The Friday Letter | March 7, 2014

THE

2014 Bark In The Park Top Dog Festival When: April 26, 2014 Where: Historic Rural Hill 4431 Neck Road Huntersville, NC View the 2014 Sponsorship guide here.

View the 2014 Vendor Application here.

View photos from the 2013 Bark in the Park festival here.

Click here to enter the Top Dog Photo Contest.

Park News—Bark in the Park Coming Soon!

Athletics

11th annual Carolina Ruggerfest Women's Basketball: We would like to extend a special invitation to you to join us at the upcoming 2014 Carolina Ruggerfest.

This is a great opportunity for you to be a part of one of the most exciting and fastest growing sports in the world that is now coming to the Summer Olympics. In North Carolina, we are passionate about sharing this experience with our youth so they can learn that it is possible in this day and age to have respect and discipline, work hard and be part of a community.

In our 11th year of this event on, the 2014 Carolina Ruggerfest is shaping up to be our best ever. So, come out, join the fun and learn about a sport that builds true character. Be part of making North Carolina the premier state for youth athletics.

Women’s Basketball will start the first round of playoffs on March 9 at Naomi Drenan Recreation Center. The championship game will be held Sunday March 23 at The Grady Center.

There are a total of 8 teams that are participating during the Winter season. The Spring season will begin on Sunday April 27.

Men’s Basketball 40 and Over Men’s Basketball 40 and Over will start the first round of playoffs on March 10 at The Grady Cole Center. The championship game will be held Monday March 17 at The Grady Cole Center. There are a total of 7 teams participating during the Winter season. The Spring season will begin on Monday April 21.

“U Got Game” Adult Basketball Tournament The 19th Annual “U Got Game” Adult Basketball Tournament is this weekend March 7th-9th.

Games will be played at Bette Rae Recreation Center, Ivory Baker Recreation Center, Hickory Grove Recreation Center, and the Grady Cole Center. There are a total of 17 teams signed up to play.

Youth Baseball Tournament at Nevin Community Park On March 2-3, there was a Youth Baseball Tournament at Nevin Community Park. The tournament name was Battle of the Carolinas. There were a total of 39 teams who participated in the tournament.

Community & Recreation Center Services Wallace Pruitt Recreation Center: Black History Exhibit Wallace Pruitt Recreation Center hosted its Annual Black History exhibit, which highlights the Achievements of African-Americans. The exhibit was open to the public during the week of February 17 -21, 2014. The exhibits included a portrayal of Harriet Tubman (featuring Dr. Joyce Waddell) and a tour of The Underground Railroad. The Grand opening included a tribute to President Obama and included re-enactments of some of the monumental events that have happened during his Presidency. Over 600 people to tour the exhibit, including students from Bruns Academy, residents of Seversville and surrounding communities. The program educated, enlightened, inspired, and caused thoughtful reflection within youth and adults alike. For more information on other programs, please, call 704-432-6775 or email WallacePruittRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountync.gov

Rugerfest cont....

Dates: March 8th and 9th Location: Mecklenburg County Sportsplex, Matthews, NC High School 15‘s rugby Over 30 Boys and Girls teams with 800+ student athletes College 7’s rugby - 8 University ACC teams College Showcase match at Butler High School Clemson vs Wheeling Jesuit Contact us for your VIP tickets.

For information NCYRU Festival Committee cyrfestival@ncyru.org 704-756-3275 Www.ncyru.org

Mallard Creek Recreation Center: Youth Sports Mallard Creek’s 6U basketball season concluded February 22. There were (5) five teams and (9) volunteer coaches. The children gained valuable fundamental skills and knowledge as in-house youth officials did a nice job guiding each game. Due to the demand for youth sports in the area, the facility will double their youth basketball program next season. For more information, contact Erica.Espinoza@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or (704)548-8234.

Park and Rec and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Team Up for Nature Education Series Park and Recreation and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library are partnering to present an outdoor survival and nature education series in March at the library’s South County Region branch, 5801 Rea Road, Charlotte.

The classes are for adults, ages 18 and older, and are FREE to attend.

The series will cover topics such as: camping, navigation, survival basics and woodland wildlife recognition.

Community & Recreation Center Services Tom Sykes: Trophy Ceremony Tom Sykes Recreation Center just completed its youth basketball season and concluded the season with a special trophy ceremony. 62 kids participated this year and over 120 people attended our special event. During our ceremony kids and coaches were recognized, received trophies and pictures, and enjoyed various games & entertainment. For more information about Tom Sykes Youth Sports, contact TomSykesRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 704-432-4806.

Community & Recreation Center Services

Nature Education cont....

Mallard Creek Recreation Center: Senior Nutrition Mardi Gras Participants in the Senior Nutrition Program, that is a joint program with the Department of Social Services and Mallard Creek Recreation Center had a wonderful time at their Mardi Gras celebration. The seniors had plenty of good food to eat while showing off their celebratory spirit. The seniors donned their favorite festive apparel and decorated the room with Mardi Gras colors. The seniors topped off the event with music, crafts, fun, fellowship, health and happiness. For more information contact, Shawn.McCants@MecklenburgCountyNC.Gov or (704)548-8234.

Classes will begin at 6 p.m. on the following dates: March 5 Outdoor Survival & Nature Education (7 Priorities of Survival) March 12 Outdoor Survival & Nature Education (Nutrition and Field Cooking) March 19 Outdoor Survival & Nature Education (Thermoregulation) March 26 Outdoor Survival & Nature Education (Wilderness Medicine) For more information or to register, click here.

YWCA Joint Programming On Tuesday, February 25, Anthony Shaheen, Outdoor Recreation Specialist, from the McDowell Nature Preserve visited the West Charlotte Recreation Center’s YWCA Afterschool program to give an informative and expressive presentation on animals found in North Carolina.

He spoke to the group about the types of animals found in the North Carolina Wilderness, specifically, certain reptiles found in the Tar Heel state and how you can distinguish between the poisonous versus the non- poisonous snakes. He brought some of his friends from the nature preserve to show as examples, a turtle named “Spike” and a three foot long corn snake named “CJ”. The children got the opportunity to touch both animals as well as a fur carcass from a coyote. Afterwards, the kids took a short walking trip outdoors to see what animals they could identify around the center. For more information, contact Ray Moore at Isaac.Moore@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or (704) 432-6474.

Need for Trees No matter in what neighborhood you live, it’s hard to imagine Mecklenburg County without trees.

What would Freedom Park be like without mature trees to provide shade in the summer?

Where would the thousands of animals in Reedy Creek Nature Preserve live without the mixed pine and hardwood forests? And how would we prevent flooding at the many lakes, streams and creeks in our area without trees to hold on to water and soil? Life in our County would be very different, that’s for sure.

Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District and Charlotte Storm Water Services are teaming up again for their annual tree seedling and rain barrel sale.

Seedlings and rain barrels will be available for purchase Saturday, February 22, 2014, 9 a.m. - noon. at Hal Marshall County Services Center, 700 North Tryon Street.

Community & Recreation Center Services Mallard Creek Recreation Center: Senior Nutrition Mardi Gras Participants in the Senior Nutrition Program, that is a joint program with the Department of Social Services and Mallard Creek Recreation Center had a wonderful time at their Mardi Gras celebration. The seniors had plenty of good food to eat while showing off their celebratory spirit. The seniors donned their favorite festive apparel and decorated the room with Mardi Gras colors. The seniors topped off the event with music, crafts, fun, fellowship, health and happiness. For more information contact, Shawn.McCants@MecklenburgCountyNC.Gov or (704)548-8234.

YWCA Joint Programming On Tuesday, February 25, Anthony Shaheen, Outdoor Recreation Specialist, from the McDowell Nature Preserve visited the West Charlotte Recreation Center’s YWCA Afterschool program to give an informative and expressive presentation on animals found in North Carolina. He spoke to the group about the types of animals found in the North Carolina Wilderness, specifically, certain reptiles found in the Tar Heel state and how you can distinguish between the poisonous versus the non- poisonous snakes. He brought some of his friends from the nature preserve to show as examples, a turtle named “Spike” and a three foot long corn snake named “CJ”. The children got the opportunity to touch both animals as well as a fur carcass from a coyote. Afterwards, the kids took a short walking trip outdoors to see what animals they could identify around the center. For more information, contact Ray Moore at Isaac.Moore@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or (704) 432-6474.

Community & Recreation Center Services Grady Cole Center: Carolina Panthers Reading Spectacular th

The Carolina Panthers hosted their 12 Annual Reading Spectacular at the Grady Cole Center on Thursday, February 27. The event featured Panthers players Thomas Davis and Graham Gano reading a Dr. Seuss story to over fourteen-hundred elementary students from Albemarle Road Elementary School. Also present were TopCat Cheerleaders and Reading Guy and Football Girl. The Reading Spectacular, encouraged by the NFL’s Play60 initiative, encouraged students to read for at least 20 minutes every day. It was a great event promoting the fun and importance of reading. It event was also a celebration of Dr. Seuss’ Birthday. For more information about events a Grady Cole, email at GradyCole-MemorialStadium@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Grady Cole Center: CIAA Stepshows McDonald’s presented the annual CIAA Stepshows: Throw down and Step off on Friday, February 28 and Saturday, March 1 at the Grady Cole Center. Over four thousand people attended the events over the two nights. On Friday, sororities and fraternities from St. Augustine, Fayetteville State, Johnson C. Smith and more competed in the Greek vs. Greek Throw down. On Saturday night middle and high schools from across the state competed in the School vs. School Step Off. Winners were announced for both Greeks and Schools and McDonald’s made a donation to the school of one select group both nights.

Upcoming Events at Grady Cole: CPCC Career Fair on Thursday, March 6 and the African American Festival on March 15. For more information about events a Grady Cole, email at GradyCole-MemorialStadium@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Trees cont.…

Seedlings are $2.00 each and include a choice of Beautyberry, Buttonbush, Hazelnut, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Spicebush, Chickasaw Plum, Eastern Redbud, Flowering Dogwood, Shadblow Serviceberry, Sweetbay Magnolia, Pecan, Red Maple, Sassafras and Waxmyrtle.

Eastern Red Cedar seedlings are also available for $1.00 each.

In addition to planting more trees, consider saving water to use for your plants and gardens during the next dry spell by purchasing a rain barrel. Two sizes are available: a 60-gallon barrel for $95.00 and an 80gallon barrel for $110.00.

For more information about the seedling and rain barrel sale, including conservation tips visit: www.MecklenburgCons ervation.com or call 704336-2455

Top Amateur Boxers Compete in 2014 State Golden Gloves Tourney at Sugaw Creek Rec Center Top Amateur Boxers Compete in 2014 State Golden Gloves Tourney at Sugaw Creek Rec Center Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department hosts the 2014 North Carolina State Golden Gloves Tournament, Friday and Saturday March 7 and 8, 2014 at Sugaw Creek Recreation Center, 943 Sugar Creek Road.

Bouts begin at 7 p.m. on Friday and 4 p.m. on Saturday.

This tournament features the best amateur boxers from across North Carolina, ages 17-34, in 15-20 bouts each evening.

Matches will be held for novice and open categories each night in as many as 11 weight classes. The card also includes at least one women’s exhibition bout. .

Community & Recreation Center Services Revolution Park Sports Academy: Youth Sports—Basketball The 2013-2014 Youth Basketball program will come to an official end this week, wrapping up a 3 week pre-season, a 6-week regular season and a single elimination post-season countywide tournament for teams that qualified. Just under 2,400 participants were a part of the program. Congratulations to all of the regular season and countywide tournament champions! For more information email YouthSports@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call Revolution Park Sports Academy at (704) 432-4963.

Youth Sports - Statewide Athletics Committee (SWAC) Basketball Tournament: The 2014 Statewide Athletics Committee (SWAC) Basketball Tournament will run this weekend, March 7th-9th. Mecklenburg County will host the western sectionals for both the 10U and the 16U divisions. The top teams will advance to the State Tournaments next weekend, March 14 th -16th at selected locations across the state. Mecklenburg County has been selected to host 3 State tournaments for the 12U OPEN, 16U and 18U divisions. For more information email YouthSports@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call Revolution Park Sports Academy at (704) 432-4963 .

Therapeutic Recreation Services TR Hosted First Regional Boccia Tournament: The TR Section hosted and facilitated the first North Carolina Regional Boccia Tournament on Saturday, March 1 st at Mallard Creek Recreation Center. Athletes that have been practicing with Paralympic Sport Club Metrolina Boccia program (the Boccia Warriors) competed against players from Raleigh, North Carolina. The players competed in individual, pair and team matches. Boccia is a Paralympic sport for athletes with spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, and traumatic brain injury/stroke. If you would like more information about Paralympic sport opportunities please contact Jana.McMullen@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Amateur Boxing cont...

Admission is $10 for adults, ages 15 and up and $5 for youth, ages 514 and FREE for youth under 4. Tickets are sold at the door.

This event has sold out in recent years, so come early!

Winners in the Golden Gloves Open category (boxers with ten bouts or more) will advance to the Regional Golden Gloves Championships in Knoxville, Tenn. April 913, 2014.

Golden Gloves boxing is sanctioned by USA Boxing and North Carolina USA Boxing. For more information contact Park and Recreation Boxing Coach Al Simpson: 704 241-0314

Learning to Live with Coyotes

Nature Preserves & Natural Resources “Up-Cycling” in the Nature Preserves

The historic range of this species is generally west of the Mississippi River, where coyotes formerly survived in harsh deserts and prairies. The eastward range expansion of the adaptable coyote is due primarily to humaninduced factors. , The first coyote was documented in North Carolina in 1938, but it wasn’t until the 1980’s and 1990’s, that coyotes successfully established themselves in counties throughout the state.

Coyotes can become tolerant of people and some coyotes may exhibit little fear. Encounters with coyotes should be treated the same as with any wild animal – simply keep your distance and leave them alone. Under normal conditions, coyotes do not present a danger to people. Simply sighting a coyote is not a cause for alarm and there is no need to call police or other authorities.

When some outdated well buildings were demolished in McDowell Nature Preserve, what remained were concrete pads that had no purpose. The buildings used to sit on the concrete. Some creative thinking by the Operations staff and VIOLA! – a nice new picnic spot for the public to enjoy a wooded view of Lake Wylie.

Coyotes cont...

Coyote Safety Tips  



The 2014 Powerade State Games will feature two different types of baseball events...





A Youth Baseball Tournament in partnership with Nations Baseball and Crystal Carolina Sports.  A High School Baseball Showcase featuring 8 regional teams.

For more information on each event and to register, please click the respective links below.

Youth Baseball

High School Baseball

YOUTH BASEBALL



WHERE: Charlotte, Huntersville, Gastonia area fields WHEN: Championships will be held June 21-22



Visit Crystal Carolina Sports for detailed information on Regional and Championship Tournaments. ** Teams participating in regional tournaments will receive priority seeding based on their finish for the Championships.

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL WHERE: UNC-Charlotte, BB&T Ballpark (New home of the Charlotte Knights), and Hopewell High School WHEN: June 18-22 TRY-OUT FEE: $15 per player with a $10 late fee assessed for all entries received after March 7th

The Powerade State Games High School Baseball Showcase is the premier high school baseball event in North Carolina, with more than 80 professional and college scouts in attendance. Each regional team is comprised of the 20 best rising Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors from each of the 8 NCHSAA regions.



Never approach or touch a coyote.

Never feed coyotes or any wild animals directly or indirectly.

Never approach a coyote den.

Store trash in covered, heavy-duty animal-proof containers.

Add ammonia to trash if animals have been raiding trash bins.

Avoid open compost bins with food scraps.

Remove thick brush and weeds around homes that may harbor rodents.

Keep cats and dogs inside as much as possible. Keep all dogs on a leash when walking them outside. Do not walk small dogs at dusk or at night. An unattended small dog or cat can be an easy prey item for a coyote.

Be a threat: Chase away coyotes when you see them.

5841 Brookshire Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 336-8840

Recreate All Year!

Subscribe to the Park and Recreation E-Newsletter to learn of new and exciting way sto continue recreating during the spring and summer months. Subscribe to the Park and Recreation E-Newsletter 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 The Friday Letter Team at Kier. Harrison @MecklenburgCountyNC.gov for publication assistance.

The Friday Letter Volume 3 • Issue 9• March 7, 2014

Gravity Compaction Trash Cans Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is installing Gravity Compaction Trash Cans in selected parks. Currently, the McDowell Nature Preserve and Hornets Nest Park have the “Alfa Maxi In-Ground Waste Management” containers and Mallard Creek Park and Nevin Park will have them in the near future.

These “deep well” cans have a capacity equal to 20 of our current trash cans. The cans will be placed in high traffic areas and will save time and money for the department by reducing the time involved in trash collection and removal. Each Maxi cans’ capacity is equal to 4 basic solar type compaction cans. The Alfa Maxi cans have no electronics or moving parts, minimal maintenance and no odor thanks to geothermal cooling. Savings on staff time and maintenance costs will pay for each can within 2 years. There is no plan to replace all of our standard 30 gallon galvanized steel cans with the Alfa Maxi, but they will work well in selected areas.

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