[gshalin] Park and Rec eNewsletter
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- Date: Thu, 2 Apr 2009 20:23:15 -0400
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PARK AND REC E-NEWSLETTER, APRIL 2009
Greetings from Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department. Welcome to
our e-newsletter for April. We invite you to enjoy spring at our many parks
and nature preserves. We hope you can get out in nature, play a sport or
join an activity at our recreation centers. Park and Rec wants to be your
friend and your partner in fun and good health!
_____
ONLINE VOTING NOW UNDERWAY FOR "TOP DOG" PRELIMINARY TO PEDIGREER BARK IN
THE PARK FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY FOOD LION, APRIL 25
The PedigreeR Bark in the Park Dog Festival presented by Food Lion is
expected to draw thousands of "dogs and people they own" on April 25. Last
year 13-thousand people came, most with dogs. The festival offers dog
contests, entertainment, exhibits, dog products, adoptable dogs, and prizes.
We have a new location this year: Metrolina Expo, 7100 Statesville Road (off
I-77 near Sunset Road, exit 16). This venue has plenty of space and free
parking! Admission is FREE for dogs and people. In a preliminary
event.online voting is now underway among three dog photo finalists in the
Top Dog Photo Contest. Voting runs until April 19 (5pm). The finalists are
dogs named Brentson, Roxie, and Marley. The winner will be announced April
20.
<http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Parks/Dog+Parks/TOP+DOG+Ph
oto+Contest.htm> Cast your vote and learn more details.
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BARK! is a signature event of Park and Rec, with many great dogs to see and
greet!
_____
'BE A CHAMPION' TRACK AND FIELD PROGRAM OFFERS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTH
TO LEARN AND COMPETE!
Park and Rec invites youngsters, 4-18, to sign up for "Be A Champion" Track
and Field Program, April 7-May 26. Twelve rec centers are organizing teams:
Albemarle Road, Arbor Glen Outreach, Greenville, Hickory Grove, Methodist
Home, Phillip O. Berry, Southview, St. Paul Ray of Hope, Sugaw Creek,
Thomasboro, Mallard Creek, and Tuckaseegee. This a nine week program of
instruction and competition in track and field for males and females. During
May each team will participate in four track meets at Belk Stadium, 500
Summit Avenue, on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University. Championship
meet is May 26. To register, visit any participating center. Cost is $55.
Proof of age required at registration. The deadline to sign up is April 3,
so hurry! Coaches and volunteers needed. For more information call Track
Coach Anthony James at 336-5956.
_____
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RAY, whose name means "Recreate All Year, greets a volunteer at the Race
Playce construction project.
WHAT HAVE WE BEEN DOING ALL YEAR? CHECK OUT PARK AND REC'S 2008 ANNUAL
REPORT!
Do you know our parks hosted an estimated 4.2 million visitors in FY2008.
Our youth athletic programs, including basketball, baseball, track and
field, soccer, flag football and tennis, served 4,800 youngsters. Adult
sports programs served 2,800 adults. Our nature preserves hosted more than
half a million visits, and 283,000 people came to our swimming pools. We
provided swim lessons to more than 3,000 youngsters. Our recreation centers
served 753,000 patrons through programs, rentals and open play. Learn more
in
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pzdkbgnrpnv7e6qd7k4beif22enkpn6i5gao2xobhtyrob3z7bw5f/AnnualReport2008.pdf>
our annual report.
_____
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A 'PARK AMBASSADOR' AND HELP REPRESENT OUR DEPARTMENT
AT A PARK OR GREENWAY?
Calling our friends who would like to help make a difference in their
community... Become a Park or Greenway Ambassador! We need ambassadors at
facilities all over the County and at all times of year. Make a commitment
to volunteer and help. Hours are flexible. On foot or bike, help us monitor
activity in parks, trails, and greenways. Greet patrons as a representative
of the department. Ambassadors must commit to at least 6 months as an
ambassador.
<http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Volunteer.htm> Learn more
about becoming a Park Ambassador.
_____
Photogs invited to capture beauty of Park and Recreation in 2008-09 "Nature
of Mecklenburg" Contest and exhibition
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Plan to tee off in the FREE Golf Classic for Veterans and Active Duty
Military, July 1
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>
Partners for Parks and the Carolinas' Nature Photographers Association
invite photographers to enter the 2008-2009 "The Nature of Mecklenburg"
Photography Contest and exhibition" to benefit Park and Recreation and
Partners for Parks, the non-profit organization which promotes parks,
greenways and open space. Photographs may be taken by amateurs or
professionals in Park and Rec facilities. Must be taken before Jul 15, 2009
in categories: Plant Life, Landscapes/Scenic, People in Parks, and Wildlife.
Cash and prizes. View
<http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/_News/Prior+Years/2008/Nov
/Photog-11132008.htm> rules and details.
Military veterans (including National Guard and Reserves) and active duty
military personnel are invited to sign-up to play in the annual Veterans &
Reservists Golf Classic at The Tradition Public Golf Course on July 1. This
is a FREE round of golf plus FREE lunch for those who qualify. Mecklenburg
County Park and Recreation salutes those who serve and have served our
country in the armed forces.
<http://www.charmeck.org/NR/rdonlyres/e3oohl4mlhbx2omeek4aw7tvr5cjjiwi3facia
35oqh3fumyta7mti3lmzljpnqzyweu7h72pvj4nsq7drsxwloduqc/GolfFlyer2009FINAL.pdf
> Learn more about this event.
_____
SIGN-UP NOW FOR 'RODNEY'S GREAT KIDS TRIATHLON' AS YOUNGSTERS SWIM, BIKE AND
RUN IN A GREAT EVENT
It's time to register for the 12th annual "Rodney's Great Kids Triathlon" on
Saturday April 18 at Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center. Last year more than
200 youngsters participated. It's great fun and helps foster youth fitness!
The triathlon is held in the Aquatic Center's pool and on streets outside.
Competition in swimming, biking, and running stretches over a course with
age-appropriate distances. Separate competitions are held for boys and girls
for ages 8 and younger, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, and 15-17. This event is named
for Rodney Sellars, who has worked at the Aquatic Center as a supervisor
since it opened.
<http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Aquatics/Rodneys+Great+Kid
s+Triathlon.htm> Learn more details and register.
_____
RECREATION CENTER RENAMED TO HONOR COMMUNITY LEADERS CARLENIA IVORY, DON
BAKER
Park and Recreation held a special ceremony in March to celebrate the new
name of Ivory Baker Recreation Center (formerly Oaklawn Recreation Center).
Congressman Mel Watt and County Commission Chairman Jenifer Roberts spoke to
honor namesakes Carlenia Graham Ivory and Don Nichols Baker. Ms. Ivory is a
community leader who has led many efforts to improve education in Double
Oaks and all over the county. Mr. Baker, who died in 2003, was active in
many political activities as a campaign manager and supporter of education,
decent housing and healthcare. The surrounding community petitioned Park and
Recreation and Mecklenburg County Commissioners for the new name.
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Ivory Baker Rec Center, where public housing once stood, is surrounded by a
neighborhood renaissance.
_____
EASTER 'EGGSTRAVAGANZA' AND MANY BUNNY EVENTS OFFERED BY PARK AND RECREATION
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What could be more fun for kids than an Easter egg hunt in a beautiful park?
We hold many fun events this Easter season for youngsters, families and even
seniors. Two outstanding ones are:Francis Beatty Park, 4330 Weddington Rd.
This is the largest Easter egg hunt in the Carolinas April 11, 10-2pm.
Thousands of people expected. Admission: FREE with 100,000 hidden pieces of
candy for children! Park at nearby Siskey Branch YMCA, ride shuttles. Egg
hunts are at10:30am, 12noon and 1:30pm. Many activities for youngsters.
Under Water Easter Egg Hunt at Ray's Splash Planet, 215 N. Sycamore Street,
on April 2, 2009, 10am-12pm and 5pm-7pm. Youngsters hunt for eggs submerged
in shallow water, win prizes, and take pictures with the Easter Bunny! For
children 12 and younger. Admission $10. Parents may accompany for FREE.
Check out the many other
<http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Special+Events/Easter+Eggs
travaganza.htm> great events.
_____
STEP TEAMS INVITED TO SHOWCASE SOUL AND SPIRIT AT 'MECK STEPPERS STEP INTO
SPRING CHAMPIONSHIPS' MAY 31
Park and Rec invites step teams to sign-up now for the "Meck Steppers
Countywide Annual Step into Spring Championships", May 31, 2pm-7pm in Grady
Cole Center. Teams may compete from rec centers, neighborhoods, community
groups, churches, schools and colleges. The event is open to the first 25
teams to enter. Deadline to enter is Apr. 30. Participants may range from
age 4 years to senior adults! Teams may be all male, all female, or co-ed
steppers. Entry fee: $5 for each team member. For entry packet and rules, or
for more information, contact Dora DuBose at the Ivey Baker Recreation
Center: 704-353-1251 or <mailto:Dora.Dubose@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Dora.Dubose@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx The tag line is catching: "Show your
soul.Show your spirit".
_____
E-PLANT TIPS FOR WINTER FROM THE NC COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE
In Mecklenburg County the Cooperative Extension Service is part of Park and
Recreation and offers the following tips for gardeners this spring:
Turf grasses grow best at soil pH's of 6.0 to 7.0. Have your soil's pH
analyzed every two to three years to be sure you are in that range. Contact
the Extension office at 704-336-4011 for more information about soil testing
and where you can obtain a kit.
Cool-season grasses are normally only successfully established from August
15 to the middle of
October, and from February 30 to April 15 in the spring. Spring overseeding
and renovations usually have limited success because water becomes a
limiting factor, as the lawn transitions into the summer warm season.
Excessive application of nitrogen to cool-season grasses in the spring can
lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of stored food reserves and
root growth, increasing injury to lawns from summer disease and drought.
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April showers bring May flowers as spring gets ready to bloom.
_____
BRING YOUR GREEN THUMB OR QUEST FOR KNOWLEDGE TO THE MASTER GARDENERS PLANT
SALES MAY 2 AND 9,OFFER MANY UNUSUAL VARIETIES
Master Gardeners of Mecklenburg County Cooperative Extension Service offer a
wide selection of annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees at this year's
spring plant sales:
* Saturday, May 2: 7am-1pm at Mecklenburg County Farmers Market
Building A, 1801 Yorkmont Road, Charlotte.
* Saturday, May 9: 7am-1pm at the Matthews Farmers Market on North
Trade St., Matthews.
Plants for sale are propagated from the gardens of Master Gardeners. With
low prices and wide selection, including unusual varieties, this is a great
sale for anyone who loves gardening. Prices range from $2-$20 a plant.
Proceeds support an annual horticulture scholarship at CPCC. For more
information contact Plant Sale Chair Shannon Stober, at
<mailto:sbstober@xxxxxxxxx> sbstober@xxxxxxxxx or Scott Ewers, Extension
Horticulture Agent at or 704 336-4008 or <mailto:scott_ewers@xxxxxxxx>
scott_ewers@xxxxxxxxx
_____
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT PARK AND RECREATION!
For information on volunteering for any of these programs, contact: Lori
Saylor at 704-336-5478 or via <mailto:lori.saylor@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
e-mail. NOTE: Volunteers under age 16 must accompany an adult. Volunteers in
Therapeutic Recreation (TR) Division must be 18 years old. We need
volunteers for:
*
Rodney's Great Kids Triathlon, Sat 4/18, 7am-1 pm, Mecklenburg
Aquatic Center, Volunteers will help monitor course, pass out water and
cheer to participants. Great crew last year!
*
Be-A-Champion Track and Field, Tuesdays in May, 5:30pm-8:30pm at
JCSU and various rec centers. Ages 16 and up needed. Assist the "Be -A-
Champion" youth track and field league. Volunteers help run all aspects of
track meets.
*
Events on the Green, Sat May 16, 6pm-10 pm, Albemarle Rd Recreation
Center. During live WWX Wrestling match and Motorcycle show, work with food
vendors, movie, music and kids activities. Ages 16 and up needed.
*
Community Easter Egg Hunt, Sat. April 11, 11am-1pm, Albemarle Rd
Recreation Center. Help hide eggs and assist little children as needed with
hunt, tattoos, ring toss, etc.
*
Spring Carnival, Tuckaseegee Rec Center, Saturday April 18, 1pm-6pm.
Help with the Tuckaseegee Spring Carnival and talent show. Set up and run
games and booths, monitor assigned areas, help break down.
*
Triathlon at Jetton Park, May 9, 7am - 12 pm. Help with
registration, information, the events and pick up after the event.
*
Asian Festival Ramsey Creek Park, Sat, May 16, 7am - 4pm (2 shifts
available), includes dragon boat races. Help with passing out information,
trash pick up, event set-up, moving tables and chairs, take down.
*
National Trails Day, Sat June 6, McDowell Nature Preserve, 9am-2 pm.
Help clean the Natures Preserves trails. This is a nationwide event.
*
Indoor FUN Soccer League, Arbor Glen Outreach Center, 1520 Clanton
Rd Late March through June. Coaches Needed.
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Send a comment to the
<http://checkbox.co.mecklenburg.nc.us/Survey.aspx?s=9958556ad747435cb22f6a34
b9d5d107> Director.
UPCOMING EVENTS
For more information or to register for any of the following programs, click
the online link and use course number or call 311..
FULL MOON HIKE
Thur, Apr.9, 7-8:30pm. FREE. Come on guided 2-3 mile trial hike "by the
light of the moon" in Reedy Creek Nature Preserve. See what animals lurk!
BASEBALL SKILLS
Pitch Hit & Run: Wed., Apr.8 anytime between 1pm-6pm at Ivory Baker Rec
Center, Course #42683 or Sat., Apr.5 anytime between 11am-1pm at Naomi
Drenan Rec Center, Course #42416. FREE for youth, ages 6-12, showcase talent
in pitch/accuracy, hit/distance, run/speed.
TEDDY BEAR TEA PARTY
Thur., Apr.9, 10am-noon. Course #40614, $10. Pre-school girls and boys
invited to bring their teddy bears to 521 Recreation Center in Elon Park and
learn table manners, help make fun refreshments.
SPRING WILDFLOWER HIKE
Sat., Apr.18, 9:30am-11:30am, Course #41520, FREE. Come to McDowell Nature
to see the explosion of woodland wildflowers! Discover how to identify
delicate forest flowers on guided nature hike. Meet at the campground. Other
Nature Preserves host other wildflower hikes.
<http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Inside+The+Department/Divi
sions/Stewardship+Services/Recommended+Hikes.htm> Click here for more
offerings.
ARCHERY 101
Mon., Apr. 20-May 18, 5-7:30pm, Course # 42965, $50. Teens can learn what it
takes to be a skilled archer. Learn how to use bow and arrows in 5 week
course. Transportation provided to Barefoot Archery from Winget Recreation
Site at Winget Elementary School.
CHARLOTTE BOXING ACADEMY
Ongoing Mon.- Fri., 6 -7:30pm, Course # 42435, $20 per month. Kids, age 8
and older, learn fundamentals of boxing, weight training, conditioning, and
self-discipline from internationally recognized coach.
SUMMER DAY CAMPS
<http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Aquatics/Rays+Splash+Plane
t/Summer+Camps+at+Rays.htm> Register for more than sixty different camps
with wide range of activities be sure to
WHISTLE WORTHY
Want to lifeguard this summer? Sign up NOW for Lifeguard Certification at
Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center. Classes begin each month. For details,
call 704.336-DIVE, 704.432-4RAY or
<http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Aquatics/Home.htm> Click
here.
FIT CITY WALKERS
All rec centers host clubs for Seniors to improve fitness! Walk with a group
and enjoy fitness and fellowship. Call your closest recreation center for
times.
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