Department Program Review: The results of this year's program review have been provided and the Fiscal Administration Service was rated exemplary with a score of 87%. This score reflects a six percentage point improvement over the FY-06 program review. Park and Recreation's newest service, CountyCare Fitness, got it's first ever program evaluation as a part of the Department and scored well with a 55%; moderately successful. Every service evaluated but one in the last three years has been assessed as either successful or exemplary. This continuing trend of improvements demonstrate that all the staff understands the Department's mission, the Key Ingredients for Success, the goals in the Master Plan, and simply are doing their best each day.
SPECIALIZED PARK SERVICES
Master Gardners Plant Sale: Don’t miss the Master Gardners Spring Plant Sale this Saturday at the Yorkmont Farmer’s Market. The sale will start at 8 a.m. Master Garderners contribute plants for sale so there will be a terrific assortment including many unusual items. Master Garderners will also be available to answer questions. Typically the proceeds from the sale help with a scholarship program as well as various projects that the Master Gardener Volunteers are involved with in the County.
GREENWAY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Greenway Planners – Field Trip: Staff visited York and Lancaster County late last week. In Lancaster County staff met with a local historian to discuss the historical significance and the opportunity for a future greenway corridor along Clems Branch, which would connect between Mecklenburg and Lancaster County. In York County, staff walked sections of the Nations Ford and Anne Springs Close Greenways.
Briar Creek Greenway Stakeholder Meeting: Staff hosted a meeting of community leaders and representatives of organizations with particular interest in this new greenway section planned to be developed between Randolph Rd. and Meadowbrook Rd. A revised concept plan was presented and additional comments were received to inform the planning and design of the greenway.
Four Mile Creek Greenway, Matthews: Staff continues to explore funding options with the Town of Matthews to construct this new 2 mile greenway section that will connect neighborhoods to Squirrel Lake Park and the Town's community center.
Partnership with CMS: Staff coordinated with NCASLA (North Carolina Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects) and CMS (North Mecklenburg High School) to present the profession of landscape architecture to horticulture students. Staff discussed the benefits of landscape architecture, the landscape architect's range of typical projects, the steps to becoming a landscape architect, and (of course) information on the County greenways.
Little Sugar Creek Greenway - Charlottetowne Avenue to Pearle Park Way: The contractor is continuing to pour the concrete pavement. CDOT's paint contractor has applied color to the Pearle Park Way Bridge which is scheduled to open on May 21.
Pearle Park Way to Morehead Street: Walls continue to develop and plans are being made to place the first public art, carved stone benches, in the lower plaza in 2-3 weeks. The clock tower and the kiosk building are being priced.
Toby Creek Greenway: Final federal stimulus requirements are ready to send to NCDOT for final review. We plan to begin construction in June.
McAlpine Creek Greenway – Sardis to Providence: 75% plans and specifications are ready for review.
Carolina Thread Trail: The first meeting of the Technical Advisory Team (TAT) was held on Wednesday to discuss the thread trail routes in Mecklenburg County. Much of the discussion focused on a prioritization of major destinations to include to help in determining corridor prioritization. The TAT will break up into a north and south group later this month to further prioritize trail segments and destinations before the next steering committee meeting.
COMMUNITY AND RECREATION CENTER SERVICES
Thomasboro Youth Keeping in Motion: The Thomasboro School Recreation Site journeyed to the Keeping Kids in Motion program at Freedom Park on Saturday. The youth who attended had a wonderful time and are eager to return this week.
Faithful to the Call: Andra’ Eaves was recently recognized at the Faithful To The Call Banquet on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University. She received an inscribed cherry wood desk clock for helping make the vision of the Faithful to the Call Walk come true.
Albemarle Road and Mallard Creek Seniors Hit the Lake: Albemarle Road and Mallard Creek Recreation Centers adventured to Lake Norman for a journey on the lake. 52 seniors enjoyed a luncheon cruise on Wednesday, April 29. In addition to a perfect day on the lake, the group detoured to Northlake Mall for ice cream and shopping.
Wii Senior Olympics: Wii Senior "Olympics" continued at Albemarle Road Recreation Center in partnership with area retirement communities. Twelve seniors competed in team bowling with lots of laughter and a complimentary lunch at Willow Grove Retirement Community.
Albemarle Seniors Medal: Senior Adults from Albemarle Road Recreation Center attended ceremonies of Charlotte Mecklenburg Senior Games Saturday, April 18 at Ray's Splash Planet. Clarence Whitcomb earned a well deserved medal in Spin Casting and Garland Thomas earned a medal for his skill at the Basketball Hoops.
Friend’s and Family Day: West Charlotte Recreation Center participated in a community event with the House of Prayer on Saturday, April 25. Staff provided arts and crafts and conducted games with the children. The weather made for a great opportunity to meet and visit with the community.
Flow and Grove Hip-Hop Dance: West Charlotte Recreation Center is offering hip-hop dance classes on Mondays from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. for ages 6-12 and for ages 13-17 from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. Classes will begin May 4. The cost is $25.00 for the month.
African Dance Classes: African Dance classes will be offered at West Charlotte Recreation Center. The classes will be held on Saturdays and will be instructed by Oneaka Dail. Ms. Dail has volunteered her time to instruct this program as a way to give back to the community. Youth will be taught both African dance and drumming.
Peggy Walker – Individual Therapeutic Recreation Service Award: Peggy Walker, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, was recognized by the Therapeutic Recreation Division of the North Carolina Recreation and Parks Association at their annual meeting held in March 2009. She received the Individual TR Service award in recognition of her commitment, dedication and love for the Therapeutic Recreation profession and for her dedication to those members of the community who are served through the programs she presents. Peggy joined our team almost 1 year ago after having spent over 9 years with Rowan County Park and Recreation in their TR Section. Peggy is active in the community both professionally and personally. She is currently on the Board of The ARC of Rowan, serving as the president. She has been an active member of the community and has been an advocate for people with disabilities for a number of years. NCRPA applauded Peggy for the drive she had to return to college as an adult to obtain her degree in Therapeutic Recreation while working full time and taking care of her family. We want to take this time to also applaud Peggy for her willingness to take on challenges and her drive to make the community more inclusive for our community members who have disabilities.
Säjai Wise Kids: The Säjai (SÄ-JAY) Wise Kids program starts at Greenville Recreation Center on May 5. This program focuses on helping children learn about the balance of body, nutrition and exercise. This 9 week program uses games and activities to help reach weekly goals of health and fitness.
Teambuilding Apprenticeship: Thursday, April 30 concluded the fourth Teambuilding Apprenticeship in connection with Citizen Schools. 12 students participated in the 10 week apprenticeship at Albemarle Road Middle School. The program focuses on developing leadership skills, increasing self-confidence, learning goal-setting and decision making skills, improving communication and developing positive peer relationships while participating in fun challenges. On Monday, May 4 apprentices will perform a presentation for family, friends, and peers to demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills gained during the apprenticeship. To date, 52 students have been a part of this amazing program.
Earth Day at Bette Rae: Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center recently held a fun and successful Earth Day celebration. The center's Earth Day exhibit was displayed in the front lobby and included information on local recycling centers, the importance of recycling, “going Green,” energy saving tips and information on proper waste disposal. Additionally, 12 of the after school participants helped to make Bette Rae greener by planting an Earth Day tree in front of the Center.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Southview: Former Pittsburgh Steelers Linebacker Richard Koonce stopped by Southview Recreation Center to talk with the Teen Club about achieving their goals and dreams through hard work and determination. He discussed the importance of taking their education seriously, staying focused, making good decisions, and being a positive influence in society. He took the time to participate in Teen Game Night and played ping-pong with the teens. The Southview teens and staff are thankful and would like to wish him good luck as he participates in the Carolina Panther's training camp.
“Little Saturday” for Senior Games: “Little Saturday” is this Saturday at Nevin Park, with events starting at 8:30 a.m. Little Saturday will feature bocce, horse shoes and shuffleboard. The Performing Arts show will be May 7 at 7 p.m. at the Levine Senior Center.
4-H YWCA Group Completes Bike Program: 4-H’ers from the Sunridge YWCA 4-H club is the third group to graduate from the 4-H bike program through Trips for Kids. This 4-H group has participated in four weeks of bicycle education program using 4-H bicycle curriculum and Trips for Kids staff. As a result, the participants each received a refurbished bicycle, complete with a bike light and helmet
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Sugaw Creek 4-H: 25 4-H members from Sugaw Creek Recreation Center are currently participating in an 8-week photography program. Through a partnership with the Mecklenburg County Libraries Outreach staff, 4-H photography curriculum is used to teach the students basic fundamentals such as film, lighting, and composition. An exhibition to display the students’ photographs is planned for May 19.
4-H Trains Providers on Workforce Readiness and Financial Literacy: Mecklenburg County 4-H staff trained eleven summer day camp and after school providers on the 4-H workforce readiness and financial literacy curriculum this week. In the two-hour session, through hands-on activities, the participants learned about ethics in the workplace, choosing the right job, writing checks and balancing statements and choosing the right financial institution.
4-H Home School Club Learns Parliamentary Procedure: Parliamentary procedure is key to running any meeting effectively and smoothly. A newly formed 4-H home school club in Huntersville participated in an interactive 4-H Parliamentary Procedure workshop conduced by 4-H Agent Robbie Furr this week. These 4-H youth learned Parliamentary Procedure basics of making motions, voting, calling a meeting to order, committees, and the use of the gavel.
Keeping Kids in Motion: Over 50 children turned out on Saturday for our first-ever Keeping Kids in Motion program. Park and Recreation was well represented as fitness staff tag teamed the obstacle course activity, McDowell Nature Preserve and 4-H staff led the children in the nature scavenger hunt along the greenway, and Reedy Creek Nature Preserve staff taught the kids how to navigate their way through an orienteering relay with compasses. Our next program on May 2 will introduce children to unique motion as they try out Zumba, Yoga and Capoeira. This week's event starts at 9 a.m. at the entrance of Little Sugar Creek Greenway at the corner of Brandywine and Westfield.
Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies: Several members of Park and Recreation attended the Opening Ceremonies of Spring Games for Special Olympics of Mecklenburg County. Members of the community, family members, school officials and honored guests were on site at Bojangles Coliseum to welcome 1,000 Special Olympic athletes and join them in celebration of the opening of Spring games.
NATURE PRESERVES AND NATURAL RESOURCES
Civil War Soldiers Demonstration: A civil war soldiers demonstration will be held at Historic Latta Plantation on Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, May 3, 1 - 4 p.m. Visit the 49th North Carolina Troops as they demonstrate drills, camp life, firing demos and more. Free with regular admission ($6 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, ages 5 and under are free).
Becoming and Outdoors Women (BOW) 2009: Hosted by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission BOW is a workshop focused on learning outdoor skill usually associated with hunting and fishing but useful for many outdoor pursuits. Designed especially for women, BOW welcomes participants 18 years of age or older. Outdoor Recreation Specialist, Jason Hurley will participate as an activity instructor for this weekend’s event.
Kayak Polo Tournament on Lake Wylie: The Carolina Kayak Polo Club hosts the 4th annual Carolina Spring Regional Tournament at McDowell Nature Preserve this Saturday and Sunday. The event is presented on Lake Wylie in partnership with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department.
PARK OPERATIONS AND ATHLETIC SERVICES
East Park Region Events: It will be a busy weekend in the East Park Region. Midwood Park will be the location of the annual Midwood Mania event May 2, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Also on Saturday will be the Must Love Dogs Remix Edition event with Lite 102, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McAlpine Creek Park.
On Sunday, don’t miss the Fanta Festival at McAlpine Creek Park from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. This extremely popular event attracted over 8,000 visitors in 2008. Don’t miss out on the great food and music.
Dads and Kids Kickball Program Begins Tomorrow: The Department’s inaugural Dads and Kids Kickball Program, offered in conjunction with Coca-Cola and Red Moon Marketing, will begin this weekend. A free “kick-off” for the program will be held on Saturday, May 2, at Park Road Park fields 5 and 6, from 2 to 6 p.m. This free festival will include kickball-related contests for children and adults. Park and Recreation affiliates are encouraged to come out and join Team Park and Recreation for the six week kickball league which follows this event. No pre-registration is required and the program is open to everyone.
Charlotte Flights Developmental Track and Field Meet: Over 1100 youth from North Carolina and South Carolina are expected to participate in this weekend’s Developmental Track and Field Meet, hosted by the Charlotte Flights and Park and Recreation. The competition will be held at the Irwin Belk Track Complex at Johnson C. Smith University. Events will run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.
Flat Branch Update: The South Park District Advisory Council hosted a meeting Wednesday night with the main topic of discussion being Flat Branch Park. At the meeting, Charles Jones from CDOT provided an update on traffic in the Tom Short Road area. Brad Wylde, Executive Director of South Charlotte Soccer (SCSA) explained the clubs plans for the park as well as how they will use it. He explained that SCSA would like to light as many fields as possible and potentially add an additional soccer field or two instead of the planned baseball fields. He clearly spelled out that SCSA plans on ending practices at 9 p.m. because they are a youth club. The fields will be used for practices, games and tournaments. Even during games and tournaments, there would rarely be more than several hundred fans and participants on the site at any one time.
Staff met with the lighting contractor last week to aim the lights. There are 6 banks of lights on the fields; 4 on one field and 2 lighting half of another field. Our understanding of the lighting ordinance is that the light level at the property line needs to be below .49 foot candles. With all 6 banks of lights on, the foot candles at the property line are .27. With the 4 banks of lights on the one field, the foot candles are .15 at the property line. With all the lights OFF, it is .08.
Moving forward, the Department will manage this park like every other community park and will allow SCSA and the lighting contractor to continue aiming the lights and work on improving the uniformity of the lighting on the fields. Once that is complete, SCSA will be required to hire a third party engineering firm to validate that the lighting is in compliance with the zoning ordinance. SCSA will not be allowed to use the lights for practices or games until we receive this certification. Park and Recreation will not allow SCSA to light any additional fields until we can evaluate the usage and demand for field space. In an effort to be good neighbors, the Department planted 21 giant arborvitaes along the property line to augment the existing 60 plant buffer. Staff is looking into the possibility of additional tree plantings that will have a more immediate impact.
CAPITAL PLANNING AND ALLIANCE DEVELOPMENT
Park Road Park: Bids for the Lake Environs and Water Quality Improvements project were received on Thursday, April 30. Bids are encouraging and planning staff are reviewing options.
Winget Park: Fine grading of the entrance drive and parking lot occurred this week and paving should proceed next week. Phase 2 should reach substantial completion within the next month.
Mint Hill Dog Park Planning Assistance: Planning staff met with town officials on Friday, May 1 to begin planning for the town's first municipal dog park. A target site was identified at the town's Park on Fairview site and it could be as large as 5 acres. Planning staff provided guidance and design standards and will work toward refining the final site plan, project details and cost estimating. The town is very willing to make this project a reality.
Latta Park Pedestrian Bride: A new pedestrian bridge has been installed at Latta Park this week. The new bridge reconnects Waverly Avenue to Latta Park and replaces a bridge removed nearly fifteen years ago. A partnership between Park and Recreation and The Charlotte Department of Transportation, the project includes two tenths of a mile of new walking trail, six new accessible sidewalk ramps, an accessible entrance to the St. Patrick’s School playground and four new park benches.
Bike to Work with Mayor McCrory: Greenway and Park Planning staff participated in the annual bike to work with the mayor ride. Attended by several hundred cyclists, the event officially kicks off Bike Charlotte. The ten day long event hosts a variety of bicycle-related activities to encourage families, friends and colleagues to break out the bike and integrate it into their daily routine.
ENTERPRISE SERVICES
Revolution Park Golf Course: A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for The First Tee of Charlotte Learning Academy was held on Tuesday, April 28 from 10 to 11 a.m. Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., son of the late Heavyweight Boxing Champion was the keynote speaker. Finishing touches are being made to the driving range and practice area for use starting in June.
Grady Cole Center:
o Kick Cystic Fibrosis: On Saturday, April 25 the Grady Cole Center teamed up with Jordan Gross of the Carolina Panthers and the Charlotte Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The event was the 2nd Annual Kick CF with Jordan Gross Joes vs. Pros Celebrity Kickball Tournament. Several local companies sponsored teams to play and a great time was had by all. Steve Smith, Jonathan Stewart, Matt Moore, and Jeff King were among the professional who were included in this event. More than $55,000 was raised towards the quest for a cure. To learn more about the event and to see photos please visit www.kickcf.com .
o Concert: National gospel recording artist and Pastor, John P. Kee will be in concert at the Grady Cole Center on Saturday, May 2 starting at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. Ticket prices range from $25.00-$35.00. Mr. Dramatic, Serenity and Dwayne Woods will also perform. Visit www.praise1009fm.com, www.tickets.com or www.JirehPromotions.Homestead.com for more information.
