S.C. State Parks Bring in Record Revenue

wooden boardwalk through wooded park

The S.C. State Park Service ended the 2014-2015 fiscal year generating the most revenue in its 81-year history with $26.9 million dollars. This is a $3 million increase from the previous year. In a release from the park service, budget officials say the increase is due to many factors, such as an improving economy, declining gas prices, and good weather.

With the increase in revenue, the park service operations became 94% self-sufficient with a goal for complete self-sufficiency in the near future. Duane Parrish, director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, which oversees the Park Service, said, "we are committed to continuously seeking and implementing practices that help us reach our goals. And we are proud that our hard work thus far is literally paying off. We are looking forward to many more years of growth."

The Park Service has recently upgraded cabins, added new attractions, and offered special programs throughout many of their facilities.

To learn more about the parks S.C. offers, visit the State Park website.