<http://charmeck.org/NR/rdonlyres/ejmlz2hsabfg4otavzw5aiytlnkuef2syw2zqhtgvi jeprzxxsczljmtesukyyqnsi4fzrkh2cl6hnpaxhkv3o3foee/NewParkheaderNewEmail.jpg> MAY 2007 E-NEWSLETTER Welcome to the second monthly E-Newsletter from Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation. We hope this helps you learn about our many activities, facilities, and programs. Our slogan is "the natural place to be," and we want to be the natural place for YOU to be. However, if you don't wish to receive this E-Newsletter, just click on the option at the end to "UNSUBSCRIBE." If you know anyone else who would like to receive this, please refer them to <http://www.parkandrec.com/> www.parkandrec.com where they can click on the SUBSCRIBE icon. Thank you. THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE AND PETS ATTEND THIS YEAR'S BARK IN THE PARK More than 10,000 thousand people attended the Harris Teeter/Purina Bark in the ParkR dog festival April 28 at <http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Parks/Parks+By+District/So uth+District/WilliamRDavie.htm> William R. Davie Park. Most brought their dogs. Animals and people had great fun seeing Mecklenburg County's newest dog park, our fourth. The crowd watched jumping, diving, and fetching feats by the Ultimate Air Dogs presented by Purina. Dogs "and the people they own" walked in the Pooch Parade and participated in many contests. Proceeds from this event help fund future dog parks. <http://www.charmeck.org/NR/rdonlyres/epo7phd633aacnrfa7q3cu4ldbc6jqekvqojcx 7mxqp3xzxrffz6mg3wqlolf7bysejbkojt4mbdbyeufcpywahkeyd/Dogsat2007BarkinPark2. jpg> Dogs of every description came to Bark in the Park with "the people they own." FOUR "OFF-LEASH DOG PARKS" OPERATED BY PARK AND RECREATION Our four dog parks are a big hit with pets and public. More than 2,700 people hold annual "pooch passes" to bring their pets to these fenced-in, off-leash areas of meadows and woods. Dogs frolic and socialize in dog parks. People do, too. The four dog parks are in <http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Parks/Parks+By+District/Ea st+District/McAlpinePK.htm> McAlpine Creek Park at 711 Monroe Rd, <http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Parks/Parks+By+District/No rtheast+District/ReedyCreekPK.htm> Reedy Creek Park at 2900 Rocky River Rd, <http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Parks/Parks+By+District/No rth+District/RamseyCreek.htm> Ramsey Creek Park at 18441 Nantz Rd in Cornelius, and <http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Parks/Parks+By+District/So uth+District/WilliamRDavie.htm> William R. Davie Park at 4635 Matthews-Pineville Road. Pooch pass holders pay an annual fee.a For more information check <http://www.parkandrec.com/> www.parkandrec.com or call 704 336-8840. Biodiversity Trail <http://www.charmeck.org/NR/rdonlyres/empk5sg34emd44424iobtixw3kr4ormfkrkx5j xe63zn5hpotpc7y4kb2d7nsbqzziny5aal7b5kbrf4nfjf2xhr7la/BiodiversityTrailBirdw atchers2.jpg> The Biodiversity Trail offers many ways to enjoy the environment and observe wildlife. TAKE A SHORT TRIP ON THE NEW "BIODIVERSITY TRAIL" TO SEE SURPRISING WILDLIFE AND PLANTS, CLOSE TO HOME State, county and non-profit agencies in a 14 county area around Charlotte have joined together to publicize 24 sites for fun and educational visits. The sites have environmental, cultural, or historical significance. Many have significant wildlife populations. Together, these sites are called the "Central Carolinas Biodiversity Trail." While there is no single trail connecting them, they are all accessible by short automobile trips from Charlotte. A 28 page, full color booklet describes the sites with pictures and maps showing how to get to each one. The booklet is available free at <http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Inside+The+Department/Divi sions/Stewardship+Services/Home.htm> Mecklenburg County nature centers or by calling Mecklenburg Park and Recreation at 704 336-8857. CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL MIGRATORY BIRD DAY AT EVERGREEN NATURE PRESERVE, MAY 12 Calling all bird lovers! Come to our observance of International Migratory Bird Day at Evergreen Nature Preserve, Saturday, May 12, 2007 from 8 am to 12 noon. The event will be in the field across the street from Winterfield Elementary School, 3100 Winterfield Place. The fields and woodlands of this preserve are known as one of the best stopovers for migratory birds in our region. Guided bird walks will be offered throughout the morning. There will be informational displays and booths about birds, plus face painting, games, storytelling and more. Parking at the school. For more information contact Reedy Creek Nature Center at 704-598-8857. <http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=3100+Winterfield+Pl,+Charlotte,+Nort h+Carolina+28205,+USA&sll=35.208179,-80.764103&sspn=0.013886,0.022144&layer= &ie=UTF8&z=16&ll=35.209511,-80.766163&spn=0.006943,0.011072&om=1&iwloc=addr> Get Directions Walking the Greenways <http://www.charmeck.org/NR/rdonlyres/esy2xf6p5ectvzvasdeelqpjqmzexcbfvtoc6k sp2tl2s3f74etc42wyly5nnuqglczfxq7tait5gmq4e6asxbzz4ta/WalkingontheGreenway2. jpg> Did you know Park and Rec now has 32 miles of greenways in Mecklenburg County? Check <http://www.parkandrec.com/> www.parkandrec.com for details. Disc Golf <http://www.charmeck.org/NR/rdonlyres/egnpb3ukt7ex43aeilbqwtyt324f76xyf4zsuc p32qlkuvr6y5lnttoyrh3736k3n5tgozshssrplp2vqwcxyyu7mqb/DiscGolfPlayer2.jpg> Mecklenburg Park and Rec also has six courses for disc golf, a rapidly growing sport. Check <http://www.parkandrec.com/> www.parkandrec.com for details. "DOUBLE DUTCH" JUMP ROPE LESSONS OFFERED AT WEST CHARLOTTE RECREATION CENTER West Charlotte Recreation Center, 2401 Kendall Dr. offers "Double Dutch" jump rope lessons to boys and girls, ages 6-18 on Mondays and Thursdays, 5:30pm-7pm, through December. Lessons are free. "Double Dutch" is fancy rope jumping with two ropes. One youngster jumps, skips, hops...while two others spin the ropes. Youth with any level of skill are invited. Park and Recreation also seeks additional volunteer coaches who know how to instruct "Double Dutch." For more information or to sign up, contact Dianna Monroe at 704 336-8830 or MiMi Grier at 704 231-3231. <http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&daddr=2401+KENDALL+DR+CHARLOTTE+NC> Get Directions YOUNGSTERS PLAY IN PARK AND RECREATION BASEBALL AND T-BALL LEAGUES About a thousand youngsters, ages 5-12, began play during April in eleven spring baseball leagues sponsored by Mecklenburg Park and Recreation. Their regular season runs through early June, followed by playoffs for the older youth. "These baseball leagues are important," says Facilities Manager Isaac Applewhite. "Not only do the youngsters learn sports skills, they also learn about fair play, team work and common goals." Baseball leagues are an important part of keeping kids out of trouble with positive activities. Our baseball leagues include 71 teams playing in 8 parks. For more information contact Joey Grahl at 704 507-7100. <http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Activities/Athletics/Baseb all.htm> More Information Youth Baseball <http://www.charmeck.org/NR/rdonlyres/e3pymttddbddard3n7zao3hacwywi3rxbmcmlo 4mrdfpuwfopnily46h2zbpvjsr3z7q4e7gtonmjqrkazh25potttc/KidsBaseball2.jpg> Baseball teaches youngsters about sports and life. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR VARIOUS COMMUNITY EVENTS SENIOR GAMES, May 1 - 19:Volunteers to help with athletic and arts events senior citizens at various venues. MAY DAY PLAY DAY, May 4: Volunteers for an activity day at Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve for youngsters with hearing disabilities. Use of sign language helpful, not essential. NCAA DIVISION II MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS, May 24-26: Help with hospitality, athletic events and security at Johnson C Smith University Track. AARP/NRPA WALKING PROGRAM, April 16-June 18: Help run walking programs for seniors at various locations. DRAGON BOAT RACE/ASIAN FESTIVAL, June 9: Help stage a great fun event on Lake Norman. RAMSEY CREEK SPORTY YOUTH SPORT CLINIC, June 11-15: Help stage a sports-skills camp for youth with disabilities, ages 6-12. Volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by adult. For more information on violunteer opportunities contact Lori Saylor at 704-336-5478 or <mailto:lori.saylor@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> lori.saylor@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx . Veterans Golf Tournament <http://www.charmeck.org/NR/rdonlyres/ehk4tjpsof2umfb243dagkot2tpxju6nxzgrud dqf2nyihczovyeawaaeycgr22ipliwjzdiy2m2alahs344m6pvpmd/GolfCartforVetsTournam ent2.jpg> A free golf outing awaits those who served America . PLAN NOW FOR JULY 6 GOLF OUTING FOR VETERANS AND MILITARY PERSONNEL OFFERED BY PARK AND REC. AT CHARLES T. MYERS COURSE All military veterans including national guard and reserves and all active duty military personnel are invited to the second annual Veterans and Reservists Golf Classic at Charles T. Myers Public Golf Course, 7817 Harrisburg Road on July 6. Free 18 holes of golf plus free lunch for those who participate. Park and Rec uses this event to show appreciation to men and women who are serving and have served our country in the armed forces. Golf begins with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. Registration runs through June 15, 2007. Register online at <http://www.charlottepublicgolf.com/> www.charlottepublicgolf.com or call 704 399-0980 for a mail-in application. VROOOOM, SAIL OR PADDLE AWAY FROM PARK AND REC BOAT LAUNCHES As warm spring and summer days approach, did you know you can launch a motorboat or sailboat at our facilities on Lake Norman or Lake Wylie? We have boat launches and docks at <http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Parks/Parks+By+District/No rth+District/Blythe.htm> Blythe Landing 15901 NC Highway 73 in Huntersville, <http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Parks/Parks+By+District/No rth+District/RamseyCreek.htm> Ramsey Creek Park at 18441 Nantz Road, or <http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Parks/Parks+By+District/So uthwest+District/Copperhead+Island.htm> Copperhead Island in McDowell Nature Preserve at 15200 Soldier Road. Launching fee is $5. We also have canoeing and kayaking for free at <http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Inside+The+Department/Divi sions/Stewardship+Services/Nature+Preserves/McDowell.htm> McDowell Nature Preserve, 15222 York Road and <http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Inside+The+Department/Divi sions/Stewardship+Services/Nature+Preserves/Latta.htm> Latta Nature Preserve, 5226 Sample Road. Or you can rent a paddleboat for $4 an hour on a small lake at <http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Parks/Parks+By+District/So uth+District/Colonel+Francis+Beatty.htm> Col. Francis Beatty Park, 4330 Weddington Road Blythe Landing Boating <http://www.charmeck.org/NR/rdonlyres/emyrkykd3wqzt5mhuxbw5cbmkq7z73r6gjivyw 7grvtef2vx7kbbl2meyfyod73ft2qkcab7nzko5oa4zbavgkpi44a/BoatingatBlytheLanding 2.jpg> Try our boat launches and docks on Lake Norman and Lake Wylie. Northwest Tennis Tournament <http://www.charmeck.org/NR/rdonlyres/eqnf5c5ktyglzpqcju3nd4xgod6ai4wmp2lxlk aqccpmyknrzq2tbhtgjhuoocnkjp4em4ycpm7zppio6ue3dpqbegh/NorthwestTennisTournam ent2.jpg> Players of comparable tennis skill will be matched in this tournament. REGISTER NOW FOR THE NORTHWEST TENNIS TOURNAMENT FOR YOUTH & ADULTS AT TUCKASEEGEE REC CENTER Charlotte, NC- Plan now to attend our new Northwest Tennis Tournament at Tuckaseegee Recreation Center, 4820 Tuckaseegee Road. <http://maps.co.mecklenburg.nc.us/router2/RoutePane.asp?ServerURL=http%3A%2F %2Fmaps.co.mecklenburg.nc.us%2Fscripts%2Fwebgate.dll&GroupID=routemap&UserID =demo&MapID=general&T=2451.589437489&L=800.5235520138&B=2425.4353123958&R=83 4.8225603541&X=380&Y=290&Address2=4820+TUCKASEEGEE+RD&Zip2=28208&City2=CHARL OTTE&State2=NC&Address1=&Zip1=&City1=&State1=&Quickest=1&PrefIs=50> Get Directions Play is July 14-15, starting at 8a.m each day. Format is single elimination. This tournament is designed for youth and active adults who have a basic knowledge of the game, age 8 and older. Competition is by NTRP Ratings. Entry fees are $15 for singles; $20 for doubles, $35 for both. Deadline to register is June 4. For more information or to register, please contact the Tuckaseegee Recreation Center at 704 399-4492 or <mailto:James.Brown@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> James.Brown@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx CHECK OUT MANY MORE NEAT THINGS AT <http://www.parkandrec.com/> www.parkandrec.com Each month we can only tell you about a handful of our many facilities and activities in our news letter. But at our website you can learn about many more opportunities for constructive recreation. Did you know we have about 165 parks (depends on exactly how you count them) in Mecklenburg County? We also have 27 recreation centers, two skate parks, a BMX bike track, three major nature preserves, an indoor water park, an aquatic center, 5 golf courses, eight workout and fitness centers, a beautiful lakeside campground, an equestrian center for horseback riding, several historic sites, and hundreds of ball fields, tennis courts, picnic areas, and basketball courts, not to mention 32 miles of greenways. We also offer many programs of therapeutic recreation for youngsters and adults with disabilities. Information on all these are just a click or two away on <http://www.parkandrec.com/> www.parkandrec.com . We are YOUR Park and Recreation Department. OTHER EVENTS IN MAY BABES IN THE WOODS Sat 5/5 at <http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Greenways/Six+Mile+Creek.h tm> Six Mile Creek Greenway. It's never too early to begin exploring nature! The flowers are blooming and the birds are singing. There is so much for your little one to see, hear, and feel! So grab your stroller and walking shoes and discover nature with your babe. 704.588-5224. _____ FATHER 7 SON CANOE DAY Sat.,5/12, 8-11 AM at Jetton Park Father and sons are invited to spend a morning together paddling on Lake Norman in the coves around Jetton Park. Basic canoe techniques will be taught. Contact <mailto:kevin.pimentel@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Kevin Pimentel Saturday, May 12, 2007 _____ TOTS FUN WALK ON THE GREENWAY Come and get fit on the Stewart Creek Greenway at Seversville Park. Pre-registration is required. For more information, please contact <mailto:linda.williams@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Linda Ramseur-Williams at 704 353-1250. _____ GEOCACHING AT MCDOWELL NATURE PRESERVE Sat. 5/12 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.Use provided GPS units to find hidden caches. Also learn the basic essentials of map and compass reading. Contact <mailto:jason.hurley@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Jason Hurley _____ CELEBRATE MOTHER'S DAY AT RAY'S SPLASH PLANET Sun., 5/13. Moms swim FREE between 1- 7 p.m. Visit <http://www.rayssplashplanet.com/> Ray's Splash Planet _____ 7th ANNUAL TOTS OLYMPICS, Fri 5/18 10 a.m. - noon 3-5 year olds are invited out to the Irwin Belk Track Complex at JCSU. Participate in the high jump, ball throw, ball kick, long jump and the 50m run.Register by 5/11. Contact: <mailto:linda.williams@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Linda Ramseur-Williams _____ YOUTH FOOTBALL SUMMIT Sat., 5/19 from 10 a.m. til noon at CMGC. Calling all representatives from youth football organizations who want to enhance their program. Guests will hear from USA Youth Football, officials and former player. Contact: <mailto:Akida.Jordan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Akida Jordan _____ ENVIRONMENTAL STORY TELLING: Reptiles on Thur., 5/24 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Latta Plantation Nature Center.How did the Snake lose her legs? How did Turtle's shell get cracks in it? We will learn the answers to these and many other questions through interpretive storytelling.Contact: <mailto:linda.zagar@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Linda Zagar _____ SUMMER CAMPS, WE GOT 'EM! Still looking for something fun for your kids to do this summer? <http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Activities/Programs/Summer +Day+Camps.htm> Check out the variety of day camps here _____ EQUESTRIAN CENTER Before the dog days of summer are upon go for a pleasant horseback ride through lovely Latta Plantation Nature Preserve.Pony & trail rides for a fee at Latta Nature Preserve. Reservations required: 704-992-1550 <http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Facilities/Unique+Faciliti es/Horseback.htm> More Details _____ JOIN VIP (Volunteers in Parks). Call Lori Saylor @ 704-336-5478. _____ LADYBUGS FOR PRE-SCHOOLERS Sat., 5/19 10-11:00 a.m.Come to the <http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Inside+The+Department/Divi sions/Stewardship+Services/Nature+Preserves/McDowell.htm> McDowell Nature Center for an hour of fun to learn what makes a ladybug more than just a bug. 704-588-5224 _____ size=2 width="100%" align=center> <https://service.govdelivery.com/service/user.html?code=NCCHARMECK> Click here to unsubscribe from the service, update your subscriptions, update your e-mail address, or change your password. <mailto:contentwebmaster@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Email us your questions or comments. This service is provided to you by Mecklenburg County Taxpayers <http://www.mecklenburgcountync.gov> GovDelivery, Inc. sending on behalf of CharMeck.org . 380 Jackson Street Suite 550 . St. Paul, MN 55101 . 1-800-439-1420