The Friday Letter | March 28, 2014

THE

Information Session Set for Lincoln Heights Park Master Plan Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation will hold an information session on March 17 to present the updated Lincoln Heights Park master plan.

The meeting will take place at West Charlotte Recreation Center, 2401 Kendall Drive, and will begin at 6 p.m.

For more information, contact Michael Campbell, central park region manager, at 704-353-1248

Veterans and Active Duty Military Invited to Sign-Up Now for 9th Annual Golf Classic June 26 Military veterans and active duty military personnel are invited to sign-up to play in the 9th annual Veterans & Reservists Golf Classic at Charles T. Myers Golf Course, 7818 Harrisburg Road, on Thursday, June 26, 2014.

This event features a free round of golf and lunch provided 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 event begins with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. (first flight) and 1:30 p.m. (second flight).

The registration period is Friday, March 21 – Friday, June 6. Participants can register for either session online at www.parkandrec.com or by calling 311. Space is limited to 144 per flight, so register early.

For more information, contact Jared Mull, program coordinator, at 704 336-7643.

Mecklenburg County DIRTways What are DIRTways?

DIRTways are unpaved, rugged temporary trails located on Mecklenburg County greenway property. Because it takes several years for a paved Greenway to be developed, DIRTways give citizens an opportunity to enjoy the undeveloped greenway property in the meantime.

What is the difference between a DIRTway and a Greenway?

The biggest difference is that DIRTways are unpaved. Users should expect a less manicured experience, such as mud puddles, tall grass, small creek jumping, etc.

What are the DIRTway rules?

DIRTway rules are the same as Greenway rules, although some activities that are allowed on Greenways may not be suitable on DIRTways due to the rough conditions (such as strollers and rollerblading).

Nature Preserves and Natural Resources

Nature Preserves and Natural Resources

DIRTways cont...

How can I access a DIRTway?

DIRTways do not have parking and will only be accessible on foot.

Check the individual map for each DIRTway to find access locations.

Where are DIRTways located?

Two DIRTways are currently under construction and are expected to open in Fall 2013: McDowell Creek (west of Torrence Creek Greenway) Walker Branch (south of Walker Branch Greenway) Now open!!

For more information on DIRTways contact Christa Rogers at 704-948-4504.

Easter Egg Hunt

Nature Preserves and Natural Resources Biodiversity Hike to Pilot Mountain

Families and friends come celebrate Easter with us !

WHEN: Friday, April 18 10:00am—3:00pm WHERE: Romare Bearden Park 300 S. Church Street WHAT: 11:00 Hula hoop show 12:00 Juggling show 1:00 Illusion Show 1:30Easter Egg Hunt Face Painting, caricatures and more!

Last Saturday a group of hikers led by Naturalist Laura Domingo explored Pilot Mountain State Park. The groups had the opportunity to locate ravens and what seems to be only of two nesting sites reported in the state of North Carolina. This was a very exciting sighting for the group on a great day to outside and enjoy nature.

Athletics Matthews Sportsplex On Saturday March 22nd the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex hosted the Stick With Us Play Day. This is the 5th annual play day for youth boys and girls and the first time hosted at the Mecklenburg County Sportplex. The event included teams ranging in ages of 9 to 13 and was a huge success with all five fields in use. Most of the teams were from local middle schools and club teams in the area. This was the second Play Day that Stick With Us has hosted as earlier this year they hosted the High School Play Day at the Sportplex. For more information on Stick With Us and their lacrosse programs please visit www.stickwithus.org. For more information on hosting events at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex please contact Preston Buckman at Preston.Buckman@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

4-H Filmmaking Spring Break Camp Discover how to develop, produce and edit your own movie!

WHERE: West Charlotte Recreation Center WHEN: Monday, April 14th-Friday, April 18th 7:30am-5:30pm COST: $20 per child Fee includes programs, activities and field trips.

The focus of the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews facility is to host a wide variety of weekend tournaments as well as weekday practices and league play for local teams and organizations. Events that will be happening in the upcoming months include: March 7-9: April 18-20: May 9-11: June 6-8: June 20-22:

NCYRU Spring Ruggerfest – NC Youth Rugby Union Rugby Julian Brown – Charlotte United Soccer Spring Lacrosse Championships – Stick With Us Lacrosse Charlotte Summer Lacrosse and the Big South Challenge – Stick With Us Lacrosse State Games – Visit Charlotte

For more information on the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex at Matthews, as well as reservation policies, please visit the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex web site.

AGES: 12-15 MORE INFO: Campers must bring their own lunch. No same day registrations will be accepted.

CONTACT: 704-432-6474 Tamika Pollard Tamika.Pollard@ MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Bark in the Park Become a Vendor at the 2014 Bark in the Park Top Dog Festival Presented by Purina and Harris Teeter Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is now accepting vendor applications for the 2014 Bark in the Park Top Dog Festival presented by Purina® and Harris Teeter.

The festival is Saturday, April, 26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., at Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, Huntersville, NC. The deadline to register is April 16.

Vendor spots are 10’ x 10’ and cost: $175 For-Profit organizations (Electricity included) $150 For-Profit organizations (No electricity) $75 Non-Profit organizations (Electricity included) $50 Non-Profit organizations (No electricity)

Community & Recreation Center Services Grady Cole Center: Charlotte Roller Girls Season Opener at Grady Cole On Saturday, March 22, The Charlotte Roller Girls kicked off the 2014 Roller Derby Season at the Grady Cole Center. Over 1,200 roller derby fans attended the season opener between the Charlotte Roller Girls and the Knoxville Hard Knox Roller Girls. This marked the beginning of the Roller Girls 7th Season in Charlotte. The Roller Derby is played on a flat track for two-30 -minute periods. Points are scored by lapping the opposing team's members. Featured in the Seasoner Opener was First Whistle by Celebrity Jon Wilson. Half time Entertainment by the Beard and Mustache Club of Charlotte. There were games and prizes for kids and fans of all ages. The Grady Cole Center will be the location for all of the Charlotte Roller Girls home games. Visit www.charlotterollergirls.com for game dates and times. Upcoming at The Grady Cole Center: CBS Radio: Power 98 and V101.9 will host the Carolina Sing Off Competition featuring Mindless Behavior on Saturday, March 29. Doors open at 6pm and Show starts at 7pm. This event features 15 local perfomers competing for a chance to be an opening act at For Sisters Only and studio recording time. For more information on the Carolina Sing Off Competition and the Charlotte Roller Girls email at GradyColeMemorialStadium@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Community & Recreation Center Services

Bark in the Park cont.…

Mallard Creek Recreation Center: Big Hat Tea Party Mallard Creek Recreation Center Senior Nutrition Site donned their big hats and festive apparel for their first annual Big Hat Tea Party. 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 Big Hat Tea Party. The Seniors dined on various hot and cold teas, fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, crackers and a healthy trail mix. Awards were given to the females for the biggest, most colorful, best homemade, and most unique hats. Awards were given to the males for the most debonair, most ruggedly handsome and most Southern Casual. The Seniors capped off the event by strutting their stuff on the runway. For more information, contact Shawn.McCants@MecklenburgCountyNC.Gov<mailto:Shawn.McCants@MecklenburgC ountyNC.Gov or (704) 548-8234.

Non-profit organizations must show proof that they are a 501(c) 3 registered organization. Educational and municipal organizations are also eligible for the nonprofit rate.

Vendor fee includes: one 10’x10’ space, an 8’ table and two chairs. Drop cords are not provided.

Vendors must register by completing the vendor application and mailing to: Mallard Creek Recreation Center Attn: Stephanie Frisbee 2530 Johnston-Oehler Road Charlotte, NC 28269 For more information, contact Stephanie Frisbee or Patricia Caldwell at 704-548-8234.

Live Healthy Step2It Challenge CHALLENGE DATE MARCH 10 - MAY 2, 2014 By bringing together teams of friends, families, businesses and communities alike, Live Healthy America helps members create a lifestyle of healthy habits, physical activity and improved nutrition and weight loss.

At Live Healthy America (LHA) we make program administration easy, from planning and promotion, to implementation and evaluation. The Live Healthy America staff will guide you through every step from internal communications, program setup, participant marketing and data analysis. In addition to our online tracking and resources, each program administrator receives a LHA Planning Guide which provides practical tools and ideas to make your wellness program a success.

Community & Recreation Center Services Methodist Home Recreation Center: Shamrock Literacy Program Methodist Home Recreation Center partnered with Shamrock Gardens Elementary School to help promote the importance of reading at a young age. Principal, Angela Grant, spoke about the importance of reading with your child and the impact it has on the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education in all areas of study. Over 100 free books were given out to the surrounding community, as well as pamphlets and other resources that provided families information about assistance. The children had the opportunity to enter a free raffle for two gift cards to Barnes and Noble. At the end of the program the children had a chance to play games. Refreshments were served and the families were informed of upcoming programs at the facility. If any school or business would like to partner with us in the future to help promote education, contact Kelly.Hawkins@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 704-432-6455.

Community & Recreation Center Services Sugaw Creek Recreation Center: Baseball Outing Participants in youth baseball and indoor baseball clinics at Sugaw Creek Recreation Center attended the UNCC 49ers baseball game on Friday, March 21 versus East Carolina University. It was a great night for baseball in front of a sold out crowd at Robert & Miriam Hayes Stadium. The game featured two local products from Mallard Creek High School. Kirk Morgan (ECU) and Mikal Hill (UNCC). Mikal Hill participated in youth baseball for Mecklenburg County years ago and now plays a major role for the university. Sugaw Creek Recreation Center staff thank UNC Charlotte for their continued support of the local youth sports participants. For more information, contact Sugaw Creek Recreation Center at 704-336-7655 or Brett.Krizanik@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

County Facility Condition Assessments Began March 24 Asset and Facility Management has contracted with CardnoTec Inc. to perform facility condition assessments on County buildings beginning Monday, March 24.

Teams of up to four CardnoTec employees will be in each County building for a maximum of one day. The inspections will be visual only and will not disrupt the daily work of County employees.

Click here to view the facility condition assessment schedule. The schedule is subject to change.

If you have questions please contact David Sellers, Facilities Maintenance Compliance Manager, at 704-432-6093 or david.sellers@mecklenbur gcountync.gov.

No Swimming Advisory Issued For McDowell Creek Cove After Discharge Of Partially Treated Wastewater A NO SWIMMING advisory was issued Wednesday for a portion of Mountain Island Lake in Huntersville.

The “no swimming” advisory was issued after approximately 73,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater discharged to McDowell Creek Cove on Mountain Island Lake on March 26, 2014 at 4901 Neck Road. The discharge was caused by a brief power failure on the disinfection system at the McDowell Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. CharlotteMecklenburg Utilities staff immediately diverted flow in to storage basins until the disinfection process was back on-line.

Community & Recreation Center Services Sugaw Creek Recreation Center: Senior Motown Revue On Thursday, March 20, the Sugaw Creek Recreation Center “Young at Heart” Senior Club held their 1St Annual Senior Motown Revue. Members displayed memorabilia, historical facts, and belted out their favorite Motown tunes by artists including the Temptations, Marvin Gaye, Martha Van Dell and War. There was soul train dancing and a saxophone musician playing hits from Stevie Wonder, the Supremes & Jr. Walker.

Twenty-five (25) members participated in the program and we hope the event will flourish in the years to come. If you are interested in joining the “Young at Heart” Senior Club, or participating in any of our other programs, contact Cynthia.SmithPerkins@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

No swimming cont...

RICHARD PETTY DRIVING EXPERIENCE GIVEAWAY! The Powerade State Games has teamed up with Richard Petty Driving Experience to offer 3-lap ride alongs during this year's FanFest on June 20 at Opening Ceremonies! This is as close to being in a race as you can get as you ride shotgun at speeds of up to 165MPH! This ride is sure to get your adrenaline pumping!

SIGN YOUR TEAM UP TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2014 POWERADE STATE GAMES BY APRIL 17TH TO BE ENTERED IN A DRAWING FOR A FREE 3-LAP RIDE ALONG DURING THE FANFEST!

**Only team registrations are eligible for the drawing.

Ride alongs for during the FanFest (5pm-6:30pm) are available for purchase now at a special discounted price. Juniors (age 6-16, at least 48" tall) can ride for $49 and Adults for $89. Call 1-800-237-3889 to book your ride along and mention "Powerade State Games" to receive the discount. The supply is limited so sign-up now before they are gone!

OPENING CEREMONIES AT THE SPEEDWAY! The 2014 Powerade State Games Opening Ceremonies Festivities will take place June 20 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina.

This year's festivities will include the FanFest, Parade of Athletes, Lighting of the Cauldron and much, much more!

Registrations for our individual sports are coming in. Which one will you compete in this year? Registration for Sporting Clays and Wrestling will be opening soon! Stay tuned to social media and each sports' webpage for the most up to date information.

Water samples will be collected by CharlotteMecklenburg Storm Water Services staff. Sampling will continue until levels of fecal coliform bacteria fall below 200colonies/100 ml, which is the level determined to be safe for swimming.

When bacteria counts reach this level, the no swimming advisory will be lifted.

Rusty Rozzelle, Charlotte -Mecklenburg Storm Water Servicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Water Quality program manager, said the advisory is standard procedure. "It was necessary to close the areas to recreation because of the potential risk to human health as Mountain Island Lake is designated as recreational waters,â&#x20AC;? said Rozzelle.

Media Contact: Rusty Rozzelle Office: 704336-5449

2014 Spring Break Camps Don't spend your spring break on the couch, sign up for a Park and Rec camp today!

Let's GO! - Spring Break Camp Is your child tired of being cooped up in the classroom? Are they bouncing off the walls at home? Then send them to our spring break camp and let them get outside and play! Featuring all the fun of summer camp with half the heat, we'll explore wetlands, go fishing, and much more.

Ages 7 to 9 $150 Latta Plantation Nature Center Apr 14-Apr 18 M-F 9:00am to 4:00pm Register Here MACK Prep Basketball Camp A skills and drills camp lead by coaches and players of MACK Prep Academy. Participants must bring their own lunch. For more information contact ArborGlenOutreachCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 704.432.1531.

Ages 6 to 15 $40 Arbor Glen Outreach Center Apr 14-Apr 17 M-Th 9:30am to 5:00pm Register Here

Spring Break Camp This is a weeklong spring break camp for CMS students. We will provide lunch and activities everyday. For more information, contact Kelly Hawkins at 704-432-6455 or kelly.hawkins@mecklenburgcountync.gov Ages 8 to 12 $25 Methodist Home Recreation Center Apr 14- Apr 18 M-F 9:30am to 5:30pm Register Here Out of School - PLAY Days We're offering a variety of activities on CMS Out of School days to keep participants moving and engaged. Fun activities may include sports, games, social time and fitness.

Ages 5 to 12 $45 Ivory/Baker Recreation Center Out of School - PLAY Days Apr 14-Apr 18 M-F 8:00am to 5:00pm Register Here

Play the Day Away Schools out and all we want to do is play. We will enjoy arts and crafts, games, adventures and more.

Ages 5 to 10 $25 Tom Sykes Recreation Center Apr 14 M 9:00am to 5:00pm Register Here Apr 15 Tu 9:00am to 5:00pm Register Here Apr 16 W 9:00am to 5:00pm Register Here Spring Break Fun Camp Come join us for some fun during your spring break. Activities will include sports, arts and crafts, outdoor activities, field trips and FUN!!!

Ages 6 to 11 $80 Mallard Creek Recreation Center Apr 14-Apr 17 M-Th 7:30am to 5:30pm Register Here Spring Break Sports Camp Spring Break Sports Camp is dedicated to the development of athletes in both traditional and nontraditional sports. Come join us this spring break as we play different sports, work on specific skills, discuss strategy and much more...

Ages 6 to 11 $40 Albemarle Road Recreation Center Apr 14-Apr 18 M-F 9:00am to 5:00pm Register Here Revolution Park Sports Academy Apr 14-Apr 18 M-F 9:00am to 5:30pm Register Here Spring Break Skate Camp Enjoy a week of skate boarding, lessons, learn new tricks and competitions during your spring break. For more information, contact NaomiDrenanRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 704.432.5231 Ages 8 to 15 $60 Grayson SkatePark Apr 14-Apr 17 M-Th 9:00am to 12:00pm Register Here

2014 Spring Break Camps cont.â&#x20AC;Ś.

Spring Break Sports Camp (Middle) Spring Break Sports Camp is dedicated to the development of athletes in both traditional and nontraditional sports. Come join us this spring break as we play different sports, work on specific skills, discuss strategy and much more...

Ages 12 to 14 $40 Albemarle Road Recreation Center Spring Break Sports Camp is dedicated to the development of athletes in both traditional and nontraditional sports. Come join us this spring break as we play different sports, work on specific skills, discuss strategy and much more. For more information contact us at 704.567.1941 or albemarleroadrecreationcenter@mecklenburgcountync.gov Apr 14-Apr 18 M-F 9:00am to 5:00pm Register Here TR: School's Out Club - Teens On your school day out, come enjoy a variety of activities to promote social skills and physical activity while enjoying time with your friends. For more information contact Ariel.Kliem@Mecklenburgcountync.gov Ages 13 to 21 $35 /$30 Marion Diehl Recreation Center Teen Spring Break Camp 1 Don't worry, there is plenty of fun for you and your friends. Join us for games, crafts, and swimming!

Apr 14 M 8:30am to 4:30pm Register Here Teen Spring Break Camp 2 Apr 15 Tu 8:30am to 4:30pm Register Here Teen Spring Break Camp 3 Apr 16 W 8:30am to 4:30pm Register Here Teen Spring Break Camp 4 Apr 17 Th 8:30am to 4:30pm Register Here

TR: VIP Travel Club Adults and seniors with visual impairments enjoy a social day with friends, while building independence and mobility in the community. Learn about historical, educational and recreational attractions in the Charlotte area - pick-up at Marion Diehl Center and at Metrolina Association for the Blind. - please bring money for lunch.

For more information contact Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 704-432-4325.

Ages 35 and older $15 Marion Diehl Recreation Center Johnson & Wales University Tour Apr 16 W 9:00am to 4:00pm Register Here TR: Youth Spring Break Camp Join us for a summer day camp experience during spring break. We will be swimming, playing fun games and taking field trips all in a supportive environment that encourages appropriate social interaction, communication and independence. For more information, contact Abigail.Wilkerson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 704.432.4328 or Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 704.432.4326.

Ages 6 to 12 $35 Marion Diehl Recreation Center TR: SOCY Spring Break Camp Apr 14-Apr 14 M 8:30am to 12:00pm Register Here TR: SOCY Spring Break Camp Apr 15-Apr 15 Tu 8:30am to 12:00pm Register Here TR: SOCY Spring Break Camp Apr 16 W 8:30am to 4:30pm Register Here TR: SOCY Spring Break Camp Apr 17-Apr 17 Th 8:30am to 4:30pm Register Here For more information on Park and Recreation programs, check out the Get Going Guide.

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 â&#x20AC;˘ Issue 12 â&#x20AC;˘ March 28, 2014

Mecklenburg County 4-H Participates in the Mecklenburg County Fire and Life Safety Bowl On Thursday March 20, 2014, Mecklenburg County 4-H participated in the Fire and Life Safety Bowl. This is an event hosted by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fire Department and sponsored by local businesses and companies here in Mecklenburg County. Schools register teams of students who compete in the quiz bowl, answering questions about Fire and Life Safety. This year, 4-H provided hands-on, educational activities for this event. Youth who attended the event enjoyed face-painting by Garinger High School Students, making thank you cards for sponsors, and Building Paper Bridges! Students and parents alike were amazed to learn that bridges made from paper could be so strong! It was a day filled with fun and learning !

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 Chris Matthews, Nature Preserves and Natural Resources