NATURE PRESERVES AND NATURAL RESOURCES
National Turn Off TV Week: April 20-26 is National Turn off TV week and staff at all three nature centers have scheduled a full week of free family programs. Families can enjoy night hikes, family game nights, fishing, and family campfire programs. Turn it off and get outside! Contact any nature center for more information.
The 16th Annual Rural Hill Scottish Festival and Loch Norman Highland Games: The games return this weekend to Rural Hill Nature Preserve. Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and 19, the gates will open at 8 a.m. New for 2009 will be a Celtic Music Concert and Jam beginning at 6:30 p.m. For the complete, fun-filled schedule of events for the whole family, visit: www.ruralhill.net or www.ruralhillscottishfestivals.net.
COMMUNITY AND RECREATION CENTER SERVICES
Earth Day at Bette Rae Thomas: BRT Recreation Center will be holding an Earth Day Awareness Exhibit on April 22 from 12 – 7 p.m. The exhibit will provide information on recycling, going green, saving energy, organic vs. regular foods, plastic vs. paper, proper waste disposal and environmental saving tips, as well as learning about the history of Earth Day. Patrons can watch or participate in the planting of BRT's Earth Day tree.
Arbor Glen Outreach Center Indoor FUN Soccer League: Arbor Glen Outreach Center is beginning its second annual Indoor FUN Soccer League this weekend. Arbor Glen and Southview have 40 kids participating in this 4-9 year old league. The goal for this league is instruction and having fun. Games will run through June 6.
Family Fun Day at Southview Recreation Center: New Birth Church and City Dive, Inc. hosted a FAMILY FUN DAY, Saturday, April 11 at Southview Recreation Center. Over 500 community residents attended. There was music, games, manicures, haircuts, food and fun for all ages. Clothes, furniture, and appliances were given away.
521 Power Girls: The 521 Power Girls attended their first 45th Annual Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Cotillion on Saturday, April 11 at UNC Charlotte. They looked beautiful in their exquisite gowns and formal dresses. They had the opportunity to see what "debuting" in style is really like. The event had 44 young women that had to present their ball dance with escorts, a father/daughter dance and special presentations. The teens said they looked forward to participating when they become high school seniors. A mother/daughter brunch is scheduled for Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and the next field trip will be white water rafting. Please join us at 521 if you are a young woman age 11 to 16, every 2nd and 4th Saturday. For more information, call the 521 Recreation Center at 704-540-2426.
Albermarle Road Recreation Center’s Easter Egg Hunt: The Easter bunny surprised over 60 children with Easter Baskets filled to the brim at the Albemarle Road Recreation Center's Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 11. Each child had their picture taken with the Easter Bunny, who happened to be a volunteer from the senior’s Club at Albemarle Road Recreation Center (ARRC), and participated in making colorful hand prints to take home. Volunteers assisted with the hanging of a handmade piñata made by the After School Academy of ARRC lead by Roger Davis. Youth enjoyed bursting open the piñata with goodies flying everywhere. The preschoolers found their eggs hiding throughout the playground area whereas the children ages 6 and above adventured into the newly formed nature trail of ARRC to seek their eggs. We want to thank our 14 volunteers who assisted along with dedicated staff to make this Easter Celebration a huge success.
Trip to Reid’s Gold Mine: Albemarle Road Recreation Center and Mallard Creek Recreation Center enjoyed a day trip to Reid's Gold Mine on Wednesday, April 15. The seniors enjoyed the museum and learned about the history of gold and the mint within the Charlotte area. Lunch was enjoyed on the grounds at the Café and one couple even panned for precious stones. For more information about upcoming senior programs please contact the Albemarle Road Recreation Center at 704-567-1941.
“Spring Fling” Supper Club and Dance: Each month we dance the night away at the Marion Diehl Recreation Center, and this month we welcome Spring on Friday, April 17. Teens and adults with disabilities flock to this social occasion, with many also enjoying a healthy meal before the dance by attending the Supper Club. Thanks to the Subway on Tyvola Road, we will savor light and tasty party tray sandwiches this Friday, highlighting the importance of making healthy food choices.
The “Winner’s Circle” Sensory Garden: Imagine a garden where all of your senses are energized: colors and shapes for your eyes, tantalizing scents for your nose, rustling grasses and tinkling wind chimes for your ears, interesting textures for your fingers, and even a variety of flavors to taste. Now imagine that garden right here, accessible to anyone. And, imagine that in this garden you are encouraged to “Please Touch the Plants”. That garden is the “Winner’s Circle” Sensory Garden, with “Phase 2” now installed at Nevin Community Park. The installation took place from Tuesday, March 31 through Friday, April 3, and even though rain dampened a couple of the days, many plants were placed and the gardens are taking shape. The “master gardeners” during the sensory garden installation have been members of the “Gifted Gardeners” horticulture program, offered for adults with disabilities through the Therapeutic Recreation Section. Many thanks also go to the Horticulture Section, whose abundant assistance has been essential to the “Winner’s Circle” becoming a reality. Thanks also for their generosity: Sally Jones of Mayflower Design Studio for all of our plans; Kings Greenhouse in Stallings, NC for donation of plants; Sunbelt Rentals for donation of tools; Tony’s Pizza and Bojangle’s for lunches; Lance Foods, Inc. for snacks; and Queens University for an awesome volunteer crew.
Teen Spring Break: The Spring Break Camp for teens who have disabilities was in full bloom this past week. Each day had a different theme to help bring in the spring season, "Up in the Air" celebrated everything from kite making and flying at Park Road Park to "all egg” activities for "Eggsalent" Times Together. Participants danced, played games, made spring crowns, dyed eggs for their hunt, and made bird feeders for their feathered friends at Marion Diehl Recreation Center. The greatest response from the teens and their parents was the kite making and flying activity. The weather was perfect for kites and the smiles on the participant’s faces were picture perfect.
Get Cooking Teens: St Paul “Ray of Hope” kicked off its Get Cooking Teens, cooking classes on Thursday April 16. Teens will learn the basics of cooking without having a traditional kitchen at their disposal. This class will give them healthy and tasty tips on ways to tame those hunger pains, when mom has not cooked. The first class will feature the simple but very tasty, “Waffle Pizza”. Classes are only $2 and space is limited.
Amay James Recreation Centers' Little Tigers Golf: The recreation center will host a series of golf clinics for youth. Each participant will learn the basics of golf with modified equipment geared for youth. Tuesdays, thru May 19, 6:00-7:00pm, cost is $10.00.
Faithful To The Call Walk: The Faithful To The Call Walk, a partnership with Mecklenburg County Health Department, Park and Recreation, Johnson C. Smith University, Kidney Foundation, American Cancer Association, FitCity and Novant Health, will take place on April 18 from 8 – 11 a.m. at the Irwin Belk Track at JCSU. Fifteen faith communities have pledged to have a healthier lifestyle and will participate in a walk and interactive recreational activities. Booths and screenings will surround the concourse of the complex.
Senior Games Opening Ceremonies: The opening Ceremony for the Senior Games will be Saturday, April 18 at Ray’s Splash Planet, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Events that will take place are the basketball shoot, football throw, spin casting, softball throw and SilverStriders Fun Walk. The official opening ceremony will begin at 12:30.
TEENY TEES: Twenty-one 6 and 7 yrs. old from the Hall House participated in First Tee of Charlotte golf clinic during their spring break. These children enjoyed the entertaining instructional golf activities from professional golfers. This free golf clinic provided the participants exposure to the game of golf as well as depositing into them positive life-skill nuggets.
Duke Energy Health Fair: Park and Recreation staff, Kobeyeh Riley, attended the annual Duke Energy Health Fair, April 14. Over 400 Duke Energy employees came through the health fair, many stopping by the Park and Recreation table to get information about our parks, programs, greenways and much more. We highlighted our Spring and Summer Get Going Guide with a focus on the many fitness related programs and activities we offer.
Fitness Program for Simon Kidgits Club: Fitness staff, Erica Espinoza and Brooke Adams led a group of approximately 30 children in an hour long fitness program at Concord Mills on April 15. Kids showed off their strong muscles and favorite dance moves in this high energy program involving fitness relays, dancing and exercises and stretches.
Nutrition 101 for Weigh Less with Ray participants: Carol Goodwin, with Total Nutrition Technology, held a lecture on the basics of nutrition at the AOB on April 15. She gave a great overview of nutrition and metabolism and gave the group easy daily tips to help encourage us to eat healthy on a regular basis. Carol will join us again in two weeks to do a talk on food labels.
Kayaking for Weigh Less with RAY: The first session of the kayaking series for the Weigh Less with Ray participants was led by Jason Hurley at the McDowell Nature Preserve on April 15. Participants not only got in their exercise, they learned the basics of flat-water kayaking while watching the sun set over Lake Wylie. The next kayak session is April 29 at 6:30 p.m.
ENTERPRISE SERVICES
Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center: The 12th Annual Rodney’s Great Kids Triathlon (RGKT) will be held on Saturday, April 18 starting at 8 a.m. at the Aquatic Center for youth 17 years old and younger. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. Five age groups have been set for the participants to swim, bike and run. Contact Rodney Sellars or Matt Jakubowski at 704-336-3483 for more information.
Grady Cole Roller Derby: The Grady Cole Center is happy to welcome back the Charlotte Roller Derby team for its second home game this Saturday, April 18 at 7 p.m. The girls will take on the River City Roller Girls of Richmond VA. At the opening match of the season the Charlotte Roller Derby played in front of a sold out crowd and came out with a victory. Come out and cheer on your local roller girls with doors opening at 6:15 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door; $4.00 for children and $10.00 for adults.
Memorial Stadium – Men’s Lacrosse: Memorial Stadium is proud to be hosting Conference Carolinas Men’s Lacrosse Semifinals and Championship games this weekend. The first game will kick off on Friday, April 17 at 5 p.m. placing Belmont Abbey vs. Limestone following that game will be Lees McRae vs. Queens University at 8 p.m. The Championship game will be played on Sunday April 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets will be available at the gate and will be $5.00 for adults and $4.00 for students and children.
SPECIALIZED PARK SERVICES
Cooperative Extension Master Gardener: Cooperative Extension Master Gardener (EMG) volunteers will staff a booth on Earth Day in Charlotte. The event, "Clean and Green: An Earth Day Celebration" is being sponsored by ESPN. They also presented "Drought Tolerant Plants for Mecklenburg" at Jetton Park on May 7 and have answered over 50 citizens questions about home horticulture this week.
PARK OPERATIONS AND ATHLETIC SERVICES
Volunteer Services: Volunteer Services welcomed 31 new volunteers this past week. In partnership with Arbor Education and Training we were assigned three new volunteers who will volunteer 20 hours per week; the equivalent of four part time staff to the department. We also welcomed groups from West Charlotte, Waddell, Hopewell, Garinger and Vance high schools this past week. These groups helped clean and landscape recreation centers.
Through a partnership with the Urban League we have requested 40 interns who will work for us 20 hours a week throughout the summer months. These interns will be placed at our Recreation Centers and with other staff throughout the department to assist with operations and maintenance.
On April 11 we hosted the monthly RibbonWalk project supported by volunteers from Hands on Charlotte and the community.
Horticulture: Working with neighborhood leader and park activist Roy Alexander, the Horticulture Team rescued several plants from houses slated for demolition due to Greenway construction. Plants were used to create landscapes at Shamrock Park, Roy's home park, and which Roy has committed to watering this summer.
James Collins, horticulture technician and certified arborist, gave an Earth Week Greenovation power point presentation to Bank of America employees on Thursday. Bank of America is a long- time core volunteer group for the horticulture team at Liz Hair Nature Walk and Freedom Park. Subject is "The Big Green Machine"--aka Trees. The presentation will also briefly discuss invasive plants.
Youth Baseball Season Begins: Seventy-four (74) teams will compete in this spring’s youth baseball program. Practices began earlier this month and the season openers will be played this Saturday. Nine (9) Park and Recreation venues will be used as game sites this year: Mason Wallace, Grayson, Revolution, Veterans, Tuckaseegee, 521, Greenville, Sugaw Creek, and the newly opened Briarwood Park.
Park and Recreation Sites Host Julian Brown Memorial Soccer Tournament: Charlotte United Futbol Club’s annual Julian Brown Memorial Soccer Tournament will be held this weekend at the soccer complexes at Colonel Beatty Park, McKee Road Park, 521 District Park, and Winget Park. Over 330 teams will participate in this year’s event. Games will begin at 8 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. This event represents one of the largest amateur youth sports tourism draws in the state.
Charlotte RaceFest to Take Place on Saturday: Over 2,500 runners will participate in the 5K, half marathon, and marathon events associated with the annual Charlotte RaceFest on Saturday, April 18. The events will begin and end at the Doubletree Hotel at South Park Mall. Event start is 9 a.m. Through the efforts of Park and Recreation’s athletic services section and the board of directors of Partners for Parks, Partners for Parks will again be the recipient of the event’s major charitable contribution.
Track and Field Invitational Meets Held: The Mallard Creek High School Invitational Track and Field Meet will be held on Saturday at Mallard Creek High School from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Over 600 participants representing 42 teams from across North Carolina are expected to participate. Also this weekend, masters’ participants from the southeastern region will gather at UNC-Charlotte to compete in the county’s Masters’ Invitational Track and Field Meet. Events will begin at 9 a.m.
Flat Branch Park Update: Based upon citizen comments, staff are evaluating the park master plan to determine if it is consistent with community park development guidelines as well as evaluating the parking standards. Staff has meet with South Charlotte Soccer Association (SCSA) and CDOT representatives and both will be presenting at the April 29 South Park District Advisory Council to respond to citizen questions. At the April 29 meeting, staff will be prepared to finalize our recommendation on the status of the master plan and share those plans with neighbors.
This week, lights were installed and a 24 hour burn in was completed. Staff will be meeting with the lighting contractor, General Electric representative (the lighting manufacturer) and SCSA representatives on Monday night at 8:30 p.m. to evaluate if the lights can be aimed to be in compliance with the zoning requirements for outdoor lighting.
GREENWAY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Little Sugar Creek Greenway – CSX Underpass: The handrails and roof structure are being installed this week at the CSX underpass. Staff is also working with CDOT on the mid-block crossing of Belmont Avenue.
McDowell Creek Greenway – Westmoreland Rd. to Sam Furr Rd.: McDowell Creek Greenway has been paved from Westmoreland Road to the Greens at Birkdale pond (3/4 mile). The contractor will be adding additional stone on the rest of the greenway, coordinating to install a ramp entrance at Townley Road, and working on bridge abutments at the pond spillway crossing over the next month.
Carolina Thread Trail: Staff met with Carolina Thread Trail staff and the Trust for Public Land this week to discuss scope and schedule for the Mecklenburg County Planning Process. Staff will be applying for a planning assistance grant for mapping and coordination support from TPL. Staff also attended an inter-jurisdictional meeting in Cabarrus County to discuss the Cabarrus County proposed thread trail alignments and possible connections between Mecklenburg and Iredell Counties.
Clark's Creek Tributary Greenway: Staff met with representatives of NC EEP (North Carolina Ecosystem Enhancement Program) and the County's Nature Preserves and Natural Resources Division to discuss coordinating the plans for a stream restoration and the future greenway at Hucks Road Nature Preserve.
Public Outreach: Staff provided greenway information at a public event for Team Bank of America's Earth Day "Greenovation" events. Staff described how to commute to work on the greenways, answered questions about the greenway master plan, and promoted the Park and Recreation Department.
Stream Buffer Plantings: After receiving inquiries from greenway neighbors regarding the best plants to locate in their backyards, staff initiated an effort to educate homeowners. Members of the greenway planning, horticulture, and cooperative extension staffs met this week to discuss a proposed brochure that will inform homeowners of what trees and plants do best in the wet areas that often abut greenways throughout the County.
Briar Creek Acquisition: Staff met with the owner of properties along Briar Creek immediately upstream and downstream of Independence Blvd. These properties would create a very important greenway connection between the Commonwealth and Chantilly neighborhoods and allow for an underpass beneath Independence. Although funds are not currently available to purchase the properties, Real Estate Services plans to have the property appraised so that the County will be prepared to negotiate a purchase once funds can be accessed.
Little Sugar Creek Greenway: Staff organized and lead a group from the Little Sugar Creek Action Committee and the Trail of History Committee on a tour to see the construction status of the greenway.
McAlpine Creek Greenway: The consultant plans to reach 75% construction documents next week.
Toby Creek Greenway: Staff is working with UNCC and NCDOT to complete the last few federal stimulus requirements so bidding can begin as soon as possible and construction start in June.
CAPITAL PLANNING AND ALLIANCE DEVELOPMENT
Team Church: Planning and Park Operations staff met this week with representatives of Team Church regarding plans for developing part of their campus into a park. This church is located near Hwy 74 and I-485 in the Town of Matthews. The church is exploring ideas on park needs, opportunities and partnerships. They will continue to identify opportunities and the department will assist as needed.
Equestrian Center Master Plan Update: Planning and Enterprise Services staff met with the project's consultant regarding the proposed site master plan update for this facility at Latta Plantation Nature Preserve. The consultant has been working with staff and others to update the site plan to make it more user friendly and functional. The consultant will take final comments and a meeting will be scheduled with show directors in the near future to solicit their input before the final version is recommended.
