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Beach Access

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1. When are the lifeguards on duty?

At all three beach parks, lifeguards are on duty weekends in May and daily starting Memorial Day through mid-August. Weekends only, mid-August through the last weekend in September.

Folly Beach Commercial District (3rd Street West to 2nd Street East)lifeguards are on duty weekends beginning mid-May and daily starting Memorial Day through mid-August. Weekends only, mid-August through mid-September. About our Lifeguards...

2. What is the policy for dogs at the beach parks?

Folly Beach County Park:
An owner or person having control of any dog shall not permit the dog to be upon the public beach at any time between the hours of 10am and 6pm from May 1 through September 30 of each year. At all other times, the dog must be on a leash.

Isle of Palms County Park:
Dogs are allowed at the beach park, and must be on a leash at all times.

Kiawah Beachwalker Park:
Dogs are allowed at the beach park, and must be on a leash at all times.

3. Beach park benefits...

Walking on the beach or swimming in the ocean can be fun and relaxing. Enjoy these activities year-round at Isle of Palms and Folly Beach County Parks or seasonally at Kiawah Beachwalker Park.

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Campground

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1. What does full hook-up include?

Each full hook-up site has a sewer connection, water spigot, and 20/30/50 amp electric connections. These sites also have a picnic table and fire ring. Wireless internet is available throughout the campground.

2. Is cable available in the campground or cottages?

Cable is not available. Each cottage has satellite TV, and there is satellite TV in the Activity Center for cottage and campground guests to use.

3. Are golf carts allowed in the park?

Golf carts are permitted within the campground only (loops 1 & 2). All golf cart drivers must have a valid driver’s license and insurance.

Golf carts are not permitted outside of the campground on the roadways or trails. Campers with golf carts are not permitted to drive their golf carts into the overflow or primitive areas.

4. What is required to make a campsite reservation?

The first night’s payment is required to hold a site, and full payment is taken on the day of arrival. Reservations are not accepted on-line. Please call 843-795-7275.

5. What is the cancellation policy for camping reservations?

Except for group reservations, all cancellations made prior to 6pm on the day before check-in to receive a full refund.

Group leaders must cancel individual group sites two weeks prior to arrival in order to receive a refund. In order to cancel an entire group reservation, written notice of the cancellation must be received from the group leader at least 30 days prior to check-in to receive a refund.

6. What is required to make a cottage reservation?

Full payment is due within 30 days of making a reservation. If a reservation is made within 30 days of check-in, full payment is due immediately. Reservations are not accepted on-line. Please call 843-795-4FUN (4386).

7. What is the cancellation policy for cottage reservations?

All cancellations must be made 30 days prior to your reservation date to be eligible for a full refund. Any cancellation made less than 30 days prior to rental date will receive a refund less 25% of the facility fee. A 10% reschedule fee will be charged to change the date of the reservation if changed within 30 days of the original date.

8. How late can I check-in?

Check-in is anytime after 1pm for campsites and anytime after 4pm for cottages. The registration office closes at 8pm, and a ranger will be on duty all night to assist with late check-ins. There is a call box at the front of the registration building for guests to use to call the ranger.

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Canoeing & Kayaking

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1. What tips do you offer for paddling safety and enjoyment?

Take a class! The best way to ensure your safety is to be a well-educated paddler. The Outdoor Program at CCPRC offers courses taught by experienced instructors for all disciplines in all levels. As a reminder, information never substitutes experience.

2. What are the seven principles of "Leave No Trace?"

The Leave No Trace Principles of outdoor ethics form the framework of Leave No Trace's message:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more detailed information, visit The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics

3. Do I really need to wear a life jacket?

YES! The American Canoe Association reports that "nearly 70% of all drownings involving canoes, kayaks, or rafts might have been avoided if the victim had been wearing a life jacket." Read on to find out why life jackets matter from the American Canoe Association.

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Cover Art

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1. How can I submit my art work for consideration?

Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission features a local artist’s work on the cover of each Quarterly Parks & Program Guide. Artists can submit digital files, slides, or photos.

Send to:

Charleston County Parks
Attn: Marketing Cover Art
861 Riverland Drive
Charleston, SC 29412

If you would like the photo returned to you, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Digital files may be submitted via email to nlau@ccprc.com with “Marketing Cover Art” in the subject line.

 Pictures submitted should be .JPG or .TIF format only, with a resolution of 300dpi.

 We do not pay for artwork.

 We will publish a short bio of the artist with information on how he or she can be contacted.

2. Wil the chosen artist receive compensation for their submission?

We do not pay for artwork, but you could win a Gold Pass if your art work is selected.

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Employment

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1. Do I have to submit a separate application for each job in which I am interested?

No. Qualified applications are referred to the division for the Position Title indicated on the application. But if you are interested in another position as well, please call the Human Resources Division at 843-762-2172.

2. Will I be contacted regarding the status of my application?

Applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring division.

3. May I submit my resume by attaching it to an email message?

You may send your resume via email for the position in which you are interested. However, a resume does not substitute in any way for the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission Employment Application.

When completing an application through our online application submission process, you may upload your resume before submitting. Email Human Resources:

4. Where is your office located?

The Human Resources Division is located at Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission Headquarters Building:

861 Riverland Drive
Charleston, SC 29412.

We are open Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5pm. Our office telephone number is 843-762-2172.

5. How old must I be in order to apply for employment with Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission?

The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission will recruit and select employees without discrimination because of race, religion, color, political affiliation, marital status, physical disability, national origin, sex, age, or any other legally protected status except where sex or age is a bona fide occupational qualification. Some positions must be a certain age due to hours worked or due to equipment used. All recruiting efforts will be conducted so as to hire the most qualified applicant for an open position. Visit our Committment to Diversity Page.

6. What type of benefits are offered to employees?

Full-Time Employees receive:

 Health, Life and Dental Insurances
 Optional Life and Short Term Disability
 Optional Medical and Dependent Spending Accounts
 Annual and Sick Leave
 12 Paid Holidays
 State Retirement Plan
 Optional Deferred Compensation Program
 Longevity Pay Increases
 Optional Federal Credit Union Membership
 Tuition Reimbursement Program
 Professional and Skill Development Training
 Employee Assistance Program

Part-Time Employees receive:

 Optional State Retirement Plan
 Optional Deferred Compensation Program

All employees are further entitled to receive certain discounts and privileges when carrying their Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission I.D. card.

 Free park and facility admission
 50% discount on food and beverage items purchased in the snack bar
 20% discount on souvenirs at all county parks and the Edwin S. Taylor Folly Beach Fishing Pier
 The use of two chairs and one umbrella free of charge at the beach parks
 The use of two bicycles and one boat and admission to the waterparks at James Island County Park, Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands County Park, and North Charleston Wannamaker County Park.

Reciprocal Admission Pass Agreement:
Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission and a group of area attractions honor a Reciprocal Admission Pass Agreement. By presenting your Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission I.D. card, you and one guest only can be admitted at no charge to select participating attractions.

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Fishing Pier

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1. What will the tide be like for my visit?

NOAA tide charts are available through December 2009. Open tide charts...

2. What is the present water temperature at the Pier?

The National Oceanographic Data Center displays present water temperature data for the nearest tide station. Click here to view data.

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Geocaching & Letterboxing

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1. Geocaching & Letterboxing Policies

Definitions and guidelines for geocaching and letterboxing participation at CCPRC facilities is available
here.

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Registration, Rentals, & GOnline!

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1. What can I do with GOnline?

1. Search and register for courses and pay for them with Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit cards.

2. View facility descriptions and availability.

2. I am a new customer. What do I need to do to set up a GOnline account?

To use GOnline you can either

1. Call Park & Program Services at (843)795-4FUN(4386) during business hours to obtain an "Individual ID" and "Family Password." Every member of your family will have a unique Individual ID that will identify them.

or

2. While online, you can click the "My Account" tab and the "Create New Account" button in order to create an account. Fill in the necessary information, including the selection of a Main Contact. You can add members of your family to the account by clicking the "Add Client" button. You will not be able to assign your correct residency status when creating a new account. You will be charged the Non-County Resident rate at the time of registration. Our staff review all registrations and will refund your credit card the difference between CCR and NCR fees if you are a Charleston County Resident. When you log in and register the next time, you will be charged the appropriate fees for your residency. When you’ve added everyone in your family and filled in all the necessary fields, click the "Submit" button. Your information will be submitted to us. You may then proceed with your transaction. GOnline

3. What browser do I need to use the system?

Internet Registration works with Microsoft Internet Explorer or Netscape browsers running Version 4 or above. We highly recommend a 128-bit encryption based browser.

4. Is the registration site secure?

We have taken many steps to ensure the security of your transactions in this registration system. In addition to internal security features created by the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission, we use VeriSign technology to provide 128-bit encryption (the highest level available to private industry) to ensure information security. You will see the familiar "padlock" symbol at the bottom of the "My Basket" and "My Account" pages indicating your data is secure. For more information...

5. What if I don’t have or don’t want to use a credit card?

You can make payment to your account in person at the Park & Program Services Center or any Charleston County park. Once the credit is applied to your account, you will be able to register for a course and the cost of the registration will be deducted from the balance. You must ensure that you establish a sufficient balance to cover the cost of your registration(s) as payment in full is required for Internet Registration transactions. Gift certificates are not valid payment for GOnline transactions.

6. I am unable to log in. What could be the problem?

1. You will be "locked out" of your account after trying to "login" 5 times unsuccessfully. Please contact the Park & Program Services Center at (843) 795-4FUN (4386) or email customerservice@ccprc.com to unlock your account.

2. You stopped using Internet Registration for a period of 10 minutes or longer. Please click "Refresh" (IE) or "Reload" (Netscape) on your browser and log back in.

3. Your account may have been frozen. Please contact the Park & Program Services Center at (843) 795-4FUN (4386) during business hours.

7. I forgot my Individual IDs and PIN. What should I do?

If your email is in our database, you can click on the "I forgot my Account Information" link under the "My Account" tab where you log into the system. Only the Main Contact’s "Individual ID" and "Family Password" will be emailed to you as this is all that is required to access your family account. You can then select any family member and register from the drop-down list under the "My Basket" tab. If your email address is not recognized, you will receive a message that the address you entered cannot be found in our database.

You should then call the Park & Program Services Center at 843-795-4FUN (4386) during business hours or email us at CustomerService@ccprc.com. Be sure to include your name, home phone number, and address.

8. How do I update my account?

To add one or more family members to your account, log into "My Account" and choose "Update Account."

To change your mailing address or email address:

Log into "My Account" and choose "Update Account."

Updates can also be made by calling Park & Program Services at 843-795-4FUN(4386) or emailing CustomerService@ccprc.com.

9. What email address should my family provide for Internet Registration?

Only the email address of the Main Contact is logged into the system. This enables the account holder to control who has access to the "Family Password" with the "I forgot my Account Information" function.

10. How do I search for a course in GOnline?

Go to the "Programs/Events:" tab, enter a partial or full name of a program to search by keyword

or

Browse for a program using the Quarterly Program Guide sections. All of the programs being offered will be displayed with a brief description.

Click on the program title for class listings, locations, etc.

11. How do I register for a course with GOnline?

1. Click on the "My Account" tab and log in using your "Individual ID" and "Family Password".

2. "ADD" the desired course to your Basket. If there is no "ADD" button, this course is currently not available for internet registration.

3. For each registration, select the family member you wish to register from the "Client Selection" drop box.

4. To register for additional courses, click on "Continue Shopping" and move back and forth between "My Basket" and "Programs" screens using the tabs at the top of the page.

5. When you have finished adding all of your courses, proceed to "Check Out" and make a payment. When you have entered your credit card information, click on "Continue to Waiver." You will then accept the waiver and Complete the Transaction.

You will be able to print a receipt if your transaction is successful by clicking on the "Printer" icon.

If you make a mistake in registering for a course, use either the "Clear Basket" or "Remove" buttons rather than the "Back" button.

12. Can I reserve a facility rental through GOnline?

Facilities cannot be rented through GOnline, but you can search for facility availability. View Availability...

13. Can I make a campground or cottage reservation online?

Campground or cottage reservations cannot be made through GOnline, but you can search for facility availability.

If you want to reserve a cottage, shelter, birthday party, or corporate event, please call our Park & Program Services Center at 843-795-4FUN (4386).

If you want to reserve a campsite at the Campground at James Island County Park, please call 843-795-PARK (7275). View Campsite or Cottage Availability...

14. How do I withdraw from a course?

If you need to withdraw from a course, please call the Park & Program Services Center at 843-795-4FUN (4386) during business hours.

15. Why is there no "ADD" button on the course I want ?

If there is no "ADD" button, this course is currently not available for internet registration.

16. How do I transfer to another course?

Please call the Park & Program Services Center at 843-795-4FUN (4386) during business hours.

17. What if the program for which I am registered in cancelled?

Register early to avoid disappointment. Delayed registration may result in a program cancellation. If your class is cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, you may transfer, free of charge, to another program - subject to availability - or receive a full refund.

18. How can I verify/view the courses for which my family members are currently registered?

Click on "My Account" and sign in. Once you have successfully signed in, the "My Account" page will contain the names of all of your family members. Click on "History" for each family member or "All Clients" to see details of current registrations.

19. Can I register someone from another family?

Due to the confidentiality of Individual ID and Family Passwords and legal liability, the Main contact of the account (that the child is a member of), should be the person responsible for registering the child. Account members must be part of the same immediate family and all financially responsible to the main account contact. Adult individuals who share a common address but are financially independent need their own separate accounts. Friends or relatives without internet access can register by phone, fax, walk-in or mail-in.

20. Can I redeem my gift certificate online?

Gift certificates are not valid payment for GOnline transactions. They can only be redeemed in person.

21. How will I know if a spot becomes available after I have waitlisted?

If a spot should become available due to another person cancelling or transferring out of the class, you will receive a call from us. At that time you can decide whether to take or decline the spot. If we leave a message for you on an answering machine or with a person, you must return our call by the end of the next business day in order to request that spot.

22. How can I find out my position on the waitlist?

You can contact the Park & Program Services Center at 843-795-4FUN (4386) during business hours to obtain that information.

23. What is the procedure for registering if a participant is the incorrect age?

GOnline will not allow you to register if the participant does not meet the required age by the start of the program. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Park & Program Services Center at 843-795-4FUN (4386) during business hours.

24. How can I tell if a course is available or if I have been waitlisted?

When searching for a course, before adding it to your basket, there will either be an "ADD" or "WAITLIST" button.

On rare occasions, clients may simultaneously select "ADD" to register for the last available spot for the same course. If this occurs, the unsuccessful client(s) will automatically be waitlisted. When viewing "My Basket," check to see if a course fee appears under the Fee column indicating that you are registered, or if the word Waitlist appears, indicating the course is full and you have been waitlisted.

25. What is your refund policy?

1. All withdrawals must be received during normal registration hours by calling 843-795-4FUN(4386).

2. 100% refund for withdrawals received 4 or more business days prior to program start date.

3. 50% refund for withdrawals received less than 4 business days prior to program start date.

4. No refund or credit if participant fails to attend program.

5. Some programs have additional refund restrictions; please ask for details.

26. What is your payment policy?

We accept personal checks and money orders (payable to the Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission) and cash in person. We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express, or Discover credit cards for all GOnline transactions.

Gift certificates are not valid payment for GOnline transactions. They can only be redeemed in person.

27. What is your privacy policy?

When you become our customer, we collect only the information you provide us to start your account. If you supply us with your email address, you may receive periodic emails from us with information on upcoming similar programs and services.

28. I have a comment or question that is not covered here. How can I contact you?

Call the Park & Program Services Center at 843-795-4FUN (4386) during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) or use the link below to submit your question online. Contact Customer Service...

29. How far in advance may I make a reservation for a facility or cottage?

Reservations are accepted up to one year in advance of the desired date. For example: if you want to reserve August 16, 2007, the earliest you may call is August 16, 2006.

30. What if it rains on the day I have a shelter reservation?

Shelter reservations are held rain or shine. If you decide to cancel your reservation the day of the event, you may reschedule at the discretion of the manager after the applicable cancellation fees are retained.

31. What is the policy for inclement weather at the waterparks?

In the event a waterpark closes for one consecutive hour due to severe weather, guests will be allowed a One-Time Redemption to re-enter that park at a future date with a dated receipt. The offer is valid for the current season only. No refunds are given.

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Special Park Districts Forum

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1. What is the cost of registration?

Early Bird Registration will be $450 per person until Friday, May 28, 2010. After that date, registration will be $495 per person.

The registration fee includes the entire forum and meals. (Tuesday evening is dinner on your own). For accommodations and pricing...

2. Where can I find travel planning information?

Use the link below to visit the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau website, and order a travel guide. Charleston Area CVB

3. Any help with what to pack?

Helpful hints to plan your trip:

- June in Charleston is very warm month. Temperature averages will range from 85-90 degrees in the day and nighttime between 65-70 degrees. In the Lowcountry we do have occasional afternoon thunderstorm due to high humidity, so we encourage you to bring a rain jacket.

- We will be active, so you will need to bring good quality walking shoes/sneakers.

- You will be staying in the heart of downtown Charleston. We have arranged time for you to see and enjoy the sights of this beautiful and historic city.

- Dining downtown ranges from very small unique restaurants to world class cuisine, however, many high-end restaurants are flexible with dress as to welcome people from all over the world.

- Our forum is designed to be fun and casual dress is appropriate for all forum activities. Feel free to put your toes in the sand!

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Volunteering

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1. Is there a minimum commitment required to volunteer?

No, any time from 2 hours to 1,000 is very much appreciated.

2. Who can volunteer?

Families, businesses, groups, and individuals, ages 13 and older, are eligible.

3. How do I get started?

All potential volunteers must fill out an application and may be asked to provide references prior to volunteering with Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission.
[Open Application...]