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                South Carolina state parks are booming in a down economy.

                State park service numbers show they finished this past fiscal year with their second highest revenues ever.

                Senior Ranger Kurtis Stukes at Sesqui-Centennial State Park in Northeast Richland County says it’s because people are choosing to stay closer to home.      

                "The more they stay home; they are starting to utilize more resources that we have that are right around us. They don’t have to go as far to get the added benefits that you would go across the country to see some place. You can see the same things here,” says Stukes.

               Bicyclist and Columbia resident Dow Hammond, calls the park his quick escape.

               "I live downtown and it's nice to get away sometimes,” says Hammond.

               Nature lover and Irmo resident, Melanie Mheruder says not only is it convenient, you can’t beat the prices.
 
               "For five dollars to come out here and rent a canoe...that's not bad," says Mheruder.

               And it only costs two bucks to get in.

               That buys you access to the park’s 30-acre lake…all the trails and picnic areas.

               There’s also a playground for the kids and a dog park for your furry friends.

               "This place is a place that, you know...we like to call home. It's here in the middle of Columbia. If you want to get out of your house and enjoy yourself in a relaxing place, this is the environment for it," says Stukes.