The Friday Letter | April 19, 2013

Volume 2 ISSUE

14

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF THE PARK AND RECREATION

April 19 2013

DEPARTMENT

FridayLetter THE

this issue

In The News: Park and Rec Hosts Free Golf Classic for Veterans and Active Duty Military

Park News P.1 Enterprise Services P.2 Nature Preserves & Natural Resources P.2 Community & Recreation Center Services P.4

All military veterans (including National Guard and Reserves) and active duty military personnel are

Park and Recreation— Leadership Academy

invited to sign-up to play in the 8th annual Veterans &

Leadership Academy—Class of 2014 Training Highlights

Reservists Golf Classic at Sunset Hills Golf Course, 800 Radio Road, on June 27, 2013. This event features a free round of golf on a fine course plus lunch provided

by Texas Land & Cattle Steak House at no charge for those who qualify to play.

The Golf Classic is presented by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department and Mecklenburg County Community Support Services-Veterans Services Division to show appreciation to men and women who serve and have served our country in the armed forces.

This week the Parks and Recreation Leadership Academy toured several facilities and parks as apart of their coursework. The course instructors were James Alsop, Lola Massed and Greg Clemmer. With close to 50 years of experience, the instructors gave the class a glimpse of our Departmental Focus, Customer Service driven philosophies and Management with "boots on the ground".

The group toured; Freedom Park, The Aquatic Center, Independence Park, Memorial Stadium, The Little Sugar Creek Greenway, St Mary's Chapel, Marion Diehl Recreation Center and Park Road Park. From Athletics to Senior programs, from Therapeutic services and Special events, the class got a chance to see how it all comes together.

The course work included history of specific parks, serving demographics, community partnership and teamwork through planning. Our national recognition is well deserve!

Everyday, at every park and every facility, there is something going on of which citizens of Mecklenburg County can be proud. A special thanks to our host sights and their staff. And hats off to Lola, Greg and James! Continued on Page 2

Mecklenburg County Races— Event Highlights: On Saturday, April 13th, 2013 the annual Charlotte RaceFest was held with over 2000 participants.

Runners chose to take part in either the 10K or Half-Marathon. Under the 75 and sunny sky, Jamey Yon was able to finish the Half-Marathon with a time of 1:13:55. As for the women’s results Kelly Fillnow edged out her twin sister Meghan Fillnow by one second, finishing in a time of 1:27:32. The 10K was just as exciting with John Compton walking away as the overall winner with a time of 33:58.

Alyson Zellner was the women’s winner with a time of 40:57. The day was very successful as runners were able to visit venders after they completed their race. Part of the proceeds from the event went to Partners for Parks, in a fund that is used for youth scholarships.

For additional Information on upcoming races please visit the adult running webpage or contact Preston Buckman at Preston.Buckman@mecklen burgcountync.gov

Grady Cole & American Legion Memorial Stadium Adult Athletics Basketball: Sunday, April 21st the Women’s Basketball League will begin league play at the Tuckaseegee Recreation Center. The Men’s 30 and Over will begin playoffs next Sunday, April 28 at the Bette Rae Center. The Men’s B- Basketball league is currently playing at Grady Cole and Hickory Grove Recreation Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Softball Spring softball league games are played at Renaissance and Nevin Park, Monday through Thursday for divisions 1, 2 and Co Ed. Volleyball: Weekly volleyball leagues are currently being played at West Charlotte, Tom Sykes and Wallace Pruitt. The Volleyball Women’s A League is currently in playoffs at West Charlotte. The championship game for the Co-Rec BB League will be held at Wallace Pruitt on Monday, April 22.

Grass Volleyball and Flag Football: Every Tuesday night, Grass Volleyball and Co-Ed Flag Football will be played at Nevin Park.

Rural Hill Nature Preserve Scottish Festival This weekend Rural Hill Nature Preserve will be the site of the Scottish Festival and Loch Norman Highland Games. This very popular event attracts tens of thousands of visitors, and will run from Friday evening at 5:30 pm to Sunday afternoon at 4:30 PM. The festival features traditional Scottish games, music, food, dancing and more. For a full schedule of events visit http:// www.ruralhillscottishfestivals.net

Scenes from Events Park and Recreation Leadership Academy Course Instructors (l to r) Lola Massad, Greg Clemmer and James Alsop ____________________

Leadership Academy Class of 2014 Class of 2014 participants receive instructions for their “Boots on the Ground� day of touring. ____________________ The Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation Leadership Academy is a program designed for the growth of Park & Recreation professionals.

The Park & Recreation Leadership Academy is designed to provide employees an opportunity to learn from and interact with other employees and professionals within the surrounding area.

Therapeutic Recreation News— Paralympic Tandem Cycling: Paralympic Sport Metrolina, a program of the TR Section, started tandem cycling on Saturday, April 13th. Tandem cycling is a Paralympic sport offered to youth and adults with visual impairments. A tandem has two positions, a captain, who is sighted and steers/guides the bike, and a stoker who provides the majority of the momentum. Tandem is held at Marion Diehl Recreation Center on Saturdays.

For more information on Paralympic sports contact Jana.McMullen@Mecklen burgCountyNC.gov

Recreational News from Mecklenburg Communities Teen Summit at Naomi Drenan Recreation Center: On April 11th, Naomi Drenan Recreation Center hosted the “Good Kid Queen City” Teen Summit. This was the first of 3 scheduled teen summits scheduled. With over 70 teens in attendance, they enjoyed games/ activities, music, refreshments, workshops, a special live musical performance by a local artist. Pumping the teens up for an exciting day of activities were Charlotte’s favorite hip hop morning show team, No Limit Larry, Yasmin, Church Boy and A-Dot from Power 98 WPEG. The teens also participated in breakout sessions such as; “Poetic Justice” (How to express yourself through poetry and music. Also exploring the meaning behind the lyrics of Hip Hop music) and “Money Smart” (What you need to know about managing money and building credit...before you get to college). We would like to thank Power 98 WPEG for all of their support to make this event a success.

Naomi Drenan Recreation Center For more information about this event or other upcoming teen summits, contact NaomiDrenanRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704.432.5231.

Recreational News from Mecklenburg Communities MeckSeniors Card Tournament at Albemarle Road Recreation Center: On April 13th, Albemarle Road Recreation Center held their 3rd annual MeckSeniors Card Tournament. The tournament included games such as spades, bid whist, and pinochle.

More than 40 seniors from all over the county, and even a few from Spartanburg, SC participated in the competition. During the tournament, light refreshments were served as they listened to oldies and enjoyed this activity while forming new friendships. Awards were given to winners and runner ups.

In The News: CPRP Awarded Community and Recreation Center Services — Michael Daly & Katie Robinson recently received the distinction of Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP).

Albemarle Road Recreation Center For more information about this or other seniorprogramming, please contact us at Albe- NOT PICTURED KATIE ROBINmarleRoadRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 704.567.1941.

SON

Romare Bearden Park - Opening June 2013

Congratulations to Michael, Katy and to the Department!

It’s more than just letters after your name – it’s an investment in your career that demonstrates your practical knowledge and that you have the current realworld skills necessary in today’s changing park and recreation environment.

Road Tripping with the Arbor Glen Super Senior Advocates

Recreational News from Mecklenburg Communities

The grass was green, the sky was blue and it was a great day Wednesday, April 17th the for Baseball. Youth from Sugaw seniors enjoyed their Creek Recreation Center were monthly outing socializing, treated to a wonderful aftereating, walking the North noon at Robert and Mariam Lake Mall or enjoying Hayes Stadium on Tuesday, “Temptation” by Tyler April 16. North Carolina State Perry. During lunch many was in town to take on the told about their past sum49ers, at the time, NC State was mer adventures to beautiranked 15th in the naful places abroad and tion.

Most of the children, who play in the 8 and under age division for Sugaw Creek talked about their upcoming summer trips. The last Baseball, witnessed a great pitcher’s duel. The final score was 2-1, with State coming out See Charlotte! before sum- on top. Sugaw Creek Recreation Center staff thanks UNCC for mer break will be Soul making this a special day for the Food inspired. center youth.

As part of an effort to revive baseball in inner cities, Sugaw Creek Recreation Center hosted a free local Pitch, Hit & Run competition on Saturday, April 13. Participants competed in a timed run from second to home For more information con- base, they pitched to a target to score points and hit off of a tee tact ArborGlenOutreachCenter@MecklenburgCou to measure distance and accuracy. Players accumulated one ntyNC.gov or 704-432combined score with top per1531. formers in each category and age division moving on to the sectional round of the competition. The National Finals will be held at the MLB All Star Week in New York City during July 14-16.

Sugaw Creek Recreation Center For more information, contact Brett.Krizanik@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Recreational News from Mecklenburg Communities Gaming Tournament at Ivory/Baker Curtis Baxter won a double elimination tournament that consisted of 12 players on Monday, April 15th. The tournament consisted of the NBA 2K13 game on the Play Station 3. Curtis is quite the gamer, as he already holds another championship after winning the Madden Tournament in the fall.

Ivory/Baker Recreation Center For more information on programs happening at Ivory/Baker call 704.432.4580 or email IvoryBakerRecreationCenter @MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Fitness with Nettie Very popular aerobics/fitness instructor Nettie Reeves began her aerobics class this past week to over 25 participants at the Ivory/Baker Recreation Center. Ongoing classes will be held weekly on Thursday evenings from 5:30-6:30pm. Adults of all fitness levels are welcome to participate.

For more information on programs at Ivory/Baker email IvoryBakerRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704.432.4580.

Recreational News from Mecklenburg Communities

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department encourages and promotes inclusive leisure experiences in all of our programs, activities and sports. Inclusive leisure experiences encourage and enhance opportunities for people of varying abilities to participate and interact in life’s activities together with dignity. It also provides an environment that promotes and fosters physical, social and psychological inclusion of people with diverse experiences and skill levels. Inclusion enhances individuals’ potential for full and active participation in leisure activities and experiences.

The Sugaw Creek Jaguars Track and Field Team kicked off the season on April 6th at Johnson C. Smith University. 115 Participants ranging in ages 4-18 are participating in running and field events. The remaining regular season track meets are April 20th, April 27th. Contact Cynthia Smith Perkins @ 704.910.2660 or Cynthia.Smith-Perkins@mecklenburgcountync.gov for more information.

Recreational News from Mecklenburg Communities

Park and Recreation News: 5841 Brookshire Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 336-8840

Submissions for the Newsletter

Recreate All Year!

As the weather changes, look forward to new and exciting way to continue recreating during the late winter and spring months. Subscribe to the Park and Recreation ENewsletter to stay up to date on activities that may be available to you.

www.parkandrec.com

Please submit all news for the Friday Letter to your Division Director for review and routing.

Park Partners may contact Kesha Meads at Kesha.Meads@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

for publication assistance.

The Friday Letter Volume 2 • Issue 14• April 9, 2013

Upcoming Events: Powerade State Games of NC February Update The Powerade State Games is returning to the Charlotte region in 2013 and we want YOU to be a part of the largest sports festival in North Carolina! Held throughout the month of June, the Powerade State Games will feature over 12,000 athletes participating in 19 different sports across more than 30 venues in a true Olympic-style sporting event. Please read this information carefully to ensure you won't miss out on all the FUN in Charlotte this June!

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Senior Leadership Team Jim Garges, Director

Online registration for the Powerade State Games is open for most sports at www.ncsports.org. You can save up to $20 on registration fees by registering online through the step-by-step Powerade State Games registration system.

Michael Kirschman, Deputy Director James Alsop, Enterprise Services Renea Barber, Human Resources Mario Chang, Budget Administration Lee Jones, Capital Planning Lola Massad, Community and Recreation Center Services Jeff Robinson, Park Operations