Greetings again from Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation. We hope this e-newsletter helps you enjoy our many offerings of fun, competition and good health. Please tell us what you think by using the Send Feedback link in the toolbox to the right.

NOVEMBER BOND REFERENDUM TO SEEK VOTER APPROVAL FOR MANY PARK AND RECREATION FACILITIES IN OUR RAPIDLY GROWING COUNTY   

Mecklenburg County Commissioners have agreed to place a $250-million bond referendum on the ballot in November to meet future needs for parks and recreation facilities in Mecklenburg County. The exact list of projects will be determined by Commissioners and it will include parks, nature preserves, greenways, recreation centers, and aquatic facilities. Facilities will be built or expanded in all parts of the county as envisioned in Mecklenburg County's new 10 year Master Plan for Park and Recreation. Learn more about the Master Plan and the list projects when completed at www.parkandrec.com.

Voters will help decide the future of new Park and Recreation facilities.

PARK AND RECREATION ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR SPORTSPLEX IN WEST CHARLOTTE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FRIENDSHIP CHURCH

Park and Recreation has unveiled plans for a new sportsplex off Beatties Ford Road, to be developed in partnership with Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, which owns the land. In 2004, voters passed $8 million in bonds for public/private recreation partnerships. Interested groups were invited to submit proposals. The one from Friendship was selected. The church will lease 22 acres behind the church to the county for 40 years. The County will operate the sportsplex, to be built in phases. The $2 million Phase I will include a combination of softball fields and an overlaying multi-purpose field, restrooms, and parking. Construction starts in late 2009.

KIDS TEE IT UP TO GOLF WITH PARK AND REC AND THE FIRST TEE OF CHARLOTTE
 

What young golfer in The First Tee program could be a future Tiger Woods?

About 110 youngsters who want to learn about golf are participating in a great opportunity presented by The First Tee of Charlotte and Mecklenburg Park and Recreation. The kids, ages 5-18, are learning all aspects of golf in July and August at a program on four Park and Recreation golf courses: Revolution, Charles T. Meyers, Renaissance, and Sunset Hills. Many youngsters are on scholarships. The program introduces them to golf, especially those who otherwise might not get to play the game. All activities stress the First Tee's core values: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, judgment, perseverance, courtesy, confidence, respect and responsibility.

SALLY BILLINGTON NAMED EXECTIVE DIRECTOR OF PARTNERS FOR PARKS, PARK AND REC'S FRIEND AND BENEFACTOR

Partners for Parks, Inc, has hired Sally Billington as its first Executive Director. Partners for Parks is a private, non-profit organization that supports Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation's projects and services. It has 501(c)(3) status so contributions can be tax deductable. Billington has many years of experience in non-profit administration and fund-raising. She was Executive Director of the World Affairs Council of Charlotte. To contribute to Partners for Parks, contact Sally Billington or check www.PartnersForParks.org.
 

ARBOR GLEN CENTER HOSTS "NATIONAL NIGHT OUT" AUG 5 WITH NEIGHBORHOOD ACTIVITIES DIRECTED AGAINST CRIME

Mecklenburg Park and Recreation and West Blvd Neighborhood Coalition will celebrate the 2008 National Night Out on August 5, 6pm-9pm, at Arbor Glen Outreach Center, 1520 Clanton Road. This event is FREE and offers food, music, a dance contest, PRIZES and many fun activities. Seventeen neighborhood organizations are participating. National Night Out, now in its 25^th year, is a national demonstration aimed against crime and drugs. Last year more than 34 million people participated in North America. Partners in this program are Neighborhoods United, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, City Dive, Vision Charlotte, and the Stratford Richardson YMCA.

REEDY CREEK NATURE CENTER HOSTS HUMMINGBIRD FESTIVAL, A GREAT FREE FAMILY ACTIVITY AUG. 23

Park and Recreation hosts its second annual day-long festival celebrating ruby throated hummingbirds at the Nature Center in Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve, 2900 Rocky River Road. The festival is FREE from 10am – 4:30pm. It features hummingbird banding by ornithologists. The bands help ornithologists record hummingbird travels. Festival includes fun games, crafts, vendors of hummingbird product, face-painting and storytelling. No fees, but donations accepted for nature programs. Dr. JB's Hummingbird Products will be displayed for purchase. Learn how to create a hummingbird haven in your back yard!  For more information contact 311.

Did you know hummingbirds migrate across the Gulf of Mexico from Central America each year?

ALL DOG PARKS IN  MECKLENBURG COUNTY ARE NOW FREE

Dogs and their owners may now use all Mecklenburg County dog parks for FREE. The old "pooch passes" with annual fees no longer apply. All dogs must still have current rabies vaccinations and licenses, according to city and county ordinance and state law. Dog owners are still responsible for their pets. Dog parks are open 7am – sunset, every day. We have dog parks at: McAlpine Creek Park, Reedy Creek Park, Ramsey Creek Park, and William R. Davie Park.  Learn more information about our dog parks and rules. A new dog park will open in mid-August in Frazier Park, 1201 West Fourth Street, to serve uptown residents.

Park and Recreation seeks volunteers to help build a truly "accessible" playground for all children at Nevin Park Sept. 29-Oct. 4. Building shifts are 8am–12:30pm, 12noon–5:30  pm, and 5:00pm–dark. The park is at 6000 Statesville Rd. This will be a play area without barriers, specially designed to be accessible for all children, regardless of their abilities.  The playground will be called Race Playce, designed with a NASCAR theme. Skilled and unskilled volunteers are needed to help with construction, hospitality and first aid. Individuals, families, church groups, companies, social groups, fraternities, sororities and sport teams are invited.  This project is called "Hearts and Hands," a great chance for team building and to build a playground for children. To volunteer or get more information call Lori.Saylor: 704-336-5478 or Lori.Saylor@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

E-PLANT TIPS FOR LATE SUMMER FROM THE NC COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE (WHICH OPERATES IN MECKLENBURG AS A DIVISION OF PARK AND REC)

• Plan now to rejuvenate or plant home lawns in the fall.
• If water puddles during irrigation, the sprinkler is putting out water faster than it is being absorbed by the soil. Calibrate your sprinkler to water more slowly.
• Spider mites leave webs on the underside of leaves, and eggs are laid in these webs. The grayish, stippled appearance of leaves infested with spider mites is a result of their feeding on plant juices. Spider mites thrive in hot, dry weather. For mild infestations, hose the foliage to wash off the mites. For severe problems, spray with an approved chemical according to label directions. Check with your local Extension agent for current recommendations.
• Whenever you apply pesticides, adhere strictly to the directions on the package. Do not spray when temperatures are over 85 degrees F or when it is windy.

PARK AND RECREATION NEEDS VOLUNTEER ASSISTANCE WITH MANY PROGRAMS.  CAN YOU HELP?

For information on volunteering for any programs contact: Lori Saylor at 704-336-5478 or Lori.Saylor@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov. Volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult least age 21. Volunteers for Therapeutic Recreation must be at least age 18. Volunteers are now needed for:

•  Hummingbird Festival, Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Rd, Aug. 23,  9am–5pm (several shifts available), training session Aug. 18, 6 pm. A day-long festival to celebrate ruby-throated hummingbirds. Activities for all ages.Hummingbird banding at nature center with displays, vendors, crafts, games, face-painting. Volunteers will run tables, greet, help with crafts, etc.
• CampFest, Marion Diehl Center, 2219 Tyvola Rd, Aug. 6, 8:30am–4:30pm, short shifts available.  An interactive filed day for youth and teens with disabilities.
• Coaches needed: Youth Soccer, Youth Flag Football, Youth Basketball. Many programs start in August at many recreation  centers. To find more information about volunteering, visit the volunteer page or find a recreation center convenient to you. Help our youth!