Municipal Association of South Carolina Honors Goose Creek With Achievement Award

Many adults with disabilities face decreasing opportunities for recreation, socialization and community after they age out of youth services. The City of Goose Creek established its Therapeutic Recreation Division as a dedicated branch of the Recreation Department to address this gap, building on the work of the Social Squad, an existing, volunteer-led club. In two years, the city’s allocation of staff and facilities allowed the division to nearly quadruple its programming, allowing participants of all ages and abilities to be welcomed and celebrated. 

Because no two participants or programs are the same, staff rely on ongoing input from those with disabilities as well as educators, parents and caregivers to drive the program’s direction. City funding allowed for the hiring of a therapeutic recreation coordinator and the delivery of consistent, valuable programming, while the city has kept registration costs low to ensure accessibility. Sponsorships and local business partnerships have supported the program as it has grown, while collaborations with schools and volunteers have helped build meaningful relationships between the disability community and the broader public.  

The city encourages and supports neighboring municipalities with similar efforts through mentorship and resources. It promotes inclusive employment through job opportunities within the division, with plans to expand to other departments. Inspired by the city’s “Creek Rising” slogan, staff created a “We All Rise” campaign, alongside its development of Central Creek Park — Berkley County’s first fully accessible and inclusive park — to highlight the culture of recognizing and embracing community members of all abilities.