Columbia – Hundreds of new picnic tables were placed in South Carolina state parks this spring under an ambitious community
service project called “600 in 60,” which brought together a private company, a state agency and a civic organization in support of parks. Using lumber donated by Orangeburg-based Cox Industries, Inc., and labor from scout organizations across the state, the project provided 600 new picnic tables to state parks in the short time of 60 days in March and April. The effort is valued at more than $100,000.
“This is how public-private partnerships are supposed to work,” said Governor Nikki R. Haley during an official announcement today at the State House acknowledging the contributions of Cox Industries and Boy Scouts. “We have a corporate partner committed to community service, a state agency with specific needs and a volunteer organization ready to help. It is an ideal collaboration that works for everyone involved.”
More than 2,000 cub scouts and boy scouts spent weekends assembling the tables provided by Cox Industries, nailing together pre-drilled and pre-cut lumber, and leaving the finished products at picnic grounds and other venues at state parks. Thirty two state parks in South Carolina received tables.
“These kids did some mighty heavy lifting,” said Duane Parrish, Director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism. “Not only did they spend hours working on this project, they provided tangible gifts to state parks that are often taken for granted.”
The idea came from Michael Johnson, President and CEO of Cox Industries, an Eagle Scout himself who has a deep appreciation for state parks and scouting programs.“This project was originally simply a way to get the young people and adults, associated with youth programs like Scouting, to recognize all South Carolina has to offer,” he said. “Today, I wish more of our young people spoke of the State Parks with the same excitement as they do video games or theme parks. We have these incredible assets right here in our very own communities.”
His company provided all of the material needed for the tables – including lumber, nuts, bolts and screws – and shipped them to supply stores or lumber yards near state parks. The Park Service worked closely with scout councils around the state to schedule “assembling dates” throughout March and April. The volunteer children ranged in age from 7 to 18, and represented troops and packs from Spartanburg and Greenville to Walterboro and Aiken. Each scout who completed a table was given an official patch designed specifically for 600 in 60 by the Boy Scouts of America.
“We were proud to be a part of this impressive project because it fits well with the timeless values and core principles of scouting,” said Doug Stone, Scout Executive and CEO of the Indian Waters Council, the BSA council that represents organizations in the Midlands.
The last of the picnic tables will be built April 27 at several state parks throughout South Carolina.
For more information about 600 in 60, contact Keith Harris at kharris@coxwood.com or 803-928-5096.
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