and accessibility of programs such as summer day camps, therapeutic recreation, youth sports, and after school programs.
Although GCRD is supported by tax and self generated revenue, the growth of Greenville County and citizen demand for parks and recreation leaves us with a need for additional financial support to keep pace with demand. In the weeks ahead you will hear more details about how you can choose to support areas of your particular interest through the GGPF. Holiday gifts, those to honor a loved one or preserve a memory, or sending a kid to camp are great ways to support parks and recreation right here at home.
To donate now, please log onto the Community Foundation web site and choose Greater Greenville Parks Foundation from the drop down menu. Should you have questions about the foundation, feel free to contact Cindy Brothers at cindyb@gcrd.org. | |
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| A refuge of safety for at-risk youth
Community recreation programs at public park and recreation facilities provide children with a safe refuge and a place to play, which are important in reducing at-risk behavior such as drug use and gang involvement. Recreational programs led by trained leaders offer children healthy role models and give valuable life lessons to help steer youth to a future of promise and opportunity for success. |
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