South Carolina State Parks

There are 47 state parks in South Carolina, and we need you to help make them better.  Your donation goes directly into park improvements when you Check Off for State Parks. In 2009 your contributions paid for a new overlook and deck at Table Rock State Park.  We are planning to use your 2010 contributions to help improve our main trail at Sesquicentennial State Park in Columbia. 

It's important to tell you why we need your support, especially now in these tough economic times.  State parks get nearly 7 million visit a year.  We generate about 80% of our budget through fees and admissions, one of the highest percentages of any park system in the United States.  The rest of our dollars come from the state's general funds.  So there is not always enough money to help improve our educational exhibits, build new trails or renovate our cabins and picnic shelters.  That is why your contributions are so important to us. 

We also have a strong record of working with foundations and businesses to help improve parks.  For example:

• We have installed educational exhibits at Lake Greenwood, Huntington Beach and Paris Mountain State Parks. 
• We have installed modern playground equipment at several state parks.
• We have renovated buildings at Andrew Jackson State Historic Site and Paris Mountain
• We have built a scenic overlook at Landsford Canal State Historic Site.
• We have installed a handicapped boardwalk at Huntington Beach State Park. 

Those are just a few examples of how private donations have improved our parks. We need  your help to do more. Just a $5, $10 or $20 contribution can make a difference.

So please CheckOff for State Parks. It’s an easy way to give.