Come Out and Play!
Phil Gaines, Director, SC State Parks Service 
When I was growing up, I loved to hear my cousin’s voice at the door asking my mother “Can Phillip come out and play?” If the answer was yes, it meant a day in the woods behind our house, walks in the creek or a bike ride to the top of the hill, exploring and discovering lands that surely no one had ever seen before.
Well, times change.
Now I’m just Phil and the phrase “come and play” is used far too little in our fast-paced world. So just for a minute, concentrate on that simple little phrase and think back to a time when the world seemed to spin just a little slower, to that special memory of your childhood, or a time with your family that makes you smile or even chuckle. It’s time to make some new memories and I have just the excuse you’ll need…a party!
It’s a celebration! It’s your State Parks' 75th anniversary and you’re invited to “come out and play!"
Celebrating 75 Years of SC State Parks
Back when Franklin D. Roosevelt was president and the cost of gas was 10 cents, 16 state parks were created and built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. These were places that reflected the diversity and charter of our state.
Today there are 47 State Parks just waiting for you and your family to explore the wonders of the Palmetto State and to a make a memory. We’re already making plans for your visit!
How about a picnic, perhaps a walk in the woods on one of the many trails in state parks? Whether it’s around the lake, over the marsh or even to the top of Table Rock Mountain, there’s a walk for you.
Festivals, Music, Art and More
There will be festivals, music, art shows, and the thundering sounds of cannon fire at Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site. There will even be the deafening sound of quiet by a warm campfire under a blanket of stars at Jones Gap State Park.
There will be laughter that you’ll never forget and feelings that only you will understand. Experiences that will last a lifetime and memories that will be shared for generations, is what you will find in your South Carolina State Parks during this celebration.
Special Memories Last a Lifetime
Just for a minute, see if you can recall a special memory you’ve experienced at a state park in the past. For me, there are so many. I hope to share a few of them with you in the months to come.
Who remembers square dances at Oconee and Table Rock State Parks? A campfire with your mom or dad and the conversation you shared after everyone else had gone to sleep? Remember walking to the top of the lighthouse at Hunting Island State park or the first fish you caught? So many memories. If you don’t have one, have we got a year planned for you!
It’s time for a celebration, time to make some memories, time to experience your parks, time to have some fun. It’s time to…
Come Out and Play!
See you in a state park,
Phil Gaines, Director
SC State Park Service