The South Carolina Recreation and Parks Association awarded Rock Hill Mayor Doug Echols its highest honor, the SCRPA Robert L. Reid Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame Award. The award recognizes lifetime achievement in the parks and recreation profession by an individual who promotes the profession through presentations; writings; and service in the community, state and nation.
The American Shore and Beach Preservation Association named Seabrook Island one the nation's best restored beaches of 2016. Seabrook Island was one of six winners chosen from the west, east and the Gulf coasts. Beach restoration is the process of placing beach-quality sand on beaches to address erosion for purposes of storm protection, habitat restoration and recreation.
The City of Greenwood received a four-bloom rating out of a possible five blooms from America in Bloom, a beautification nonprofit. Greenwood also received an outstanding achievement award for floral displays and special recognition for community involvement efforts.
The City of Columbia Solid Waste Division was recognized for its conversion from 18-gallon bins to 95-gallon roll carts. The state chapter of the American Public Works Association awarded the division Project of the Year for the environment category, and the National Recycling Coalition gave it an honorable mention for Outstanding Community or Government Program.