ROCK HILL, S.C. – The City of Rock Hill’s Parks, Recreation & Tourism (PRT) Department is closing out the year with significant accolades, having recently secured two major awards that highlight the city’s dual success in driving economic growth and fostering community inclusivity.
The department has been recognized on both a national and state level, receiving the 2025 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism Award and the 2025 Programming Excellence Award.
A National Leader in Sports Tourism
Sports Destinations International honored Rock Hill with the 2025 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism Award in the Small Market category. This national distinction recognizes the city’s successful hosting of the 2025 NBPA Top 100 Camp, held this past June at the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center.
The prestigious basketball camp brought elite talent to the area and delivered a massive boost to the local economy. According to city data, the event generated an estimated $2.3 million in direct economic impact. Furthermore, it accounted for 5,205 hotel room nights, underscoring Rock Hill’s growing reputation as a premier destination for high-profile sporting events.
Excellence in Inclusive Programming
On the state level, the South Carolina Recreation & Parks Association (SCRPA) presented the department with the 2025 Programming Excellence Award for populations over 30,000. Presented at the association’s annual awards luncheon, this honor specifically recognizes the outstanding work being done at Miracle Park.
The SCRPA highlighted the park’s commitment to inclusive offerings that serve residents of all abilities. The award cited the high number of participants served, the strong network of partners and volunteers involved, and the tangible, meaningful benefits the programming brings to the Rock Hill community.
These awards reflect a banner year for Rock Hill PRT, showcasing a strategy that successfully balances large-scale economic drivers with community-focused quality of life initiatives.
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