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Simpsonville Today
By the People, for the People
Simpsonville parks get new safety upgrades after Connor Shaw's scare
Nonprofit founded by former NFL quarterback partners with city to add AEDs, CPR training for youth coaches
Jan. 31, 2026 at 1:55am
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Simpsonville's parks are getting safer as Connor Shaw's nonprofit HRTHUDL partners with Simpsonville Parks and Recreation to add automated external defibrillators (AEDs), train all youth coaches in CPR, and work toward equipping police cars with lifesaving equipment. Families using Heritage Park, Gracely Park, and other fields will see the new tools and training, plus options to join CPR classes and support the effort regionally.
Why it matters
The move comes after a scare involving former NFL quarterback Connor Shaw, who suffered sudden cardiac arrest while coaching youth football in Simpsonville. The new safety measures aim to prevent similar incidents and ensure quick emergency response if someone experiences a medical emergency at the city's parks and recreation facilities.
The details
HRTHUDL, the nonprofit founded by Connor Shaw, is working with Simpsonville Parks and Recreation to install AEDs at all city parks and recreation facilities. The organization is also providing CPR training for all youth sports coaches in the area. Additionally, the city is working to equip its police vehicles with AEDs so officers can respond quickly to any medical emergencies.
- In January 2026, Connor Shaw suffered sudden cardiac arrest while coaching youth football in Simpsonville.
- The new safety upgrades and training programs are being implemented in the months following Shaw's incident.
The players
Connor Shaw
A former NFL quarterback who suffered sudden cardiac arrest while coaching youth football in Simpsonville, prompting the new safety initiatives.
HRTHUDL
A nonprofit organization founded by Connor Shaw to promote heart health and emergency preparedness.
Simpsonville Parks and Recreation
The city department partnering with HRTHUDL to implement the new safety measures at Simpsonville's parks and recreation facilities.
What they’re saying
“We must do everything we can to ensure the safety of our community members, especially our children, when they are using our parks and recreation facilities.”
— Connor Shaw, Founder, HRTHUDL
What’s next
The city of Simpsonville and HRTHUDL plan to continue working together to expand the AED program and CPR training initiatives to all city parks and recreation facilities in the coming months.
The takeaway
The new safety upgrades at Simpsonville's parks, spearheaded by Connor Shaw's nonprofit, demonstrate the community's commitment to prioritizing public health and emergency preparedness. These measures could serve as a model for other cities looking to enhance safety at their own parks and recreation areas.
