The Friday Letter | June 3, 2016

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Each year on the first Saturday in June it is National Trails Day. Events held throughout the United States help promote awareness of the wide variety of benefits that trails provide, encourage people to discover their local trials, raise awareness of trail issues and instill excitement for the outdoors.

Nature Preserves and Natural Resources Trail Work at Latta Plantation Nature Preserve: Maintenance and Natural Resources staff have been teaming up to tackle some major trail improvement projects at Latta Plantation Nature Preserve. Latta has over 15 miles of trails, and is the only Preserve in the county that allows equestrian use. These paths really take a beating and require periodic maintenance.

Over the past several weeks staff have worked hard to ensure visitors have enjoyable, sustainable trails. In this picture the team is installing a cellular confinement grid intended to prevent erosion on a short, steep section of trail that is highly used.

Nature Preserves and Natural Resources Paddleboard Tours: Over the holiday weekend, Latta Plantation Nature Center staff led Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department’s very first Stand Up Paddleboard programs! Many of the participants were new to the sport and eager to learn the basic strokes and skills. They also enjoyed time exploring a couple different coves on Mountain Island Lake. Stand Up Paddleboard Tours are 2 hours, $25 person and will be offered throughout summer and fall at Latta Plantation Nature Preserve. Sign up online at ParkandRec.com or call Latta Plantation Nature Center at 704-875-1391 for more information.

Community & Recreation Centers Albemarle Road Recreation Center: Certified Wildlife Explorers!

This week marks the completion of the Wildlife Explorer program! All Jr. Wildlife Explorers who participated in this six-week program have now graduated into Master Explorers! We concluded this program in learning about the importance of water in nature as well as the many type of birds found in the ecosystem.

Each explorer was awarded their certificate and they now have all the tools needed to go out and explore nature on their own or with a friend!

For more information about our programs at Albemarle Road Recreation please call us at 980-314-1101 or email us at AlbemarleRoadRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Community & Recreation Centers Hickory Grove Recreation Center: Hickory Grove Recreation Center Recognizes Its Volunteer Coaches Hickory Grove Recreation Center has celebrated another successful season of providing recreational youth athletic programs. A great example of this is the celebration of the Track & Field program with our six volunteer coaches (One coach not pictured). Hickory Grove has increased the number of participants for all its youth athletic sports offered at the facility. Our volunteer coaches help us to serve 58 registered participants for Track & Field, 22 Indoor Fun soccer and 92 in baseball just for the spring. We wanted to take an opportunity to say thank you and that you are appreciated. Our coaches volunteer for the love of the sport and for the children. With the helping hands of our great volunteer coaches we would not have successful recreational programs. Coaches we salute you and your dedication to providing a service to the community.

For more information on how to volunteer for Hickory Grove Recreation Center please apply on line through Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation volunteer services and select Hickory Grove Recreation Center as your service center or you may call/ email us at 980-314-1122, email HickoryGroveRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Ivory/Baker Recreation Center: Bridge Tournament The Metrolina Bridge Club held their Bridge Tournament Saturday May 29. Seniors from Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Raleigh-Durham, and Greenville, SC came together for some friendly competition, trash talking, and fun. Thirty people were in attendance. There were winners from multiply sessions and flights.

Constance Thompson and Elizabeth Young were first overall in Flight A. Carolyn James and Laurann Pierce were first in Flight B in one session while Mildred Grier and Charles Jackson were in first in the other Flight B session. Bettye Whitaker and Deloris Monsanto as well as Jessie Lawls and Loretta Stanley were first in Flight C in separate sessions. Bridge is played every Tuesday and Thursday.

For more information on programs, call 980-314-1112 or email IvoryBakerRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Community & Recreation Centers Sugaw Creek Recreation Center: Wallace Pruitt & Sugaw Creek “Pulling Together Bike School Day Out” On Friday, May 27th, Wallace Pruitt and Sugaw Creek Recreation Centers successfully conducted The “Pulling Together” Program for National Bike Month. Approximately 18 participants, ages 7-14, enjoyed activities such as icebreakers, team building exercises, fitness stations, bike scavenger hunt at Tripp’ s Bike Shop, bike safety clinic, group rides, swimming at Ray Splash Planet Pool, healthy snacks, delicious lunch, helmet giveaways and door prizes. It was truly amazing seeing all the participants learning life lessons of bike riding and encouraging each other during the activities. Special thanks to Dick Winters and Team Tripp for conducting an educational bike clinic, providing bikes and helmets. A huge shout out to Blanche Penn, Trinette Mumford, Ariel Henderson, Coach Brown, and Daniel Letterman for lending a helping hand and making the program highly eventful! Stay tuned for upcoming bike programs.

Email SugawCreekRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov for details or call us at 980-314-1124.

Community & Recreation Centers Mallard Creek Recreation Center: Senior Nutrition: Older Americans month occurs in May of each year. On Friday May 27th, the seniors dressed in their patriotic best and traveled to Betty Rae to celebrate a health & wellness event. There were health screenings available, line dancing, exercise and good food.

For more information: Call 980-314-1121 or e-mail MallardCreekRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov .

Community & Recreation Centers Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center: Pickleball Every Saturday morning from 10:00am – 12:00pm there are pickleball games being played at Bette Rae Thomas. Pickleball is a racquet sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Two, three or four players can play at a time. Pickleball is becoming more and more popular and the program is really growing at Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center.

For more information contact BetteRaeThomasRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or at 980-314-1111.

Community & Recreation Centers Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center: A Thought for the Day (TFTD) A Thought for the Day (TFTD), goes a long way! Stop by Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center and grab a TFTD to start your day! Daily affirmations can be found in the lobby for motivation, inspiration and encouragement! A sample message is “ You’re never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream”.

For information on programs, contact BetteRaeThomasRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or at 980-314-1111.

Community & Recreation Centers Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center: Senior Fitness Fun Day This year’s Older Americans Month theme was “Blaze A Trail” which emphasizes promoting activities, inclusion and wellness for older Americans in our community. Older Americans Month (celebrated every May) is a great opportunity to show special appreciation! The Senior Nutrition sites from Bette Rae Thomas and Mallard Creek had a Senior Fun Fitness Day that observed Memorial Day on Friday, May 27. The event consisted of exercise sessions, Ballroom & Line Dancing, outdoor activities and prizes. There were blood pressure checks conducted by UNC-Charlotte’s Physical Therapy Program and health brochures from CMC and Novant Health. This fun-filled day was enjoyed by 150 participants and it would not have been possible without our 20+ volunteers and staff! We really appreciate the help and support of our Senior Programs!

Community & Recreation Centers Elon Recreation Center: Bike Initiative Elon Recreation Center’s Bike Initiative was in full swing May 28th with 25 kids learning how to ride their bikes. In partnership with The Health Department, Trips for Kids and Bicycle Sport, Elon helped to introduce the “Learn to Ride” bike program. Staff helped with the removal of the training wheels, lowering of the seat, helmet adjustment as well as help guide participants. Parents were encouraged to be involved so that they could leave with the knowledge of how their child can continue to work on this skill at home.

For more information about our programs, events and outreach opportunities, contact ElonRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980-314-1103.

Community & Recreation Centers Elon Recreation Center: 4-H Geocaching Elon's geocaching program has started with great enthusiasm from the participants ranging in ages from 5-12 years. Our first sessions in May were a huge success with the geocachers receiving the psychological benefits associated with the challenge and subsequent success of seeking and finding a cache. It was the first time that some of the participants ever used a GPS receiver and they learned quickly how to read the coordinates and follow directions to the hidden treasures. As they hiked, the geocachers witnessed the shedding of a snake’s skin and they followed a frog. During the first session, the tree canopy protected us from the falling rain, which added to the element of adventure in our geocaching experience! We will conclude our final two sessions during early June and can’t wait to introduce this experience to campers during Elon’s “Adventures in Play” Summer Camp.

For more information about our programs, events, and outreach opportunities, contact ElonRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980-314-1103.

Community & Recreation Centers Tom Sykes Recreation Center: Track and Field Banquet It was another great season for Tom Sykes Track & Field as we had our team banquet! The coaches worked hard to develop our athletes through the season and it showed as the team got better each week. The banquet included a parent appreciation speech, a trophy ceremony for coaches and athletes and plenty of food. We appreciate all the support from parents and the hard work of our coaches and athletes and we look forward to seeing them next season!

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

Community & Recreation Centers Tom Sykes Recreation Center: Indoor FUN Soccer Tom Sykes Recreation Center celebrated the completion of the 2016 Indoor FUN Soccer season with 5 teams ranging from 3-8 year olds. All 50 participants went home with a medal and also with our partnership with Charlotte Junior Soccer, each soccer superstar received their own soccer ball to practice for next year. What a fantastic season!

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

Community & Recreation Centers Tom Sykes Recreation Center: Afterschool Programs Tom Sykes Recreation Center ended their last Lights-Camera-Action afterschool program with their own version of “Little Big Shots� on Thursday. Participants showed off their hidden talents from playing musical instruments, performing magic tricks, telling comedic jokes, dancing, singing, jump roping and Hula Hooping. Parents, staff and participants enjoyed the variety of talent and the show was a perfect ending to our first year of Lights-Camera-Action.

For more information on Tom Sykes Recreation center programs, please contact us at (980)-314-1113 or email us at TomSykesRecreationCenter@MecklenburgcountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Berewick Recreation Center: Basketball Clinics (9-12 years) The Berewick Recreation Center completed its first session of basketball clinics for ages 9-12 year olds. All participants received a basketball from the Charlotte Hornets to continue honing in on the skills they learned in the past month. The next session of clinics for ages 6-8 years start June 9th at 7:00pm.

For more information, contact staff at 980.314.1102 or e-mail us at BerewickRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Naomi Drenan Recreation Center: Urban Eagles Game and Graduation The Urban Eagles faced off against the CMPD for the second time this past week at Naomi Drenan Recreation Center. The teens for the Urban Eagle program have been practicing every week to hone their skills mentally and physically to compete with other AAU teams in and outside of the Queen City. This night was extra special because several of the High School Seniors were celebrating their graduation, most of them from Myers Park. The Urban Eagles had a video of the senior’s memories through the program and the packed gym of 125 people enjoyed all the food and fun the night held. Naomi Drenan is proud of the Urban Eagle program and the students involved in it. We are excited for the big things to come from these teens!

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

Community & Recreation Centers Naomi Drenan Recreation Center:Volleyball Skillz & Drillz Naomi Drenan Recreation Center offers a volleyball skills program every other Friday from 5:30pm-6:30pm. Participants learn proper technique and form to getting the ball in the desired location and to building up speed and power. Also, participants will learn the basic skills needed to play volleyball like serving, passing, setting, spiking, blocking, digging and teamwork.

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

Community & Recreation Centers Shamrock Senior Center: Day Trip to Treehouse Vineyard The Seniors at Shamrock Center in conjunction with the Nutrition Program traveled to Treehouse Vineyard in Monroe, NC. The Treehouse Vineyard is a North Carolina family-owned vineyard. The participants had a unique experience of relaxing among nature and enjoying the vineyard by simply sipping on their favorite Treehouse Vineyard’s wine and listening to smooth Jazz and R&B. A wine making tour of the winery follows each tasting. The Seniors spent time shopping in the gift store where they found not only wines to purchase but also various gifts as well. The trip was fun filled and as always the fellowship with each other made it all the better!

Please contact Shamrock Senior Center for information on trips and programs.

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department 3925 Willard Farrow Drive Charlotte, NC 28215 Phone: (704) 531-9101

Sports & Fitness and GC/ALMS Adult Softball – Co-Rec: The Monday night Co-Rec league finished their regular season games on Monday, May 23rd. Their playoff games begin on Monday June 6th with games will be played at Renaissance park starting at 7pm. There are a total of eight teams participating in the playoff for the championship.

For more information on adult sports please visit our website at www.parkandrec.com, call 980-314-1117or email AdultSports@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Sports & Fitness and GC/ALMS Adult Softball – Men’s: The Tuesday night Men’s Division 1 league will finished their regular season games this past Tuesday, May 31st. Their playoff games will begin on Tuesday June 7th. Games will be played at Renaissance park starting at 7pm. There are a total of six teams participating in the league this season.

For more information on adult sports please visit our website at www.parkandrec.com, call 980-314-1117 or email AdultSports@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Sports & Fitness and GC/ALMS Adult Softball – Men’s: The Wednesday night men’s Division 1, Division 2, and Co-Rec league finished off their regular season games on Wednesday May 18th. The playoff games started last Wednesday on May 25th. Games will be played at Renaissance park starting at 7pm. There are a total of six teams in Division 1, six teams in Division 2, and eight teams in Co-Rec participating in the playoff for the championship.

For more information on adult sports please visit our website at www.parkandrec.com, call 980-314-1117or email AdultSports@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Sports & Fitness and GC/ALMS Adult Volleyball – Co-Rec: Co-Rec BB Volleyball finished of their winter season last Wednesday May 25th.

Games were played at the Tom Sykes Rec Center on Wednesday evenings starting at 6:30pm. There were a total of seven teams participating in the league for the championship this season. “We’re Back” came out on top as the Champions. The spring season will begin on Wednesday June 8th.

For more information on adult volleyball please visit our website at www.parkandrec.com, call 980-314-1356 or email AdultSports@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Sports & Fitness and GC/ALMS Annual Volleyball Bash: This Saturday and Sunday the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation will be hosting the 15th Annual 2016 Volleyball Bash at Memorial Stadium. The Tournament starts Saturday Morning at 9am. Saturday will host the Men’s & Women’s Open, A, and BB Doubles games. Sunday will host the Co-Rec Open, A, and BB Doubles games.

For more information on adult volleyball please visit our website at www.parkandrec.com, or call us at 980-314-1356.

Sports & Fitness and GC/ALMS Adult Softball – Men’s & Co-Rec: The Wednesday night Men’s Division 1, Division 2, and Co-Rec league finished off their spring season games on June 1st. Games were played at Renaissance Park starting at 7pm. There was a total of six teams in Division 1 with “Brazwell’s Premium Pub winning the championship, six teams in Division 2 with “Brewers winning the championship, and eight teams in Co-Rec with “Softball Junkies” winning the championship.

For more information on adult sports please visit our website at www.parkandrec.com, call 980-314-1117 or email AdultSports@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Volunteer Services and Special Events Party in the Park @Romare Bearden Park: “Party in the Park” was a huge success on Wednesday, June 1st, 2016. Over 1,500 people came out to listen to the sound of the band, Too Much Sylvia. TOO MUCH SYLVIA features THREE lead vocalists that have lots of fun. Eddy with his crystal clear voice, Steve’s funky soul sound and Rick’s scratchy rock & roll are a major part of the band’s vocal blend and harmony. Combine all the above, with their tight, tasteful musical arrangements and Drummer Don’s rhythms, makes the groove appealing to all dancers. Next week, The Entertainers will perform for Party in The Park.

For more information on this program and others, contact Volunteer Services at VolunteerServices@Mecklenburgcountync.gov.

5841 Brookshire Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28216 (980) 314-1000

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Park Partners may contact The Friday Letter Team at Richard . McNeill @MecklenburgCountyNC.gov for publication assistance.

The Friday Letter Volume 6 • Issue 20 • June 3, 2016

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