Chester State Park will add a Welcome Booth thanks to a Lutz Foundation grant

Chester, S.C. - Thanks to a $30,000 grant from the Lutz Foundation, Chester State Park will add a Welcome Booth to the main entrance. As the park celebrates 90 years of service, this addition creates a new visitor touchpoint to provide a warm welcome and up-to-date park information upon entry.

"The Welcome Booth is going to improve our access to greet visitors, share information, answer questions, and help start their experience on the right foot," said Zach Setzer, Park Manager. "The new structure will be staffed by Rangers and park volunteers. It will function in tandem with our existing Park Ranger Station, allowing us to streamline operations to increase efficiency, safety, and compliance with park regulations. We are grateful to the Lutz Foundation for funding this project that will create a better experience for both our visitors and our staff."

The 6' x 6' Welcome Booth will be installed along the main entrance road near the park office. During the project, the road will be widened to make room for vehicle traffic. It is anticipated to open later this year.

The C. Herbert and Anna E. Lutz Foundation is a Chester, South Carolina, family foundation that has awarded more than $8 million since it was established in the 1990s to support education, community, health, and welfare. Their support of Chester State Park has been transformative, funding the park's hike-in campsites, upscale picnic pads, camper cabins, a playground, a disc golf course, and more. These improvements, along with many others made possible through the Lutz Foundation's support, have helped raise the park's profile in the community and statewide.

Chester State Park has been a local favorite for camping, outdoor recreation, family gatherings, picnicking, fishing, and more since it opened in the 1930s. The park has earned its reputation as a hidden gem and serene escape conveniently located between Columbia and Charlotte.

###