Latest news with #RecreationandTourism
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Pine Island park has an opening date. What the Lake Murray attraction offers
South Carolina's newest state park has an opening date. Park officials on Wednesday updated the Lake Murray community on plans for Pine Island, which will now have a 'soft opening' to the public on Oct. 1 after years of preparation. Initially, the park will open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, said Tim Ritter, Pine Island's new on-site park manager. That will allow the new park to gauge how many visitors the new park might draw during the off season and work out any kinks before an expected busier season next summer. Ritter and other park rangers hosted an open house on Wednesday so the public could take a look at the island that has been closed to visitors for years now, and get a sense of what the parks department hopes to do with it before it opens back up. Pine Island was once maintained as a getaway spot for employees of South Carolina Electric & Gas, which owned the lake and its hydropower dam. It was closed in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the struggling utility — which was absorbed by Dominion Energy in 2019 — offered the island to the state as a potential future park to meet its tax liabilities after the failed V.C. Summer nuclear project. The new 27-acre park was originally slated to be opened by the fall of 2024, but several snags delayed the planned opening. A fire destroyed the building meant to house the park manager in April of that year, and then the island suffered damage to both trees and structures from Hurricane Helene last fall. Now the park is back on track, and the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism is eager to show it off. For the last three months, Ritter has been living in the rebuilt manager's house with his wife and 10-month-old son. The former manager of Croft State Park in Spartanburg has family in Chapin, while his wife's family is in Columbia, so 'we're so fortunate to be able to live on site,' he said. The surrounding community has been very welcoming. One neighbor even called to tell them when a delivery person left their packages at the island's entry booth in the rain. Neighbors had been concerned about traffic headed to the small island on the narrow residential streets leading from the interstate. Parks officials said the plan is to limit entry at the park gate based on how many parking spaces are available on the island, but that nearby residents can walk in or bicycle if they get a 'park passport', similar to how the park service manages its beach parks. 'We don't want you to be coming home from church and be waiting an hour to turn into your driveway,' said regional parks chief John Moon. Entrance for the park will be $6 for adults, $3.75 for seniors, $3.50 for children between 6 and 15, and free for kids 5 and under. The park still has some repairs to make to its docks and its picnic stations, which may be adjusted depending on how many visitors the park sees once it opens, Moon said. The parks department plans to renovate the existing clubhouse into what will be called Sunset Hall, with large windows to take in the views of the lake and a stone patio with a fire pit, which the park will then rent out for events. But gone will be the old clubhouse pool. Instead the park service wants to offer spaces for swimming in the lake. Spectacular sunsets over the lake are seen as a top attraction, and Moon said the park hopes to offer by-appointment, after-hour tours so guests will be able to see the sight. 'The sunsets are absolutely stunning,' Ritter said. The park also plans to do offer boat owners slips at the marina for six-month to one-year leases. Residents who live within two square miles of the park will have the first opportunity to purchase them, Ritter said.
Associated Press
13-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Duke Energy Marks Earth Month in South Carolina With $375,000 in Grants To Fight Trash, Promote Tree Planting, Sustain Trail Access
GREENVILLE, S.C., May 13, 2025 /3BL/ - Throughout the month of April, Duke Energy highlighted the importance of sustainability of our state's natural assets with $375,000 in grants to organizations that manage and provide support to state and local parks, tree planting and advocacy, trail maintenance and litter prevention. Why it matters: By educating ourselves about environmental issues and making small changes, such as reducing plastic use, recycling, conserving energy and planting trees, we can move towards understanding the impact of our actions and become more responsible stewards of the earth, ensuring that it remains a thriving, livable place for us all especially at a time of booming population growth in the state. Every effort, no matter how small, contributes to a better, cleaner world. Where the money goes: The following qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental organizations received funding from Duke Energy Foundation ( click here for additional details): Dozens of Duke Energy employees also volunteered their time and energy in April by supporting five organized trash pickups and similar events in communities across the state. What they're saying Tim Pearson, Duke Energy's South Carolina president:'The natural beauty of South Carolina draws new residents and businesses to our state every year, and it's important for companies like ours to work alongside our communities to protect, enhance and promote these tremendous assets of the Palmetto State.' Duane Parrish, South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism executive director:'The Upstate has been through a lot since last fall. From the first responders who secured our safety after Helene and in the recent wildfires, to the partners who have stepped up afterwards to help make us whole again, we have not had to face those dark days and difficult challenges alone. We are incredibly grateful to Duke Energy, who has been an amazing partner to South Carolina State Parks for many years. They have a heart for what we do in State Parks, and their generous support is pivotal in helping us protect, advance, and share our treasured places with visitors.' Aaron Davis, TreesUpstate executive director:'For the past nine years, Duke Energy has helped thousands of Upstate residents save electricity costs through this really 'cool' Energy Savings Tree Giveaway program. Their generosity and partnership show how much Duke Energy values nonprofits, communities, and our wonderful natural resources.' Duke Energy Foundation Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders. Duke Energy Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,100 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage. More information is available at and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition. Contact: Ryan Mosier24-Hour: 800.559.3853 View original content here. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from Duke Energy Corporation
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Two South Carolina state agencies working on land buys in Florence, Horry counties valued at $12M
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — A pair of state agencies are working on conservation deals that would protect vast swaths of wetlands and other vulnerable ecosystems from invasive developments. Documents included in Wednesday's Joint Bond Review Committee show involvement by the state Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism on a 111.2-acre project abutting Waties Island and a nearly 4,600-acre acquisition that's part of Snow's Island in Florence County — with a combined purchase price of more than $12 million. The New York-based Open Space Institute in February said it secured 115 acres on and around Waties Island, South Carolina's last pristine barrier island that spans 22 miles from Myrtle Beach to the North Carolina border. 'The project was established as a donation, however, due to the availability of federal funds to reimburse the state for its initial contribution, the property will now be purchased,' the agenda says. 'The property is one of the last remaining undeveloped and unprotected barrier islands of this size in the southeastern United States.' Locking up the land would protect 'key ecological services afford by this open space to the larger built environment around it,' state officials said. Open Space Institute is offering the land for $2 million, which would be paid for using National American Wetlands Conservation Grant Act funds. Just before Christmas, Gov. Henry McMaster visited Snow's Island in Florence County to celebrate a landmark land preservation deal totaling 7,600 acres. A full project estimate shows $1.5 million from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and $8.5 million from the federal Forest Service. * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Yahoo
4 months after Helene, Upstate SC state park to reopen
Downed trees at Jones Gap State Park soon after Tropical Storm Helene hit the state. (Provided/SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism) Jones Gap State Park, a popular hiking destination in the Upstate, is set to reopen Saturday after a four-month closure because of storm damage. When Hurricane Helene hit the state as a tropical storm in September, the power outages and property damage it brought caused the agency to close 28 of its 48 state parks. Most reopened in the following weeks, but Jones Gap, which extends to the North Carolina border, was hit particularly hard. Helene did nearly $200 million in damage to SC forests, report says 'The damage to Jones Gap was extensive, and visitors who are familiar with the park will find that many areas look strikingly different,' the state parks department said in its Monday announcement. 'Helene's heavy rains and powerful winds uprooted countless trees and led to destructive landslides that shifted the landscape in parts of the park.' Some of the damage remains. Every trail except those leading to Jones Gap Falls and Rainbow Falls, the park's two waterfalls, remain closed. Of the 18 campsites, 14 will remain closed. The visitor center, restrooms and historic fish hatchery are accessible by foot only, the agency said. The vehicle bridge leading to the visitor center, which the storm destroyed, is expected to be replaced later this year, according to the department. Weekend visitors can reserve a parking spot online ahead of time. The department encouraged people to book those spots early, since officials anticipate the park will sell out on the weekends during spring and early summer. Spots will be up for grabs starting at 1 p.m. on sold-out days, though they will be first-come, first-served. The agency does not take parking reservations on weekdays, according to the announcement.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Free electric vehicle charging available to visitors at 30 SC state parks
Mountain bikers at Paris Mountain State Park near Greenville. (Provided by SC Parks, Recreation and Tourism) COLUMBIA — Electric vehicle drivers can charge up for free at 30 of South Carolina's 47 state parks. The park charging network is the result of a pair of programs: a partnership between the state parks department and the state's utility watchdog that brought chargers to three parks in 2020 and a larger effort started in late 2022 by Rivian. The electric vehicle maker installed EV chargers in the parks free of charge, according to Duane Parrish, director of the state's department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. Park visitors must pay an admission fee but otherwise the chargers are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis. The state picks up the tab for the electricity costs. The free chargers are part of an effort to increase charging availability in the state. South Carolina remains 31st in the nation and next to last in the Southeast when it comes to the number of fast chargers per capita, according to the most recent report issued by the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. The stations at South Carolina's parks are powerful enough to add about 25 miles of range per hour of charging, allowing people to spend time at the park and return to a recharged car. Having the chargers in the parks can also give visitors more peace of mind that they won't run out of power when visiting some of the state's more remote recreation spots. Most parks have two charging spaces, but the busiest destinations have four. The chargers work with all electric vehicles, not just Rivian's. However, because the chargers are hardwired into the parks' existing power connection, the state has not tracked how frequently electric vehicle driver have used the stations since Rivian finished installing them in 2023. 'According to the feedback we hear at our sites, park visitors who use the stations are grateful they are there, and they enjoy hiking or taking in the scenery while they charge,' Parrish told the SC Daily Gazette on Thursday. Online reviews left on platforms for electric vehicle drivers, such as PlugShare, do provide some insight. SC needs more electric vehicle charges. One state senator wants limits on who pays for them. 'Awesome! Right by the ranger station and boat ramp. Ranger said they're popular — someone's charging here nearly every day,' a Ford Lightning truck driver wrote in April 2024 while using the charger at Devils Fork State Park on the shores of Lake Jocassee in the Upstate. She was one of 21 users to leave a review. 'Great that SC state parks have these! Charging overnight after pulling my camper here!' a Rivian driver wrote in March 2024 while visiting Poinsett State Park near Sumter. 'I went on a short hike and returned to a fully charged car!' a Fiat driver visiting Table Rock State Park in the Upstate wrote in August 2024. 'On a sunny day you can walk the beach. If it's not so nice out, there's also a cute little gift shop,' a Nissan driver visiting Huntington Beach State Park along the Grand Strand wrote in January 2023. She was one of 59 people to leave a review. Other popular parks, such as Paris Mountain in Greenville and Charles Towne Landing in Charleston had between 23 and 68 reviews from users. The stations are not without their issues. Common complaints included non-electric vehicles blocking the charging spaces or the chargers being out of order. 'All new assets come with maintenance and upkeep, so occasionally the stations have to close for repairs — some of which can be done by park staff, but occasionally may require outside technical expertise,' Parrish said. 'Overall, they have been a nice amenity to offer park users that require minimal effort and expense on our end.'
