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Winter 2002 News


What's New with the Friends

Renovation of Bathhouse
Aquatic Ecology
Trails
President's Update
From the new Park Manager
Winning the Conservation Award
Friends Day

Renovation of Lake Placid Bathhouse Update

The Paris Mt. State Park Friends entertained donors to their Bathhouse Renovation Project on Friday, Nov. 9 at the old CCC-constructed bathhouse. The old building was all decked out in lights for a romantic autumn evening bringing back fond memories for many of the guests of their youth when they spent many pleasant days at the park. Wine, music, and food, prepared by Friends volunteers and the Phoenix Inn, were enjoyed by all.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation by Friends' President Mary Lou Jones to park manager Ty Houck of a check for $50,120.  This money has been raised by volunteers in the last few months for the renovation project.  Volunteer architect Jim Hambright was introduced as well as volunteer fundraiser Jenell Vassy, who raised half of the funds.  The newly renovated building will be named the Park Center and will be used for education programs, civic meetings and park offices.

However, for this to really happen, it will still take additional funds from the public. The State Parks have a tax exempt fund to accept donations. If you would like make a donation that goes 100% to this project, please make check payable to The Green Fund,  for Paris Mt. Bathhouse Renovation and mail to:  
Paris Mt. State Park
2401 State Park Road
Greenville, SC 29609

Aquatic Ecology Class Still Getting Wet

The Aquatic Ecology program was presented for 5th graders at Paris Elementary and Gateway Elementary this spring and fall. Wearing boots bought with Friends funds, they sampled the stream and lake waters, comparing temperature, pH and macro-organisms. We then went back to our "lab" and inspected our catch under the new video microscope system purchased by Leadership Greenville funds.

This year the program will be continuing and we need Volunteers for the Aquatic Ecology and the new Forest Ecology program for fifth graders.

You will be trained for the job and will take charge of a class when you feel ready. Park staff is friendly and provides much needed support with most teaching being done by volunteers. We have fun in nature together. The rewards are expressed in fifth graders’ faces and by teachers who feel this is the best field trip their class has ever experienced. If you like being outdoors and like to work with enthusiastic students, you will love this assignment.

Trails & More

Our Trail Maintenance Day was held on 20 October.  Thanks to the volunteers that worked to repair a section of the Sulphur Springs trail and those who hit the trails to practice their trimming techniques.  We had the added benefit of a professional trail builder, courtesy of the National Park System.  Thanks to Wayne Bower for his work directing the trail maintenance group.


Our 2nd Arbor Day Celebration was held on Sat, Dec 1 at Sulphur Springs.  Dampness keep the group small, but we enjoyed a presentation by Linda Sisson and Ty Houck.  

 

President's Letter from Mary Lou Jones

Our emotions have run the gamut this fall. The Sept. 11 disaster brought families together and on weekends the park has been full to the brim. However, the insecurity people felt did not cause them to hesitate when we asked for contributions to the bathhouse renovation fund. In a matter of four months, we raised $50,120, which was presented to Ty from our Friends group on November 9.

We are especially grateful to Jenell Vassy and PRT's Lou Fontana for grants they wrote and to Maryann Abbott for her fundraising feats. PRT is able to advance us $20,000 on a five-year Mikel grant they optioned for our project, so in essence, we now have $70,000 in our Green Fund! Our architect, Jim Hambright, is getting the project rolling and reviewed the renovation process at our annual meeting on Jan. 26.

We will continue fund raising and are also looking for in-kind donations of electrical, plumbing and carpentry work. Please call the park if you have suggestions of folks we should contact.

Special thanks to all our volunteer teachers and trail workers over the last two years. Your work has won for our group the coveted South Carolina Wildlife Federation Conservation Award for Outdoor Ethics. Together we are making a difference in the park and in lives of school children and nature lovers.

What a legacy!  Mary Lou Jones

Friends Day Coming up on 27 April 2002

This will be our 3rd Annual Friends Day on Saturday, April 27, 2001.  Last year we had over 1200 people enjoy the variety of activities and just being out in the Park.  Debbie Fowler will be chairwoman of the event.  There are still a few jobs open for those that would like to help and have a great time helping the public enjoy the park. 

News from the "New" Park Manager:

  I put the word new in quotations because everyone in the Friends group made be feel right at home from the day the moving truck arrived, from Sally Nicholson giving me a classic stove, to Janell Vassy's famous bread, to the fatting yet festive Christmas parties, to Tom Dudley keeping me in shape. It is truly inspiring as a Park Manager to work in a community that is so dedicated to polishing the jewel that is Paris Mountain State Park.

  Paul McCormack told me that I would have to hit the ground running and I like it that way. Since my arrival the park has grown from 1275 acres to 1540 acres. We have had over 600 students learn about the pristine and fragile ecosystem that is Paris Mountain. We have outlined our goals and directions for developing more trails for people to appreciate the green in Greenville. We have implemented the first phase of a park wide comprehensive recycling plan, and that is only the highlights.

  The most exciting thing that has happened since I have arrived is that my girlfriend, Erin Schofield, said "Yes" when I asked her to marry me on Dec 4. While both of us originate from other states this is now our home and we will start our lives together when we wed here on September 7th.  Oh, yeah I am also going as an ambassador for the Upstate to Hong Kong for a month but did I mention that I am GETTING MARRIED!!!!

  THANKS!
    Ty Houck, PMSP Manager

PMSP Friends receive recognition with Conservation Award.

Congratulations to all volunteers who have helped with Aquatic Ecology, fundraising for the new Park Center renovation, Arbor Day or Trail Day.  Your work has earned our Friends group one of the most prestigious awards of our state: the 2001 "South Carolina Wildlife Federation Conservation Award for Outdoor Ethics". 
Susan Young & Mary Lou Jones
Mary Lou and Lewis Jones were in Charleston at Middleton Place Gardens on January 19 to receive the award on behalf of our hard working group.  Many thanks to Aquatic Ecology volunteer Susan Young for nominating us for this award.  It will be displayed in the new Park Center. 

Way to go, volunteers!
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