News Summary
The South Carolina state parks department is set to improve internet connectivity across its parks by investing in high-speed fiber optic installations, starting with Lake Greenwood State Park. This initiative aims to increase accessibility for visitors, as only 15 out of 48 parks currently offer free Wi-Fi. The project is crucial for ensuring reliable communication and enhancing visitor experiences in line with modern expectations in outdoor recreation.
Columbia, South Carolina – The South Carolina state parks department is moving forward with plans to evaluate and potentially enhance internet connectivity across its parks, focusing on high-speed fiber optic cable installations. This initiative, detailed by department representatives, is aimed at improving internet accessibility for visitors and supporting digital services in an era where connectivity is increasingly important.
Currently, only 15 out of the 48 state parks in South Carolina provide free Wi-Fi to their visitors. In a bid to increase this number, Lake Greenwood State Park has been identified as the first site for these much-needed upgrades. The plan includes nearly $100,000 in investments for high-speed internet installation at the park, with execution partnered by the internet provider Upcountry Fiber.
Free Wi-Fi access is already available in specific areas of Lake Greenwood State Park, including the park’s office area and the Drummond Center event space. However, plans for extending these services to other parks are still in the evaluation phase, and no definitive list of additional locations for connectivity improvements has yet been released.
Need for Enhanced Connectivity
The increasing demand for faster and more reliable internet services in state parks is driven by a noticeable surge in visitor attendance over recent years. This spike was highlighted in a recent request for state funding aimed at boosting the parks’ technological capabilities. Enhanced connectivity is considered essential, not only for providing visitors with immediate travel-related information but also for ensuring park employees can maintain communication, particularly in emergency situations.
Budget Considerations
In the current fiscal year, state funding allocated $200,000 for improving IT systems within state parks. However, it is important to note that no part of this budget has been earmarked for immediate technology upgrades. The details on when these high-speed internet installations will take place remain uncertain, as ongoing evaluations may lead to staggered implementations based on park needs and budget availability.
Continuous Improvement in Visitor Services
The initiative is part of a broader strategy by the South Carolina state parks department to enhance visitor experiences. By upgrading internet services, they’re aligning with modern expectations where digital connectivity plays a crucial role in outdoor recreation. The improvement efforts represent a commitment to ensuring that parks remain relevant and accessible to the evolving needs of the public.
As evaluations continue to establish which parks will benefit next from high-speed internet connectivity, stakeholders in the state parks department remain focused on creating a fully connected experience for both visitors and the staff responsible for maintaining safety and information dissemination in these natural settings. The successful installation of fiber-optic cables at Lake Greenwood State Park will serve as a crucial first step in this significant upgrade to South Carolina’s state parks.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lake Greenwood State Park to Improve Internet Services
Additional Resources
- Your Island News
- Wikipedia: South Carolina State Parks
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: State Park
- Greenville Online
- Google News: South Carolina State Parks
Author: HERE Greenwood
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