Welcome to Mecklenburg Park and Recreation's September e-newsletter. This is about activities, programs and facilities for your enjoyment. We offer fun, competition and good health. If you do not want to receive this, click on the UNSUBSCRIBE choice at the bottom. If you know anyone else who would like to get this, send them to www.parkandrec.com to click on the SUBSCRIBE icon on the right hand side of the page.

FESTIVAL IN THE PARK AT FREEDOM PARK IS A CHARLOTTE TRADITION IN SEPTEMBER

Plan to enjoy lovely late-summer days and cooler evenings at the 43^rd annual Festival in the Park, Sept 20-23 at Freedom Park.  Festival is Charlotte's mirror on the arts.  Visitors from all over the Carolinas attend the nationally recognized event to enjoy music, performances, and visual arts. Admission free: This year's schedule.
Get Directions 

• Thurs, Sept 20, 6pm – 10pm
• Fri, Sept 21, Kid's Day, 10am – 1pm 
• Fri, Sept 21, 12noon – 10pm  
• Sat, Sept 22, 10am – 10pm
• Sun, Sept 23, 10am – 6pm

WAYMER FLYING FIELD FOR AEROMODELERS REOPENS; REPAIRS DONE TO STOP METHANE LEAKS

Mecklenburg County has reopened David B. Waymer Aeromodeler Flying Field, 15401 Holbrooks Road, Huntersville. Model airplane flying has resumed for both radio and wire control. Park and Rec had to close the field in July because of methane leaks from old an underground landfill. Mecklenburg County's Solid Waste Division resurfaced the field with 600 cubic yards of dirt to seal leaks. Additional remodeling will come later. The Flying Aces Pilot Association's War Birds Fly-in will be held here as scheduled Sat, Sept 8 for military model airplanes, both radio or wire controlled. Great free show!  Get Directions

MECKLENBURG BREAKS GROUND FOR MAJOR NEW SPORTSPLEX PARK NEAR EASTWAY AND THE PLAZA      

Representatives of many neighborhoods helped break ground in August to for a major new "sportsplex" park in east Charlotte. Eastway Specialty Park, will cover 126 acres, scheduled to open in late 2008.  Phase I will cost $3.6 million, paid for by county bonds. It will include: two multipurpose fields, two softball fields, restrooms and trails. Further phases will occur as funding is available. Park and Rec now has eight sportsplexes in the works, capable of hosting major tournaments, but which will mainly serve local athletic needs.

Try camping with the family at Park and Rec's wooded campground at McDowell Nature Preserve.  Sites for campers and tents, even rent-a-tents.   More Details.

We had to close Park and Rec  boat ramps at Copperhead Island in McDowell Nature Preserve because of low water levels on Lake Wylie. On Lake Norman, some ramps at Ramsey Creek Park and Blythe Landing had to close. More ramps may close at any time if water level drops further. If you plan on boating, please check if ramps are open. Call 311. 

GREENWAYS NEAR INNER CITY HOST 5K RUN AND FUN RUN, SEPT. 15

Runners of all skill levels are invited to sign-up for the "Inner Charlotte Greenway of Hope and Health 5K Road Race" September 15. Run begins at 8am with start and finish in Seversville Park, 540 South Bruns Avenue. Course features beautiful views of uptown from several greenways. There is also a one mile fun run walk/run at 8:30am. Entry fee: $15 through Sept 5, then $20. Entry fee for fun run/walk is $1. Advance registration recommended, but entries accepted at event beginning 7:45am.  Bring donations of toiletries and new undergarments for Crisis Assistance Ministry.  Get directions

TRACK AND FIELD TRAINING SEPT-NOV AT IRWIN BELK TRACK AT JCSU CAMPUS

Track and field athletes are invited to special fall training Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6pm-8pm, Sept 11 - Nov 27, 2007 at Irwin Belk Complex, 500 Summit Avenue at Johnson C. Smith University for males, females, ages 5 – adult.  Training sponsored by Mecklenburg Park and Rec, Police Athletic League, and Charlotte Flights Track Club. Head Track Coach is our Anthony James, plus staff of volunteers, many of whom were track and field stars. All coaches certified. Cost: $60. Registration form and health waiver at www.parkandrec.com. For more information contact Anthony James: 704 336-5956 or anthony.james@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov .

CITIZENS INVITED TO COMMENT ON NEW UPTOWN PARKS, PART OF PROPOSED LANDSWAP FOR BASEBALL STADIUM

Mecklenburg Park and Recreation hosts the second in a series of community workshops Sept. 10 to hear citizen comments on plans for two new parks in uptown Charlotte:  New West Park and Second Ward Park. New West Park will be near Bank of America Football Stadium. Second Ward Park will go where Marshall Park and the CMS Education Center are now. The workshop is at 6pm at Johnson & Wales University's Hance Auditorium, 801 West Trade Street.  Map it  Mecklenburg County has $9-million dollars and $6-million to develop these two parks on properties involved in the proposed "land swap" for a minor league baseball stadium. 

MEMORIAL SERVICE IN FRAZIER PARK FOR 9-11 VICTIMS AT OUR CHILDREN'S MEMORIAL WALKWAY, UPTOWN

Our Children's Memorial Walkway in Frazier Park invites firefighters, police, emergency personnel, uptown workers and the public to a special memorial service for victims of 9-11 attacks against America.  Service will be Tues, Sept 11 at 8:30am. At 8:47am, at time of the first World Trade Center attack, red, white, and blue balloons will be released. Observance includes prayer, taps, scroll with the names and pictures of thousands of victims. For more information contact Ms. Jerry Mudge: 704 509-6603 (home) or 704 517-1696 (cell) or check  www.OCMW.org . DIRECTIONS: From Cedar Street, take First St. three blocks west to Frazier Park.  Walk across the metal bridge.

KAYAK  RACE ON MOUNTAIN ISLAND LAKE SEPT 29 PADDLES OFF AT LATTA PLANTATION NATURE PRESERVE

Mecklenburg Park and Rec hosts the Mountain Island Challenge Touring Kayak Race Saturday, Sept 29, beginning at 10am at Latta Plantation Nature Preserve, 5226 Sample Road, Huntersville. Event features races for five classes of kayaks on Mountain Island Lake. Entry fees: $15 with pre-registration, $20 race day.  Pre-registration deadline is Sept 26, 5pm. Day of event registration begins 8am.  Free for spectators. For more information, regulations, and to pre-register by phone call Woody Woodward: 704 588-0697. Coast Guard approved life jacket required for competitors. Get Directions

CHARLOTTE BOXING ACADEMY OPENS AGAIN FOR YOUTH AMATEUR BOXING SEASON

Youth interested in amateur boxing are invited to learn and/or polish their skills at Charlotte Boxing Academy. Practices begin Sept 4, 6pm -7:30pm at Ultimate Gym, 2019 North Tryon Street (in brick warehouse building beside WSOC-TV sign). The academy is for youth, ages 8-18, of all skill levels. Cost: $8 a month. Scholarships available for financial hardship. Boxing practice runs through June, Mon-Thurs evenings. Program stresses discipline, teamwork, scholarship, conditioning and sportsmanship. Park and Rec coach, Al Simpson, is former US Olympic trainer, coach of USA Jr. Olympic team. For more information: 704 372-0140.

DAMAGED CAROLINA LAWNS NEED SPECIAL FALL CARE; MECKLENBURG'S EXTENSION AGENTS OFFER ADVICE

"Unusually hot and dry weather in August severely damaged fescue lawns in Mecklenburg," says Horticulture Extension Agent Jim Monroe of NC Cooperative Extension Service. Now is the time to begin repairing damage. "Fall is the ideal to plant fescue in our area," Monroe says.  He recommends aeration and/or use of a   "slit seeder" this year to help give seed a good start, especially with water restrictions. In Mecklenburg, NC Extension Service operates as a part of  Park and Recreation Department. Agents Jim Monroe and Scott Ewers are available for advice on turf and plants. Call 704-336-4008 or check Turf Files website at  www.turffiles.ncsu.edu/ .

Wait 'til you see all we have to offer for your recreation in Get Going Guide!

KIDS AND ADULTS:  LOOK FOR GET GOING GUIDE IN SEPTEMBER

Mecklenburg Park and Recreation is preparing to distribute 100,000 copies of its twice-a-year activities catalogue called Get Going Guide. The guide lists our facilities and programs in much greater detail than this e-newsletter, including hundreds of programs in recreation centers and parks. Be on the lookout for Get Going Guide in the second half of September. It will be distributed in Charlotte-Mecklenburg elementary schools, recreation centers, libraries, and selected stores.

PARK AND REC NEEDS VOLUNTEERS FOR MANY ACTIVITIES

For more information on volunteering, contact Lori Saylor:  704 336-5478 or lori.saylor@MekclenburgCountyNC.gov . Volunteers now needed for:

• Mountain Island Challenge Touring Kayak Race, Sept 29, Latta Plantation Nature Preserve
• Howl-o-ween Dog Event, Ramsey Creek Park, Oct 27, 9am – 3pm, features activities for dogs and owners. Volunteers help set up, take down, and activities. Must be at least 18 years old for a "howling" good time!
• Canker Worm Program, Oct 15 - Nov 15,  tree banding at many parks:Sugar Creek, Revolution, Amay James, Cherry and Tryon Hills Independence, Freedom, Shamrock, Midwood , Edgewood.  Great for Groups!  Help take bands down Feb – May.
• Haunted Forest, Oct 26 $27, Hwy 521 Recreation Center, 4:30pm – 10:30pm.  Family hay ride through Haunted Forest. Costumed volunteers in haunted scenes.
• Inner City Greenway 5K Road Race, Sept 15, 7am - 9 am, starts, finishes in Seversville Park, 540 S. Bruns Ave.
• Need Coaches.  Soccer: Play Sept –Nov, Flag Football: Play Sept –Nov, Basketball: Practice in Nov, Play Dec –Feb, Cheerleading: Sept –Nov
• Need Talent:  piano teacher, ballet instructor, self defense instructor.                                                                                   .