Welcome again to Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation's monthly e-newsletter. This is all about activities, programs and facilities for YOUR recreation. We offer fun, competition, and good health. If you do not want to receive this by e-mail, just click on the choice at the bottom to UNSUBSCRIBE. If you know anyone who would like to receive this, send them to www.parkandrec.com to click on the SUBSCRIBE icon.

GROUNDBREAKING AUGUST 4 FOR MAJOR NEW SPORTSPLEX PARK ON CHARLOTTE'S EAST SIDE                     

Mecklenburg Park and Recreation and representatives of surrounding neighborhoods break ground Aug 4 at 10am for the new 90 acre Eastway Specialty Park, 5399 Waterwood Street. This park will be a sportsplex with its first phase scheduled for completion in late 2008. It will include 2 multipurpose fields (for soccer and football), 2 softball fields 2 restroom buildings, trails, roads and parking. This first phase costs $3.6 million, paid for by county bonds. Additional phases will come later. This park will serve many neighborhoods: Plaza Park I and II, Highland Trace, Citiside, Sharon Park, Hampshire Hills, Bridlewood, Eastbrook, Green Meadows, and Green Forest.
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The plans are drawn, and after groundbreaking these athletic fields will be developed for youth and adult play.

PARK AND RECREATION SUPPORTS "NATIONAL NIGHT OUT"

Park and Rec joins the National Night Out against crime Tuesday evening Aug 7 with special activities for neighborhood residents to meet each other and have fun at  22 recreation centers and parks. National Night Out started as a program for people to leave their front lights on and get to know neighbors, to show average people can "take back their neighborhoods" against crime. Over time it came to include block parties, cookouts, parades, visits from law enforcement personnel, youth programs, etc.  Click here for a list of our participating facilities.

Football Frenzy is part of our three year program to improve youth football in Mecklenburg County.

YOUNGSTERS AND PARENTS INVITED TO JOIN "FOOTBALL FRENZY" AUG 25

Park and Rec invites adults and youngsters, ages 7-12, to a day of "Football Frenzy," Saturday, Aug 25, 10am - 1pm at Memorial Stadium, 310 North Kings Drive. The Frenzy includes a youth football skills competition, cheerleading exhibitions, information on leagues and giveaways. Special guests: Carolina Panthers' Sir Purr, Top Cats Cheerleaders and coaches from youth football organizations. This is an opportunity to learn about the excitement, organization, and mechanics of youth football. Free parking will be available in a lot at 7^th Street and Kings Drive. Pre-register for the skills competition or call Coordinator Akida Jordan at 704 432-1266.

IF YOU CAN COACH YOUTH SPORTS, WE CAN USE YOUR HELP

The more kids who play organized sports, the greater is our need for adult volunteer coaches. Park and Rec needs help with the following sports and seasons. Soccer: Practice starts in August, play September–November.  Flag Football: Practice starts in August, play September–November.  Basketball: Practice starts in November, play December-February.  Cheerleading: Practice starts in August, play September–November. Coaching positions available across Mecklenburg. If you can help contact Coordinator Lori Saylor at 704-336-5478 or lori.saylor@mecklenburgcountync.gov . Background checks required. We also need individuals and groups to help "band" trees against canker worms in many parks this fall.

Play golf at five Mecklenburg County courses. Click here for the list, which includes the new par 3 "learners course" at Sunset Hills.

REPAIRS START IN AUGUST ON WAYMER FLYING FIELD FOR MODEL AIRPLANES

Mecklenburg County and a consultant have drawn a plan to correct the methane problem and surface cracks that caused the closing of Waymer Flying Field in Huntersville. The field was built atop an old landfill, where decaying garbage underground is giving off methane. Remedial work will begin in early August. The fix involves adding 600 cubic yards of dirt to the surface of the field. The dirt should seal cracks and eliminate methane gas seeping into the air. Work is expected to be complete in time for model airplane events scheduled in September and October. Additional work may come later to eliminate underground pipes, demolish the existing runway and build a new one. 

Waymer Aeromodeler Flying Field is a popular facility for hobbyists who fly model airplanes under radio or wire controls.

RUNNING CROSS COUNTRY HELPS BUILD BETTER HEALTH AND BETTER CHARACTER FOR YOUTH

Park and Rec is proud to partner with "Cross-County for Youth" at several of our facilities in October and November. This is a program to teach young people the value of cross-country running.  Anyone who has competed in cross-country running knows its benefits. Get in shape and work toward a goal, compete to win or to do better and better as time goes on. Check http://www.crosscountryforyouth.org/ for details on this great program.

Admission to a Park and Rec pool is just $1/day for anyone.

COME SPLASH WITH US AT OUTDOOR POOLS BEFORE THE END OF THE SUMMER SEASON

This summer Park and Rec's two outdoor swimming pools had about 17,000 paid admissions through July 22. These are Cordelia Pool at 2100 North Davidson St and Double Oaks Pool at 1200 Newland Rd. Attendance is up about 12% this year.  We think it's because many youth and adults are learning about our $1 admission charge for anybody, any day.  The outdoor pools will close on weekdays Aug 27 but will continue to operate weekends through the end of Labor Day weekend, Sept 3.   Also, check out our indoor pools and Ray's Splash Planet, the Aquatic Center, and Marion Diehl Center.  Click here for more details

FIND REFUGE FROM THE AUGUST HEAT IN A SPRAYGROUND

Another great way to cool off is at our spraygrounds, where kids (and parents) love to frolic among water spouts and sprays.  Use of spraygrounds is FREE. They are located in: Cordelia Park, 2100 North Davidson St, Latta Park,  601 East Park Ave, Nevin Park, 6000 Statesville Rd, and Veterans Park, 2136 Central Ave, and West Charlotte Recreation Center, 2400 Kendall Drive  Sprayground are open 7 days a week, 10am-8pm.  Come and enjoy the cool water on a hot day!  Spraygrounds will remain open through most of September, weather permitting.  

MECKLENBURG PARKS HELPED HOST GIRL'S SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES FOR THE EASTERN UNITED STATES LAST MONTH

More than 120 girls softball teams played in Mecklenburg County parks July 23-26 National Softball Association Girls Fast Pitch World Series. Teams came from all over the eastern US. Play was at our Nevin Park, Mallard Creek Park, Renaissance Park, and Hornets Nest Park. Games in Mecklenburg were mostly in the age 12-and-under age category. Other host park systems were Rock Hill, York County, Ft. Mill, and Gastonia. Overall more than 300 teams participated in five age categories. This tournament brought 12,000 participants and family members to the Carolinas.

 "HUMMINGBIRD HAPPENINGS" OFFERS TWO SPECIAL DAYS FOR SPECIAL BIRDS AT REEDY CREEK NATURE CENTER AUG. 24-25

We host renowned hummingbird expert Dr. Bill Hilton, Jr. for special programs Aug 24 & 25 at Reedy Creek Nature Center,  2900 Rocky River Rd. There will be special lectures Aug 24 at 8:30am and 7pm.  See www.parkandrec.com for program and fees. On Saturday, Aug 25.  Adults and kids are invited to a day-long festival, 9am- 4:30pm. Watch up-close look as Dr. Hilton captures and bands ruby-throated hummingbirds. Also: displays, crafts, games and face-painting for children. To register for Friday programs or for more information, contact Reedy Creek Nature Center: 704 598-8857. Sponsors are Chirp 'N Chatter, Dr. JB's Hummingbird Products, and Texas Roadhouse.          
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MORE THAN 150 PEOPLE ATTEND SKATEBOARDERS FESTIVAL AND COMPETITION AT GRAYSON SKATEPARK, JULY 28

High flying skateboarders with flashing wheels competed for cash and prizes at the second annual "Charlotte Skateboarding & Music Festival '07" July 28 at Grayson SkatePark.  Park and Rec partnered with Premier Access Group and Board Paradise to present this event.  Expert skateboarders shared tips as family-friendly music played in the background. Grayson SkatePark, 750 Beal Steer is our $632,000 state-of-the-art skating facility. This hip venue has a 13,000 square foot concrete course for skate boarding, rollerblading, and BMX bikes (at limited times). Grayson caters to a full range of users from beginners to the experienced "vert" crowd. Check our skateboard page for details.