Letter from the Executive Director
“Park and recreation agencies are crucial components of a broader system of public services across towns, cities and counties. In fact, nine in 10 (91 percent) U.S. adults agree parks and recreation is a valuable service their local governments provide. This robust support spans across generations, genders, regions, races/ethnicities and political views, among other demographic groups. In comparison to other public services, parks and recreation is considered as valuable as fire, road/transportation, water/utilities, health and police services.” 2024 Engagement with Parks Report, National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA).
Dear Friends,
There has never been a better time to be part of the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission community. This year’s Annual Report reflects more than just impressive numbers—it tells a story of connection, growth, and shared progress. From milestones achieved to memories made, it’s clear we are building something special together.
In Fall 2024, we launched a refresh of our Strategic Plan—originally developed in 2019 to guide us through 2030. With the world and our community evolving rapidly, it was important to reconnect with residents and reassess our goals. The result? While many of our focus areas remain the same, we’ve reshaped our priorities based on valuable input from the community. We also gained valuable insight into the community’s priorities for managing and supporting future growth. The updated Strategic Plan captures these insights and serves as a renewed roadmap for our future. I encourage you to review it—available on our website—and see how your voice helped shape our path forward.
One of the most exciting highlights of the year came in April 2025, when we broke ground on Phase I of the Saluda Shoals Riverwalk at the Upper Boat Ramp. This groundbreaking represents more than the start of a project—it marks the beginning of a long-envisioned transformation. For over 40 years, the Lower Saluda River Corridor Plan has called for a regional park (now Saluda Shoals Park) and a greenway trail alongside the river, ultimately connecting to the Three Rivers Greenway. We’re proud to see this vision coming to life. It’s a privilege to help make this project a reality for the community, and we’re thrilled to see construction officially begin. This progress is a testament to the dedication of our partners, community leaders, and everyone who has supported this initiative. We are truly grateful for your collaboration and can’t wait to celebrate the ribbon cutting together. Follow the Saluda Shoals Riverwalk development on our website and social media.
As we reflect on the past year and look ahead, I’m proud to share this report with our government leaders, stakeholders, and the public. None of this would be possible without the strength of our partnerships. Your support—in all its forms—continues to open doors and drive our mission forward. Thank you for believing in the power of parks, people, and community.
Best regards,
Mark A. Smyers
Executive Director
Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission
