YMCA of Greenville opens its new Duke Energy Outdoor Classroom to build public awareness of and participation in environmental stewardship
October 24, 2017
New space is the only urban waterways project awarded a grant by Duke Energy Water Resources Fund
YMCA of Greenville officially opened its new Duke Energy Outdoor Classroom at its Caine Halter Family branch today as an initiative under its social responsibility pillar to help educate the community on the effects urbanization has on our waterways. The outdoor classroom, which was made possible by an $80,075 grant given by Duke Energy’s Water Resources Fund in May, sits on almost three acres of land on the banks of the Reedy River adjacent to the Swamp Rabbit Trail and will serve more than 19,000 Y and community members annually in environmental education programs related to water quality and environmental stewardship.
The Duke Energy Outdoor Classroom is one element of a $1.3 million campus-wide master plan at the Caine Halter Family YMCA branch developed in collaboration with Friends of the Reedy River to improve ecological sustainability of the lands along and adjacent to the iconic waterway. The space includes one large granite council ring and two smaller ones to serve as gathering areas under the tree canopy for environmental education training. Additionally, three different science stations are built that will deliver messages about river ecology. Community partners, such as Friends of the Reedy River, Trees Greenville, Clemson Cooperative Extension Service, Roper Mountain Science Center, Greenville County Schools, and others, will also utilize the space to educate their constituents.
“What started as a seed of an idea has now become a beautiful reality thanks to the thoughtful investment Duke Energy has made in our community and the collaborative relationship we have with Friends of the Reedy River,” said Jamie Inman, chief mission advancement officer, YMCA of Greenville. “By providing better access and environmental education, our community members can engage with the river, furthering their understanding of the impact urbanization has on waterways and what their role is in it.”
“Duke Energy is committed to protecting and restoring the rivers and waterways that are valuable resources for our communities and the regional economy,” said Kodwo Ghartey-Tagoe, state president of South Carolina for Duke Energy. “We are thankful for our partnership with YMCA of Greenville and the impact this grant will have in the Upstate of South Carolina.”
About the YMCA of Greenville SC
The YMCA of Greenville is, and always will be, dedicated to building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults, families, and communities. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves Greenville’s health and well-being and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Begun in 1876, the Y serves more than 70,000 people annually through programs that include Afterschool, Resident Camp and Day Camp, Aquatics, Youth and Adult Sports, and Health and Wellness. Programs are offered through four family branches, as well as the Verdae YMCA, Y Camp Greenville, Judson Community Center, the Adams Mill Program Center and Hollingsworth Outdoor Center. The Y is also home to Y Teen Services and the SC Youth in Government program.
For more information about the YMCA of Greenville, visit ymcagreenville.org, or call
(864) 412-0288.
