Winter 2014 - City of Rock Hill

building
Our Mission
The Rock Hill Parks
Foundation will
enhance our
community’s quality
of life above and
beyond the Parks,
Recreation & Tourism
Department’s normal
operating budget.
Invest Today…
Benefit
Tomorrow
The Rock Hill Parks
Foundation is a nonprofit
fund administered by the
York County Community
Foundation, an affiliate of
the Foundation for the
Carolinas. Its vision is to
raise enough capital for
the endowment fund
which will support the
annual operating
expenses for the Rock
Hill parks system.
Inside this issue:
What A Year! A
2
Look Back At 2013
Story With Santa
3
Who Visited the
PRT Facili es
4
What Were The
5
PRT Programmers'
RHPF Dedica ons
6
GUESS WHAT’S COMING IN 2014!
Bicycle Motorcross (BMX), which debuted as
an Olympic sport in 2008, is one of the fastest
growing areas in both the professional and
amateur cycling scenes. BMX racing consists
of a dirt track where cyclists race across hills,
jumps and banked turns.
The Novant Health BMX Supercross Track
will be the only Olympic-caliber training
facility on the East coast, and one of only
two in the United States. The facility will have
both an amateur and an elite supercross
ramp. The BMX track features two towering
ramps. There is a 5-meter tall amateur ramp
and an 8-meter tall elite ramp for the sport’s most competitive athletes. In addition to
the BMX facility there will also be multi-purpose fields adjacent to the track and a
building that will serve as the entry point and registration area during events.
The site will host local, state, regional, national and UCI caliber events while providing
instruction, events, races and programs for all ages and skill levels from beginner to
the elite athlete. The track will also serve as a training ground for BMX racers with
Olympic aspirations.
Mike King, who served as director for USA Cycling's BMX Program for the 2008 and
2012 Olympics, will move to Rock Hill from Chula Vista, California to become the BMX
Coordinator of the Novant Health BMX Supercross Track.
The track, opening in the late spring, is located at the Rock Hill Outdoor Center in the
Riverwalk Development. The Outdoor Center also features the Piedmont Medical
Center Trail, Rock Hill Greens, canoe/kayak launch, mountain bike course and the
Giordana Velodrome built in 2012.
For more information about the Rock Hill Outdoor Center and sponsorship
opportunities with the Rock Hill Parks Foundation, please contact Merritt Croom
at mcroom@cityofrockhill.com or call (803) 329-5620. Invest Today. Benefit Tomorrow...
I’ll Pave The Way! 7
Children’s
Sculpture
8
Ed Thompson
9
Endowment Fund
Honorariums &
Memorials
10
creating a rock solid future
Page 2
building Foundations
WHAT A YEAR! A LOOK BACK AT 2013!
City of Rock Hill and PRT Announce New Director
Meet John Taylor! We are excited to introduce John as the new
Director of Parks, Recreation and Tourism in Rock Hill.
He has been the PRT Operations Supervisor in the department since
November 2010. He previously served the city in a variety of
capacities including as Parks Division Supervisor, Cherry Park
Supervisor and Recreation Programmer.
Taylor is a past chairman of the Rock Hill Come-See-Me Festival
Board of Governors, past board member and chairman of the Rock Hill/
York County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and past president of the
South Carolina Recreation and Park Association where he received the
2003 Professional of the Year Award. CONGRATULATIONS!
Moments, Achievements and Individuals Honored
Former Marines await to pay their respects at
the Tribute to Veterans at Glencairn Garden
Friday, November 8, 2013.
Rock Hill’s own John Croom
takes 1st Place in the
SC State Championship at the
Giordana Velodrome.
Manchester Meadows received the OED
2013 Attraction of the Year. City Manager David
Vehaun, OED Executive Director Jayne Scarborough, Mayor
Doug Echols & PRT Director John Taylor hold the award.
Rock Hill Greens Open at the Rock Hill Outdoor Center
On a sunny and brisk Saturday morning in October, the City of Rock Hill and the Parks,
Recreation & Tourism Department officially opened the Rock Hill Greens. Those in attendance
were treated to all kinds of games and activities like corn hole and bocce to a Frisbee zone and
group games. This new amenity is open green space for individuals and families alike from the
community to enjoy passive recreation and free play activities.
WINTER 2014
Page 3
A STORY WITH SANTA IN THE GARDEN … at Glencairn
With a crisp chill in the air and lots of warm holiday
spirit, the setting was perfect for this annual event
which took place on Saturday, December 7, 2013
on the front porch of the Bigger House at
Glencairn Garden.
More than 250 children and adults filled with
anticipation of the season came out to see
Santa Claus. Ole St. Nick thrilled children of all
ages and read the holiday classic “Rudolph the
Red Nosed Reindeer.” After the story, the children
were invited to tell Santa what was on their “Wish
List” while parents were encouraged to take photographs.
The garden was a flurry of activity! While waiting for their turn to sit on the big guy’s lap...
the children were invited to participate in several holiday craft projects provided by the Parks,
Recreation & Tourism Department’s Outdoor Recreation Environmental Education (OREE)
staff. Of course, no visit with Santa would be complete without hot chocolate & cookies! The
Rock Hill Galleria made the event even more special by giving all of the children elf hats,
holiday stickers and candy canes! What a wonderful storybook ending!
Magical Images of Christmas at Glencairn Garden...
Page 4
building Foundations
Who Visited PRT Facili es Last Year?
It’s hard to believe the Giordana Velodrome will be
celebrating its 2nd anniversary in the spring of 2014.
The Velodrome had the privilege of hosting the USA
Cycling Elite Track Mass Start National Championships
this past summer on August 22-24, 2013.
For three beautiful summer evenings, the Giordana
Velodrome was packed with record crowds and buzzed
with high action racing by the country’s top men and women
track cyclists. The winners were awarded Stars-and-Stripes
jerseys in the Sprint, Scratch Race, Kierin, Points Race and
Madison. The Velodrome has already been selected by
USA Cycling to host the USA Cycling Elite Track National
Championship August 12 - 17, 2014. This premier
championship event, held over (6) days, will include all racing disciplines for both women and men elite track cyclists from throughout the United States. Mark
your calendars for this exciting event!
T h e Ve l o d ro m e : m o re t h a n a b i ke
ride...
Parks, Recreation & Tourism programming staff has come
up with another fun use for the Giordana Velodrome.
On June 26, many Rock Hill families enjoyed the beautiful
summer night for the very first FREE Movie Night at the
Giordana Velodrome. Friends and families brought lawn
chairs and blankets, purchased concessions and got cozy
while enjoying “The Amazing Spiderman.” This fun twist on a
movie night was a big hit!
Leadership Workshop For Area Nonprofits
The Rock Hill Parks Founda on in collabora on with the York County Community Founda on hosted the workshop
“Fostering Effec ve Board Leadership and Strategies to Engage and Cul vate Poten al Donors.”
Representa ves from community nonprofits and boards were invited to Manchester Meadows, Tuesday, August 6, 2013,
for the free presenta on given by Brian Collier, Senior VP, Community Programs and Civic Leadership and Catherine
Warfield, Vice President, Philanthropic Advancement ‐ both of the Founda on For The Carolinas. For more informa on
about the Rock Hill Parks Founda on contact Merri Croom at (803) 329‐5620; for the York County Community Founda‐
on or the Founda on For The Carolinas, please contact Alli Celebron‐Brown at (704) 973‐4533.
Anita Case, Treasa Creech, Alison Mallard
and Sheila Caldwell.
Foundation For The Carolinas Speakers
Brian Collier, and Catherine Warfield.
Individuals representing local nonprofits and board
members alike all enjoyed the morning presentation.
WINTER 2014
Page 5
What Were The PRT Programmers Up To In 2013?
The Rock Hill Tennis Center Is On A Roll: Clinic Paralympian, Karin Korb, with Mid Carolina
Tennis Association; Orthotic and Prosthetic Activities Foundation; and Bridge II Sports hosted the
first Wheelchair and Amputee Clinic at the Rock Hill Tennis Center.
Karin Korb is one of the top women’s wheelchair tennis players in the world. This event was a
great kick-off for the Rock Hill Tennis Center Wheelchair program that began in September.
For more information on the Rock Hill Tennis Center and its programs, please call
Kim Ozmon at (803) 326-3842.
Making a Difference in the Community; Rock Hill Youth Service Day
Despite last year’s cold and rainy weather, several local
youth organizations came together to help with various
special projects that included painting lines in a church
parking lot, picking up trash around the community, raking
leaves, cleaning up local parks and visiting nursing homes.
Each youth volunteer received lunch, a free t-shirt and
great words of encouragement from Councilmember,
Sandra Oborokumo. It’s good to know that the future of
Rock Hill is in great hands! For more information about
youth programming, call Patti Panetti at (803) 326-5620.
The Adventurous OWLS Explore York County...
The Older Wiser Loving Seniors (OWLS) group visited many Rock Hill
& York County tourism attractions last summer with the “You’re Welcome
in York County” tour. It is a coordinated joint effort between Rock Hill Parks,
Recreation & Tourism Department and the Rock Hill/York County
Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Twenty-six seniors visited the Catawba Cultural Preservation,
Anne Springs Close Greenway, White Home, Glencairn Garden, the
Rock Hill Outdoor Center, Manchester Meadows and Historic Brattonsville.
Sheba the camel, a star at NarroWay Christian dinner theater, was the
highlight of the trip! OWLS is available to anyone age 55 and older. The
group meets the first Thursday of each month for lunch at 11:30am at the
Mayflower restaurant on Celanese Rd. For more information call
Katie Conley at (803) 329-5620.
Page 6
building Foundations
The Rock Hill Parks Founda on Dedicates New Facility Features
On May 31, 2013 City of Rock Hill officials,
representatives from Piedmont Medical
Center and the Rock Hill School District
along with members of the community all
gathered off of Herrons Ferry Road at the
Rock Hill Outdoor Center to be the first to
walk the “new extension” of the
Piedmont Medical Center Trail.
The Piedmont Medical Center Trail
includes 2.3 miles of scenic river and
nature views, pet stations, benches, and
open green spaces perfect for a picnic.
The trail is part of Rock Hill’s Trails and
Greenways system as well as the Carolina
Thread Trail, a regional network of trails
and greenways spanning 15 counties and connecting
(2) million people.
Pictured Above Left-to-Right: Christina Oh - Piedmont Medical Center, Gerry Schapiro- Rock Hill Deputy
City Manager, Brittany Bumpers- Rock Hill School District iRock Program, Mayor Doug Echols, Superintendent
Lynn Moody, Bill Masterson- Piedmont Medical Center CEO, Rock Hill City Councilman John Black.
Wheelchair Swing Dedicated at Boyd Hill Center
Boyd Hill Recreation Center now has its first swing
designed for those with disabilities. The swing was
unveiled in early June.
The swing was given in loving memory of Mr. Mike
Fleek by his family. His wife and son were present at
the dedication. It has already been a source of many
smiles and will surely provide more fun in the future.
Thanks to the Fleek Family for their thoughtful and
generous gift to the Therapeutic Recreation Division.
Personalize a Brick or Paver at Glencairn
The Friendship Circle
Be among the first to purchase a personalized commemorative brick at Glencairn Garden in the
Circle of Friends Area of the Garden. Your decorative brick will be engraved with your selected
name or phrase and will become a lasting tribute, paving the pathway for generations to come.
The Veterans Garden
Are you looking for a unique and timeless gift for a service member? Glencairn Garden is offering
you the opportunity to purchase an engraved brick in the Veterans Garden. They serve as a fitting
and permanent tribute to the men and women who have courageously served and are serving their
country. Each arch represents a branch in the U.S. armed forces, P.O.W.s/M.I.A.s.
Bricks may be purchased to honor and remember those who have served.
WINTER 2014
Page 7
I’ll Pave the Way!!
Please reserve my personalized brick(s) or paver(s) in the Glencairn Garden Circle of Friends
or the Veteran’s Tribute Garden.
Name ______________________________
Phone ______________________________
Please
Acknowledge _____________________________
Address ____________________________
City _______________________________
State _______________________________
Personalized Brick
Number of Bricks (4x8) _______________
At $100 each: $ _________ Total
Personalized Paver
ONLY Available at Circle of Friends
Number of Pavers (8x8) _______________
At $250 each: $ _________ Total
FIRST BRICK OR PAVER {Circle of Friends
SECOND BRICK OR PAVER {Circle of
Veteran's Area
Friends
}
Veter-
Engraving Information:
Print information exactly as you want it to appear on your brick or paver. Only one character
(letter, number, punctuation mark or space) per block . There are three lines and up to twenty-one
characters per line. Each line will be centered on the brick. Check your order carefully. The purchaser
is responsible for misspellings sent in on the order form. Please confine message to name and dates
only. The Glencairn Garden Committee reserves the right to refuse any submission that it determines
to be inappropriate. Allow 3 – 4 weeks to receive acknowledgement notes. Please respond promptly
with any corrections. No phone orders, refunds or cancellations. Bricks will be engraved twice a year.
If ordering two or more bricks, please enclose information on a separate sheet of paper.
 have enclosed my check or money order payable to:
Rock Hill Parks Foundation
P.O. Box 11706, Rock Hill, South Carolina 29731-1706
For more information, please contact the
Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department
at (803) 329-5620.
Page 8
building Foundations
Children's Sculpture Dedicated at Glencairn Garden
On June 14, 2013, the community of Rock Hill
dedicated a sculpture at Glencairn Garden in honor
of Ed Thompson and his many years of leadership
and vision as Director of Rock Hill Parks, Recreation
and Tourism. Friends of Ed and the Rock Hill
Community raised the monies which fully funded this
project.
The bronze sculpture entitled “Dance with Me” was
crafted in New York by Randolph Rose. “Dance with
Me” features two young girls and a boy smiling, holding
hands and dancing. The sculpture is a perfect fit for the
children’s garden as it is a place we hope children will
visit, enjoy and create special memories to cherish for a lifetime.
As a long time champion and supporter of the quality of life and leisure services in our area, Ed has
been instrumental in the development of recreation facilities and programming. As a tribute to his
efforts, the “Ed Thompson Endowment Fund” has been established to ensure that the members of
our community and visitors, alike, will continue to enjoy park amenities for years to come.
The Rock Hill Community Honors a 30 Year Legacy
Ed Thompson’s passion and dedication can be seen throughout the city of Rock Hill. During his
time as director, the parks and athletic-facility acreage has doubled, and sports tourism has been
added to the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department creating an economic impact of millions
of dollars each year.
Because of this great success Rock Hill is often cited as an example of how to create and build
sporting event facilities that accommodate and attract large crowds. Thompson successfully
accomplished his goal to create community through people, parks, and programs, none of which
he says would be possible without each volunteer.
This legacy was honored in June with a celebration at Glencairn Garden. Following the
sculpture dedication, Thompson shared words of farewell. Friends, family and colleagues then
gathered at the Glencairn Garden Learning Center to visit and share memories of Thompson.
Visitors congratulated Thompson on his retirement while they enjoyed brunch and a slideshow of
Thompson and PRT through the years.
Page 9
WINTER 2014
ED THOMPSON ENDOWMENT FUND
A special Thank You to those who contributed to the fund. Your generous
parƟcipaƟon brings public art to the garden for all to enjoy!
Russell Allen
Hal & Mickey Anderson
Jimmy & Angela Bagley
Leslie Ballard
Robert & Eileen Barrett
Howell & Nancy Beach
William & Karen Beaty
Moe & Mary Bell
Bill & Rose Berry
David Boone
Eddie & Gayle Brown
John & Wilma Bucy
Beverly Carroll
James & Merritt Croom
Martie Curran
Harry & Rebecca Dalton
Tony & Dale DiGiorgio
Chad & Anna Echols
Doug & Sylvia Echols
Harry & Kathy Emerson
Larry Erwin
Fred & Catherine Faircloth
Fred & Phyllis Faircloth
Phyllis Fauntleroy
Mike & Laura Fuller
Jim & Cathy Gill
Martin & Harriett Goode
David & Crystal Guyton
Jim & Katherine Hardin
Ron & Katherine Hargett
Richard & Amanda Helms
Guy & Lisa Hendrix
Sally & Karen Herlong
Carlton & Judy Heustess
Harry & Leila Hicklin
Brian & Cece Hovis
Sigmon & Judy Huitt
Ben & Cindy Johnson
Frank & Phyllis Kiser
Joe & Gayle Lanford
Jack & Laurie Leader
Mac & Doris Leitner
Al & Patty LeRoy
Spencer Leuders
Scott & Susan Lyman
Clarkson & MaryAnne McDow
Anson & Wendy Merrick
Terry & Marsha Millar
Barre& Gilda Mitchell
Vine & Julie Morabit
Phil & Susanne Okey
Ernie & Patti Panetti
Harold & Jane Peeples
Robert & Kathy Pender
Jim & Angie Perry
Terry & Betty Plumb
Neal & Betty Powell
Joseph & Katie Quinn
David & Teresa Rector
Toy & Grazier Rhea
Ronnie & Elizabeth Robinson
Gerry & Barbara Schapiro
Linda Sherill
Baxter & Joyce Simpson
Carey & Joan Smith
Nick & Judy Stegall
Jill Stroupe
James & Elizabeth Taylor
John & Diane Taylor
Nancy Thomas
Ed & Becky Thompson
James Thompson
David & Kim Vehaun
David & Kloo Vipperman
James & Margaret Wallace
Totty Wilkerson
David & Pam Williams
www.rockhillrocks.org
WINTER 2014
Founda on Dona ons, Honorariums and Memorials
HONORARIUMS &
MEMORIALS
Make a donation to
the Rock Hill Parks
Foundation in
someone else's
honor or memory.
The Gift Recipient
will receive a
personal
acknowledgement
from the Foundation
advising them of
your gift and
outlining the
wonderful facilities
and programs that
will be supported in
their honor or in
memory of a loved
one.
INVEST TODAY
BENEFIT
TOMORROW
DONATE NOW!
Invest in the future and
make an immediate
impact on Rock Hill’s
recreational programs
and facilities by
supporting the Rock
Hill Parks Foundation.
ROCK HILL PARKS FOUNDATION FUND
IN MEMORY OF
ELMA HELGA MARGARETE STARK CARROLL
Rock Hill Economic
Development Company
IN MEMORY OF BUDDY McCARTER
Ed & Becky Thompson
IN MEMORY OF BARRY BYERS
Ed & Becky Thompson
GLENCAIRN GARDEN
IN MEMORY OF GARRY BRANNAN
Ed & Becky Thompson
IN MEMORY OF ELIZABETH RENTZ RHODES
Ed & Becky Thompson
Robert & Eileen Barre
IN HONOR OF CLARK BEAVANS
Pine Lakes Garden Club
ROCK HILL OUTDOOR
CENTER FUND
IN MEMORY OF DAVID CARL BOOTHBY
Candace Boothby
Luther Brooks
Raymond Vess
Tri County USBC Associa on
Rock Hill 7th Day Adven st Church
Mail Checks to:
Rock Hill Parks
Foundation
PO Box 11706
Rock Hill, SC 29731
ROCK HILL PARKS FOUNDATION
FACILITY SPONSORSHIP
Donate Online:
GLENCAIRN GARDEN
SCB&T
Leitner Construc on Company
VFW Post 2889 (Veterans Garden)
www.fftc.org/donate
Gifts and donations to
the Foundation can be
designated.
For more information,
call (803) 329-5620.
MANCHESTER MEADOWS
Hilton Garden Inn
CHERRY PARK
Hampton Inn
ROCK HILL OUTDOOR CENTER (RHOC)
Carolina NeuroSurgery
& Spine Associates
GLENCAIRN GARDEN
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS PAVERS
Allan & Marie Helene Ryder‐Cook
Libby Neely
Robert H. Brozina
IN MEMORY OF
ELMA HELGA MARGARETE STARK CARROLL
David Boone
Jack & Laurie Leader
Gerry & Barbara Schapiro
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS BRICKS
ROCK HILL GARDEN CLUBS
Fleur De Lis Garden Club
Floribunda Garden Club
Town & Country Garden Club
Trillium Garden Club
INDIVIDUALS
Ned & Beth Albright
John & Wilma Bucy
Mar n & Sister Goode
Mac & Doris Leitner
Kenneth Love
Allan & Rovenia Miller
Clarke Moore
Pam Morrell
Vicki Simmons
Sheree Welsh
David & Pam Williams
Gary & Peggy Williams
David, Kim & Jonathan Vehaun
VETERAN’S GARDEN TRIBUTE BRICKS
Ned & Beth Albright
David Efford
Marvin Hya
Roxann James
Mac & Doris Leitner
Allan & Rovenia Miller
Elizabeth G. Pierce
Susan Poole
Linda Snipes
Hubert Revels
Michael Walters
Donna White
www.rockhillrocks.com