Tag: Tourism and Event Management

The annual Clemson Community Day of Play is now in its 12th year. Held Saturday, September 26, at Central-Clemson Recreation Center, the event brought families together for an afternoon of free fun, recreation and a chance to simply Go Play!

The U.S. Play Coalition launched the first Clemson Community Day of Play in 2015 as part of a collaboration with Nickelodeon’s annual Worldwide Day of Play. Led by the Coalition’s executive director, Stephanie Garst, and supported by Clemson University’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, the event was created to share the value of play with our hometown community.

To view photos from the event, visit the Clemson Community Day of Play photo gallery.

Making an Impact

Clemson Community Day of Play is focused on making a local impact by ensuring that children in our community have access to quality, no-cost play opportunities. We also recognize that children have different play-related needs, so the event includes a special sensory-friendly preview time. The session features reduced noise, quieter surroundings and lower stimulation so every child and family can play comfortably.

In partnership with the City of Clemson’s Parks and Recreation Department, Clemson University supports the annual celebration hosted at Nettles Park or the Clemson-Central Recreation Center. The city provides the venue while also promoting, supporting and helping staff the event. Planning and logistics are a collaborative effort, exemplifying the strong town-gown relationship between Clemson University and the City of Clemson.

Through service-learning opportunities, Clemson students play an active role in supporting the local community. Each year, an estimated 50 to 75 students volunteer from a variety of academic departments and groups, including student organizations, Greek Life, Student Athletic Development, Rally Cats, Clemson University Cheer, Tiger and Cubby, and others. Their involvement gives students a hands-on opportunity to serve local families and connect with the community.

Local resources for children and families are another important part of the Day of Play. Over the years, activities, demonstrations and information have been provided by Pickens County First Steps, Clemson Outdoor Lab, City of Clemson Arts Center, Trudel Music, Kuk Sool Won of Clemson, Cruz Outdoors, City of Clemson Police Department, Town of Central Police Department, Yoga Therapy Bar, Fit Techniques, The Parenting Place and more. These community partners help families discover local programs and services while sharing the resources they offer.

A Look Back at 2020

In 2020, the event looked different. Instead of gathering for inflatables, games, slime-making, crafts, photo ops, and other activities, we played it safe with our first virtual play day. We worked with our staff, partners at City of Clemson Parks and Recreation, and Clemson University student interns to create PLAY@HOME kits for area families. Each kit included supplies for slime-making, crafts, games, healthy snacks, and more. We also streamed live activities and encouraged everyone to “Get Up, Get Out and Go Play (@HOME)!”

Together, these partnerships create a welcoming day where children can play, families can connect, community organizations can showcase their programs and services, and Clemson students can gain meaningful service-learning experience.

Past Clemson Days of Play

Written by Stephanie Garst

Students are often intrigued by parks, recreation and tourism management because of its diverse curriculum – and graduate with confidence in their skills for a variety of careers. Recently, we caught up with Grace Lenning, a 2020 graduate from the Clemson University Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, to hear about what she’s been up to since finishing her degree. 

Let’s get to know Grace! 

Q: What was your concentration within the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management? 

A: Tourism and Event Management (formerly, Travel and Tourism) 

Q: Where did you work during your required internship?

A: I interned with Mill Community Ministries where I planned events and managed fundraising. After my required summer internship, I stayed with the organization for almost a year. 

Q: What has your career path looked like post-graduation?

A: Graduating at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic was very hard. I bounced around a lot in the beginning but was determined not to let COVID slow my momentum. I worked at the Inn at Patrick Square, sold insurance and managed events and marketing for a bar and restaurant before starting my job with TTi. 

Q: What is your current job?

A: I work for a company called Techtronic Industries in Charlotte, NC as a product coordinator for Hoover floor care. In my role, I participate in every aspect of new product launches – from development and engineering to marketing – and help maintain the quality and marketability of legacy products. 

Q: What are your job responsibilities? 

A: I work with engineers on both development and quality issues. I work with our brand and marketing teams to produce materials for our online retailers, in-store displays and to make sure products are showcased in a way that communicates their value to consumers. I also work with our finance and sales teams to track sales, pricing and costs of products. I wear a lot of hats in this role!

Q: How did your degree in PRTM prepare you for this position?

A: PRTM taught me how to think outside the box. I learned how experience economy can impact the consumer shopping experience and what that means for competitive marketing strategies in any given industry. This knowledge is invaluable in my current role, and I credit PRTM for preparing me to succeed through a diverse learning experience. 

Q: What advice would you give PRTM undergraduates today?

A: Life is wild and weird. Take challenges head on and take opportunities as they come. 

Q: Any final thoughts?

A: PRTM is one of the best, most versatile majors – enjoy it and GO TIGERS!