Charleston County Parks receives Quality of Life Grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation for Beach Wheelchairs

[CHARLESTON COUNTY] – The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) is proud to announce that it has been awarded $24,590 as part of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) 2023 Direct Effect 2nd Cycle Quality of Life grants. Through this grant, Charleston County Parks was able to purchase 10 TerraWheels Beach Wheelchairs for use at Isle of Palms County Park, Folly Beach County Park, Kiawah Beachwalker Park, and the Folly Beach Pier.

Fifty-nine grants totaling $1,271,125 were awarded. The Quality of Life Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis. Since the Quality of Life Grants Program’s inception, more than 3,770 grants totaling $43 million have been awarded. Funding for this program was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living (ACL grant #90PRRC0006-03-01). The Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center has several grants under the Quality of Life program awarding grants in different category areas, varying in different amounts. The Direct Effect grants program funds organizations to support a wide range of projects and activities that will impact individuals living with paralysis and their families.

“These awards are about restoring independence to our constituents,” said Dan McNeal, Director of, the Quality of Life Grants Program, Reeve Foundation. “Our work and number one goal are to enhance the quality of life of people living with paralysis. It is our honor to continue to collaborate with so many dedicated organizations, which have selflessly given their time and efforts to ensure that accessibility and inclusivity remain embedded in the fabric of their programs.”

“CCPRC is thrilled to have received a Quality of Life Grant from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. We look forward to the improved service this grant will enable us to provide via 10 new beach wheelchairs at the four ocean access parks we operate,” said Steve Hutton, CCPRC’s director of recreation and ADA coordinator. “Improving accessibility throughout our system is one of our core values, and the addition of these new beach wheelchairs will greatly help us achieve our goals and better serve our visitors who experience challenges when it comes to accessing beaches and other recreation areas.”

The beach wheelchairs are available for public use on a first-come, first-serve basis at Isle of Palms County Park, Folly Beach County Park, the Folly Beach Pier, and Kiawah Beachwalker Park during regular park hours. Please visit the park office upon arrival to check out a wheelchair. Reservations are not available for the chairs, but you may call the park office in advance to check availability. For more information, visit Charleston County Parks’ accessibility webpage at www.ccprc.com/ADA. For hours and contact information for the parks, please visit CharlestonCountyParks.com.  

About the Reeve Foundation:

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. By uniting the brightest minds in the field, we are working tirelessly to accelerate scientific discoveries across the field of spinal cord research by investing in labs across the globe. Additionally, through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living, the Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) promotes the health, well-being, and independence of people living with paralysis, providing comprehensive information, resources, and referral services assisting over 100,000 individuals and families since its launch in 2002. The Reeve Foundation is committed to elevating our community’s voices and needs to achieve greater representation and independence. We meet all 20 of the Better Business Bureau’s standards for charity accountability and hold the BBB’s Charity Seal.  For more information, please visit  www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292.

About CCPRC:

The mission of CCPRC is to improve the quality of life in Charleston County by offering a diverse system of park facilities, programs and services. The large park system features over 11,000 acres of property and includes six regional parks, three beach parks, four seasonally-lifeguarded beach areas, three dog parks, two landmark fishing piers, three waterparks, 19 boat landings, a skate park, a historic plantation site, a climbing wall, a challenge course, an interpretive center, an equestrian center, cottages, a campground, a marina, as well as wedding, meeting and event facilities. CCPRC also offers a wide variety of recreational services – festivals, camps, classes, programs, and much more. For more information on CCPRC, call 843-795-4386 or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com.

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