Charleston’s Parks Crew Brings Joy and Laughter with Viral Dance Video
In the heart of beautiful Charleston, a group of dedicated city park employees has found a unique way to spread joy and camaraderie while showcasing their hard work. Dontez Wright Jr., Marquell Glover, Phillip Hamilton Jr., Antonio Smalls, and Deborah Crites, who make up part of the Charleston Grounds Maintenance team, recently took to social media to share a delightful, music-filled video that has captured the hearts of many.
A Dance in the Park
On October 3, 2024, amidst the allure of a bright sunny day, these park aficionados filmed a lively music video at Hampton Park. Dontez, who leads the groundskeeping crew, eagerly suggested using Vanessa Carlton’s 2002 classic, “A Thousand Miles.” The song’s iconic opening line, “Makin’ my way downtown,” resonated deeply with the crew, reflecting their daily hustle under the sweltering Lowcountry sun as they work to keep Charleston’s 120 parks and over 2,000 acres of public spaces looking pristine.
Hard Work with a Fun Twist
The crew not only cuts grass and paints park benches but also brings a little flair to their hardworking lives. With tools in hand, they were seen shimmying and shaking on camera, showing off their dance moves while raking leaves and wielding leaf blowers. “It wasn’t perfect, but we didn’t care. We just wanted to have fun!” chuckled Philip, who playfully winked at the camera during his solo.
The video made its debut on the city’s Instagram account on September 26, just a few days after the city of Greenville shared a similar video featuring their litter crew. Both videos emerged from a spirit of friendly competition, and Charleston’s submission aimed to lift spirits following devastating weather events that affected the Upstate.
Thousands of Likes and Shares
Since its release, the Charleston dance video has resonated with many, garnering over 18,000 likes and being shared more than 12,000 times—an impressive feat for the city’s efforts on social media. One enthusiastic follower commented, “This is gold!” attesting to the lighthearted energy the crew brought to a challenging time. The video has become a beacon of positivity that many in the community have rallied behind.
A Show of Solidarity
As the Charleston crew created laughter, they also expressed heartfelt wishes for their neighbors in Greenville who were heavily impacted by recent storms. “We send our best wishes and prayers,” Glover said. The city’s response included sending firefighters to assist with rescue efforts and numerous police officers aiding communities in North Carolina, additionally hosting donation drives to help those in need until October 11.
Community at Heart
The five-member crew shared that their dedication to maintaining beautiful parks in Charleston stems from the appreciation and support of locals and tourists alike. “It’s rewarding to take care of these spaces, and we’re glad people enjoy them,” Glover remarked. They collaboratively emphasized that despite the endless physical labor, moments like these bring levity and joy into their day-to-day responsibilities.
Keep Smiling, Charleston!
It’s clear that while these city workers might be sweating away in the sun, their camaraderie and creativity will continue to bring smiles not just to each other, but to everyone who enjoys the fruits of their labor. The blend of hard work and fun is a testament to the community spirit that defines Charleston.
So, next time you stroll through one of Charleston’s parks, take a moment to appreciate the behind-the-scenes efforts that keep them beautiful, and maybe even join in the fun—who knows what dance moves you might discover!
