The Friday Letter | August 28, 2015

The

Make some time this month for family fun.

You may want to : Order pizza and watch a movie in the backyard Go camping Take a vacation Go out for ice cream Enjoy a backyard campfire Build a backyard fort Family bike ride

Day trip to the zoo Fishing Hiking Day at the park Make a talent show Cook meals together Have a karaoke night

Use your imagination, spend time together and have fun !!

Each year, Family Fun Month is celebrated throughout the month of August.

It is the opportune time to enjoy family with extra fun and activities.

Mecklenburg County News

Park and Recreation Commission Vacancies Effective June 9, the Park and Recreation Commission (PRC) will have 6 vacancies and we are looking for folk to apply that would be strong advocates for all things Park and Recreation! The Park and Recreation Commission is a BOCC appointed board and acts as an advisory council to the Park and Recreation Department. Duties include but are not limited to monthly PRC meetings, leadership on Park and Recreation Citizen Advisory Councils, attendance and participation in Park and Recreation events, ground breakings and grand openings. PRC members advise and advocate for the Department’s master plans, budget requests, park naming petitions, fees and charges and strategic planning and long range financing.

If you know of someone that would be a great fit for the PRC, please ask them to go to the link below and complete an application. Vacancies are in the following park regions:

At Large (2 vacancies) South Region 3 Central Region 2 Central Region 3 North Region 2 http://charmeck.org/mecklenburg/county/CountyManagersOffice/BOCC/AdvisoryBoards/Pages/BoardApplication.aspx

Mecklenburg County News 6 Vacancies as of June 9, 2016 South 3 Central 2 Central 3 North 2 At Large (2)

Nature Preserves & Natural Resources Accessible Kayak Launch Opens at Latta Plantation Nature Preserve: A kayak launch designed for people with disabilities is now open at Latta Plantation Nature Preserve. The launch features a transfer seat so that a person can move from wheelchair to kayak, as well as hand rails and a system of rollers to allow entry and exit from the water all from a seated position. This is a first for Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation and the region.

Cooperative Extension Hydroponics Up and Running!

This summer Steven Capobianco, Extension Agent - Horticulture with Cooperative Extension, along with Mecklenburg Extension Master Gardeners has worked with the staff of several Recreation Centers to design, build, and install hydroponic grow systems. These systems can be used for teaching youth and adults about growing herbs, vegetables, and other plants. The produce can also be used to teach food preparation and preservation.

The first system was installed at Mallard Creek Recreation Center in early July. As you can see, the basil is ready to harvest and oregano is almost ready to harvest. They are also getting mint, lemonbalm, and sage to add to their system. As hot and dry as July was, use of this low maintenance, closed loop hydroponics system enabled the plants to grow without need for any additional water for the first month.

Marion Diehl's system will be up and running before the end of August. They will have sage, mint, oregano, and basil. Both Mallard Creek and Marion Diehl systems will soon be getting kale and spinach, which are two of the most popular fall leafy greens.

Community & Recreation Centers Berewick Recreation Center : Berewick Mentee’s are Working Berewick staff and the mentees work together as they prepare for fall programs. Mentee’s are shown by staff how to create programs and order supplies and set up a budget.

The Mentee program is a special shadowing program for teens that might be interested in the field of recreation. The mentee’s work 10 hours a week at the center and also do special events. Berewick Recreation Center has worked with six different young teens since the beginning of the program. Most of our Mentee’s attend Olympic High School.

For more information on the mentee program contact staff at Berewick.RecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Naomi Drenan/ Grayson Skate Park Recreation Center : 2015 GSP Back to School Bash On Friday, August 21st, Grayson SkatePark hosted a fun Back to School Bash Skateboarding Competition for nearly 50 participants ranging from ages 8 to 17. With stands full of supporting family and friends, the riders were overwhelmed with confidence as they pulled out every trick they knew to win major prizes such as; top of line skateboard decks, shirts, autographed apparel signed

by Rob Dyrdek, and more! It was amazing to see that most of the participants were GSP Summer campers that decided to come out and show off what skills they learned from skate camp. We would like to thank our supporters and sponsors that helped to make this event a success.

For more information about our programs and events, contact NaomiDrenanRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980-314-1100.

Community & Recreation Centers Naomi Drenan /Grayson Skate Park Recreation Center: Naomi Drenan Back To School Bash NDRC kicked off the school year for the Grier Heights, Cotswold and Myers Park neighborhoods with its Back To School Bash. Over 150 book bags were distributed and nearly 50 vouchers were given away for free haircuts to boys and girls ages 5-17 thanks to local partnerships. Additional event activities included a Kids Fun Zone, MixxedFit® Demo, “New School Girl Empowerment” & “Mind Over Music” workshops and teen basketball competitions.

For more information about our programs, events and outreach opportunities, contact NaomiDrenanRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980.314.1100.

Community & Recreation Centers Tom Sykes Recreation Center: Tom Sykes Back To School Gymboree Tom Sykes Recreation Center hosted a back to school Gymboree on August 22 with many families pre-registered for the event. It was a great day for some popcorn and the last hurrah before the children go back to school. The children had some fun running through obstacles courses, participating in the “ shoot it through the hoop basketball challenge� and target practice with the minnie golf clubs. We even had a special visit from The Charlotte Fire Department educational unit to give the children an opportunity to climb on a fire truck and discuss safety as they return back to school. Participants received back to school supplies and other free goodies for participation.

Thank you to all the staff and Fire engine 2 for participating in the back to school Gymboree at Tom Sykes Recreation Center.

For more information regarding opportunities and events please email us at TomSykesRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980-314-1113.

Community & Recreation Centers Tom Sykes Recreation Center: Tom Sykes Rec Mentee is ready for Basketball Tom Sykes Recreation Center mentee Tyreece Gray is being groomed to learn the ropes of basketball. During the Uptown Professional Basketball League, Tyreece has the opportunity to learn how to operate a successful table during basketball games. He maintains the clocks and score sheets for the league with the help from staff. The dual job entails paying attention to referee calls and watching the games to ensure accuracy. The men’s basketball league have 5 games every Saturday with 11 teams in the league. This program will run until November at the start of youth basketball for Park & Recreation. He is doing a great job and the mentee program is helping him to determine if Park and Recreation will be a career choice in his future.

For more information please contact Tom Sykes Recreation center at 980-314-1113 or email us at TomSykesRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Tom Sykes Recreation Center: Pickleball at Tom Sykes Pickleball??Tom Sykes staff is accommodating the new era in adult fitness. We are excited and ready to present the new wave in athletics for adults ages 45 and up. Never played Pickleball or a little rusty? Don’t worry, there will be a FREE Pickleball 101 session available on Tuesday, September 8 th from 11am to 1pm. All sessions thereafter will follow for 6 weeks on Tuesdays from 11am1pm and cost $2 per session. Pay as you play and equipment will be available for use and returned as you register each session. All games will reside on the outdoor tennis courts located at Dilworth Elementary School.

For more information on upcoming programs please contact Tom Sykes Recreation Center at 704-432-4803 or email TomSykesRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Tom Sykes Recreation Center: Flag Football Down, Set, Hut!!!! Tom Sykes Recreation Center is off and running with 3 teams in their 2015 Flag Football season. The players were ready to stretch their legs and start conditioning for the new season and practice their touchdowns. All games for this season will be played at Veterans park.

For more information on upcoming programs please contact Tom Sykes Recreation Center at 704-432-4803 or email TomSykesRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Community & Recreation Centers Elon Recreation Center : Ray Play Who’s ready to play??? Elon Recreation Center has revamped one of our poplar programs. Ray Play gives children the opportunity to use their creativity and imagination through explorative play. Children will play with a variety of interactive, age appropriate toys and games while listening to music. This program will be held every Tuesday and Thursday this fall at 11:00am.

For more information on programs, contact ElonRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 704-540-2426

Community & Recreation Centers Summer Fun Time Camp at Ivory/Baker: Last week, Ivory/Baker Recreation Center had 23 children enjoying themselves at their Summer Fun Time Camp by playing a variety of fun games, creating crafts, making new friends, and going on field trips to Nevin’s Community Park on Tuesday and to SpareTime in Huntersville for bowling, laser tag, and video games on their last day of camp. The children didn’t want their summer vacation to end and start school this past Monday.

For more information about our upcoming out-of-school P.L.A.Y. Days contact IvoryBakerRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.Gov or call 704-432-4580.

Community & Recreation Centers 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament at Sugaw Creek: The 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, in conjunction with the National Night Out Celebration, was held on Tuesday August 4th. Forty energetic basketball players participated in the tournament which was held at Tom Hunter Park. The co-ed event was for all participants ages 8 and up. There were two exciting and competitive championship games. This great community celebration also included special guest speakers, music, food, giveaways, face painting, snag golf, arts and crafts, team building activities, and entertainment from the Davis Cheerleading and Dance Squads. A huge thank you to Sugaw Creek Recreation Center REC Mentee Chantel Williams for her time and dedication in coordinating the basketball tournament. Also, a special “shout out� to the volunteers, MCPRD staff, and Mallard Creek Girls Basketball Team for a job well done!

For more information contact SugawCreekRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 704-336-7655.

Community & Recreation Centers Back to School Bonanza and Combine at Sugaw Creek: On Saturday, August 15th, Sugaw Creek Recreation Center partnered with It Takes A Village / AAK Organizations and conducted the Back to School Bonanza Event. This community outreach program featured free book bags, school supplies, food, snow cones, music, games, hula hoops / dance contests, and a youth football clinic. SCRC REC Youth Mentee Tharon Ingram utilized his talents and resources to organize and conduct the youth football clinic. Participants ranging from ages 4-13 partook in the “Test with the Best� Football Combine at Sugaw Creek Park. They tested their agility, speed, and quickness. The drills performed consisted of the 40 yard dash, broad jump, the vertical leap, the L- cone drill, and the 10 yard shuttle drill. The football combine concluded with a flag football game which teamed the kids up with players from the Mallard Creek High School Football Team. It was a fun and exciting game for all. Hats off to everyone for their efforts in promoting and developing programs that meet the needs of the community!

For more information contact SugawCreekRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 704-336-7655.

Community & Recreation Centers Back to School Basketball at ARRC: On Saturday, September 22nd, Albemarle Road Recreation Center hosted its 2nd Annual Back to School Basketball Clinic. Over forty area youth between the ages of 7 and 14 participated this year. The kids were able to develop some of their fundamental basketball skills, while receiving mentoring and donated supplies to get them on track for school success. Larry Blair, Recreation Assistant at Albemarle Road Recreation Center, has been the coordinator of this event for the last two years. We would like to thank all of our volunteer partners for their help to make this another memorable event for the youth!

For more information on programming contact AlbemarleRoadRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 704-567-1941.

Community & Recreation Centers REC Mentee Training: On Monday, August 17th, Recreation Employment Corp Mentees took part in a training that focused on the recreation profession. The day included tours of Revolution Park Sports Academy, Grady Cole, and Ray’s Splash Planet. The teens were also given an opportunity to hear from several leaders within the department and representatives from the Sport Management department at Queens College and Johnson C Smith University. The group was also given a public speaking crash course by Carlos Davis, a well-known speaker, coach, networking guru, and author from the Greater Charlotte area.

For more information on teen programming, visit www.parkandrec.com.

Ashely Bell, Sport Management Student at JCSU and Recreation Assistant at Albemarle Road Recreation Center, addresses the Mentees

Community & Recreation Centers Back to School Extravaganza at Arbor Glen Recreation Center: On Saturday, August 22, over 700 Book bags with school supplies were distributed to children on the West Boulevard neighborhood at Arbor Glen Outreach Center. Pastor Fisher, our host, had the crowd moving and shaking with parents showing their children that they too can do the Nae Nae dance. After they entertained the audience, Houdini performed his mesmerizing magic tricks leaving the community amazed. This annual event could not have been such a success without a five organization partnership, plus the many volunteers. Our upcoming major events will be the 5th Annual SeniorFest 2015, Haunted Greenway and Boo Bash Carnival all in October.

For more information, contact ArborGlenOutreachCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 704-432-1531.

Community & Recreation Centers Krafty Kids at Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center In our arts and crafts class at Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center we created Catch It Cones! We chose a more interactive craft for the summer arts and crafts activity. We had the participants decorate cones and the pong balls with bright and fun colors and then we practiced using the game. The kids record in catching the ball was 5 in a row. We still use the cone game and the kids had great time making them.

For more information about upcoming programs, contact 704.432.3048 or at BetteRaeThomasRecreation@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

GC/MS, Youth & Adult Athletics American Legion Memorial Stadium: Come enjoy the music this Saturday, August 29th, as the Queen City Battle of the Bands returns to Charlotte! This year’s line-up includes Bethune Cookman College, Alabama A&M, and the Queen City’s very own Johnson C. Smith University.

Tickets, only $20.00, are available at www.crowntickets.com or by calling 1(888) 547-6478. Doors open at 5:30PM Show starts at 7:00PM.

GC/MS, Youth & Adult Athletics Adult Men’s Basketball: Men’s A league basketball will begin their fall season this Thursday August 27th.

Games will be played on Tuesday evenings starting at 7pm at Arbor Glen Rec Center and Thursday evenings starting at 7pm at Bette Rae Rec Center. There is a total of nine teams competing in the league this season.

For more information on adult leagues please visit our website at www.parkandrec.com, or call us at 704-432-3095 or 704-336-7639.

Adult Men’s Basketball: Men’s 30 and Over league will begin their fall season this Sunday, August 30th.

Games will be played on Sunday afternoons starting at 2pm at Bette Rae Recreation Center. There is a total of eight teams competing in the league this season.

For more information on adult leagues please visit our website at www.parkandrec.com, or call us at 704-432-3095 or 704-336-7639.

GC/MS, Youth & Adult Athletics Adult Women’s Basketball: Women’s basketball will begin their fall season this Sunday August 30th. Games will be played on Sunday afternoons starting at 2pm at Tom Sykes Rec Center.

There is a total of eight teams competing in the league this season.

For more information on adult leagues please visit our website at www.parkandrec.com, or call us at 704-432-3095 or 704-336-7639.

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 Richard . McNeill @MecklenburgCountyNC.gov for publication assistance.

The Friday Letter Volume 4 • Issue 8 • August 28, 2015

CHARMECK ALERTS The CharMeck Alerts Notification System relays accurate and timely emergency notifications. You control how you’re contacted— whether it’s on your cell, work or home phone, via text, email or voice message. You can receive up-to-the-minute notifications about events and emergencies that may affect your home, workplace or other points of interest—anywhere in Mecklenburg County. Sign up here or call CharMeck 311. To receive CDOT-specific alerts, you must sign up for that item in the list.

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Senior Leadership Team Jim Garges, Director Michael Kirschman, Deputy Director Renea Barber, Human Resources Mario Chang, Budget Administration Lee Jones, Capital Planning Terri Stowers, Community and Recreation Center Services Jeff Robinson, Park Operations Chris Matthews, Nature Preserves and Natural Resources