A healthy park system is a vital component of a healthy community. Parks are places of adventure and challenge, exercise, peace and quiet, recreation, gathering and relaxation. In them we find a sense of enjoyment, strong community spirit and wonder of nature. The People and Parks Foundation, Parks Forum 2009
Dear Friends:
Would it surprise you to learn that the number of visitors to Saluda Shoals, Seven Oaks and Crooked Creek Parks exceeded 1.4 million in 2010? I’d say that’s the sign of a healthy community! The Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission wants to keep it that way. That’s why, this year, plans for future park improvement and development have again been the central focus of the Commission’s ongoing conversation with our community. The good news is that in October 2010, ICRC acquired 55 acres of property in the Chapin area for future park development. An exciting master plan for our park district is taking shape, mapping out our citizen’s expectations and wishes.
There is no doubt that investing in parks and recreation programs has tremendous payback by way of reduced healthcare costs, natural resource preservation and economic impact in Lexington and Richland Counties. The good health initiatives of our parks and recreation programs are now understood to be crucial in controlling healthcare costs for every age but especially for our older population. As the Area Council on Aging, ICRC served 24,076 meals last year to those in our community who are most vulnerable to social isolation and poor nutrition. Our parks are bustling every day with people jogging, walking, biking, and working out. Active bodies support active minds and the athletic and fitness programs of ICRC build social skills and promote physical fitness throughout life.
Our parks are bustling every day with people jogging, walking, biking, and working out. Active bodies support active minds and the athletic and fitness programs of ICRC build social skills and promote physical fitness throughout life.
People often ask about the economic impact of parks on the community. In 2010-2011, ICRC employed over 300 people and an overwhelming amount of the $3.2 million spent in providing services to the community was paid to local vendors for goods and services. It is estimated that special events such as Holiday Lights, baseball tournaments, and unearth, result in an economic impact of more than a $2 million to our local economy each year.
The Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission is committed to serving our area by developing and maintaining beautiful, safe places, providing opportunities to play and stay fit, and creating important social, cultural and spiritual experiences that enrich lives. This is only possible through the support of countless partners, volunteers and park and recreation advocates. To those in our community who champion our mission every day – the coaches, teachers, meal-on wheels volunteers, team and event sponsors, etc. – we say thank you!
Please contact me at (803) 772.1228 or email me at etaylor@icrc.net with any questions that you may have regarding the information provided in this report. I’ll be glad to hear from you.
Best regards,
Elizabeth B. Taylor