| The submissions went through a myriad of topics including recreation, courthouse revitalization, a pedestrian bridge, restoration of a farmer's market, county-wide fire service, etc. The focus of the winning entry was to "Organize a jail overcrowding committee that would develop a comprehensive approach to reduce the increase in jail over-crowding".
Aiken County's entry was titled "Saving the ORA". This project required the assistance of many cooperating agencies and the determination to save an important property for continued public use. The county not only saved a significant natural resource, which includes a 30 acre pond, but also solved numerous problems and created many new and lasting relationships that will provide future benefits to county citizens. Aiken County' newest park is now known as Boyd Pond Park.
The J. Mitchell Graham competition shows how other counties form partnerships, resolve critical issues, create opportunities and shape their communities' future. This competition showcases innovative, progressive solutions to common community concerns and inspires take-home application. The J. Mitchell Graham Award was established in memory of past SCAC President and Charleston County Council Chairman J. Mitchell Graham to recognize outstanding excellence in governmental performance.
Counties participating were: Aiken County, Anderson County, Berkley County, Charleston County, Colleton County, Dorchester County, Fairfield County, Jasper County, Lexington County, Oconee County, Orangeburg County and Richland County.
Aiken County won the J. Mitchell Graham Competition twice (1986 & 1998) since its beginning in 1973.
Clay Killian, Aiken County Administrator, introduced Brian Sanders, Director of PRT, who made the wonderful presentation. Video scheduling and supervision was done by Chris Ceasar, Public Information Officer.
View the Boyd Pond Park video
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