![]( "S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Executive Director Duane Parrish; Hampton County Council Chair Shedron Williams; PRT Regional Director Paul McCormack; Representative Bill Bowers; Olivia Harter Young, member of the S.C. Tourism Expenditure Review Committee; Dr. Roy Hollingsworth, and State Park Director Phil Gaines. Photo by Noah Letter,Ranger Noah Letter, resident superintendent at LWSP")
S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Executive Director Duane Parrish; Hampton County Council Chair Shedron Williams; PRT Regional Director Paul McCormack; Representative Bill Bowers; Olivia Harter Young, member of the S.C. Tourism Expenditure Review Committee; Dr. Roy Hollingsworth, and State Park Director Phil Gaines. Photo by Noah Letter,Ranger Noah Letter, resident superintendent at LWSP
Making Lake Warren State Park a destination for visitors and tourists was the purpose of a recent meeting by Representative Bill Bowers with several of the top officials of the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism (PRT) at the state park.
The group also visited and discussed the possibility of PRT acquiring the adjoining property owned by the Hampton County Land Trust (HCLT). The HCLT property contains high land that is said to be essential for the transformation of LWSP into a full-service destination park.
Such a full-service park would enhance the level of awareness of Hampton County and draw more attention from investors resulting in new jobs and opportunities for local residents. Across the nation, there is a correlation between new job investment and public access to public lands and recreational opportunities.
The visit resulted from Representative Bill Bowers’ budget request for a state appropriation to pay for the expansion of the park by purchasing the adjoining property. The Hampton County Land Trust was initially created and funded for the purpose of acquiring its property in order to protect the future possibilities of LWSP.
Representative Bowers now says it’s now time to proceed by having the state purchase the HCLT property, improve the park and return money to the residents of Hampton County. It’s a win-win opportunity for all.
The future of Hampton County depends upon attracting new business investment by showcasing the outdoor recreational opportunities that make Hampton County a great place to live work, and play. Turning LWSP into a destination revenue-producing park is an essential step in the right direction.