OPINION: Great getaways can be easy for S.C. residents

With the economy in recovery mode and family finances strained, many folks are probably wondering where their next vacation will come from.
Fortunately for South Carolina residents, great getaways that are easy on the budget can be found at our 47 state parks.
Encompassing 80,000 acres from the mountains in the western part of the state to the beaches in the east, our state parks system is celebrating its 75th anniversary and offers every kind of outdoor fun imaginable. There’s camping, biking, boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, golf and even scuba.
Daily admission to the state parks starts at a dollar or two. Tent camping is inexpensive and cabins can be rented for as little as the cost of a hotel room.
Throughout the year, some state parks offer learning programs for all ages. There’s everything from learning about sea turtles at Myrtle Beach State Park to alligators at Hunting Island State Park to a bluegrass jam at Table Rock State Park.
Our state parks system is also great for youth, seniors and church group outings as well as family, school, military, fraternity and sorority reunions. And with 21 state parks having group meeting facilities, the state parks system is a good, economical choice for one day, weekend or weeklong company retreats.
With at least six locations offering wedding services, the natural beauty of our state parks system makes for a great setting for nuptials, rehearsal dinners and receptions.
When we visit one of our state parks, we get to see our tax dollars at work. New projects that have been or could be supported by that funding include:
— The building of wildlife viewing platforms at Huntington Beach State Park, which the parks system claims is one of the most popular birding destinations on the East Coast.
— The building of an observation deck along the Table Rock Trail at Table Rock State Park.
— The renovation of cabins at Camp Buckhorn at Paris Mountain State Park.
— The repainting of the lighthouse at Hunting Island State Park.
In a recent column at http://www.southcarolinaparks.com, state parks director Phil Gaines referred to a park superintendents conference held in Columbia in 1946. During that meeting, it was determined that the goal of recreation at state parks is to renew in mind, body and spirit from work or toil.
For 75 years, the state parks system has been accomplishing that. And in these trying economic times, the system is as beneficial as ever.

— Unsigned editorials represent the views of this newspaper. Editorial Board members are Mark Laskowski (regional publisher), James Bennett (interim regional editor), Sam Bundy (sports editor), Kimberly Ginfrida (news editor), David Johnson (regional circulation director), Charles Tomlinson (Lake City News & Post editor) and Jackie Torok (metro editor).