Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission receives “Meet Me at the Park” grant to support project at Schroder Community Center
Grant awarded by National Recreation and Park Association and The Walt Disney Company supports increased access to play spaces
(HOLLYWOOD, SC) – The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) was selected to receive a $40,000 play space grant from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and The Walt Disney Company. The grant will go to support a recreation project at Schroder Community Center in Hollywood.
Part of the national Meet Me at the Park healthy living program, park and recreation agencies across the country were invited to share their best ideas on increasing access to play spaces for children and families in their communities. Agencies with the most innovative and impactful project ideas were chosen to receive grants ranging from $10,000–$50,000.
CCPRC will use the $40,000 grant at Schroder Community Center to repurpose two outdoor basketball courts for multiple users to allow for more options and greater accessibility. The courts will now cater to diverse uses for sports including pickleball and tennis in addition to basketball. The Schroder Community Center, at the site of the former RD Schroder Middle School, serves as a hub of activity for citizens in the communities of Edisto Island, Adams Run, Meggett, Hollywood and Ravenel. CCPRC currently uses the facility to provide recreation, sports and leisure experiences for families to enjoy. Other amenities at the center include multi-purpose outdoor athletic fields, a gymnasium, activity rooms, a fitness area, picnic area and walking trail.
“It is the mission of Charleston County Parks to improve the quality of life in Charleston County, and our ability to provide recreational opportunities in communities like Hollywood is crucial to this mission,” said CCPRC Executive Director David Bennett. “The Meet Me at the Park grant will help aid us in meeting this goal.”
“NRPA is proud to collaborate with The Walt Disney Company to help more children and families experience the benefits of play,” said Kellie May, NRPA director of health and wellness. “By increasing access to play spaces, this program will also provide new activities that support healthy lifestyles in local communities.”
The Meet Me at the Park program includes an Earth Month campaign as well, where funding is awarded for local park improvement projects that connect kids to nature, inspire healthy living and provide access to sports. The campaign celebrates Earth Month and the importance of local parks. To learn more about Meet Me at the Park, visit www.nrpa.org/disney.
For more information about the Schroder project and CCPRC, visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.
