The Friday Letter | June 29, 2018

The

Accounting Tip for the week: Make sure to use SharePoint to retrieve the most up-to-date contract templates.

Nature Preserve & Natural Resources Huntersville P&R Camp visits Latta Nature Preserve Latta Nature Center and Natural Resources staff welcomed Huntersville Parks & Rec Summer Adventure Camp for their annual day of service and outdoor adventure. Campers in grades 6-8 chopped away all morning to demolish a grove of very large Elaeagnus. This invasive shrub dominates the forest understory and prevents beneficial native plants from thriving. The best way to remove this invasive species it to manually cut each shrub and apply herbicide to the stumps. The group’s hard work can be seen along the trail near Gar Creek. After lunch, campers were rewarded with an exciting afternoon of canoeing on Mountain Island Lake and a high-tech treasure hunt searching for geocaches along the LPNP waterfront.

For more information about outdoor adventure, contact Latta Nature Center 980-314-1129.

Nature Preserve & Natural Resources

Nature Preserve & Natural Resources Mist-net Survey for Bats On the night of the Summer Solstice, Division of Nature Preserves and Natural Resources staff partnered with biologists from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to conduct a mist-netting survey for bats in Reedy Creek Nature Preserve.

Natural Resources staff have been collecting data on bat diversity in Reedy Creek Nature Preserve, and throughout Mecklenburg County, since 2016. Portable Bat monitors and microphones have been used to record high frequency bat calls over a series of nights. Species can be identified through the analysis of the bat calls picked up by the monitors. Mist-net surveys are a great way to confirm the presence of these species at the locations where their calls were recorded.

Through this first ever mist-netting survey on County property, a total of eight bats were caught. Each bat was identified and processed, which included a check of the weight, sex and overall health of the individual, including any signs of white-nose syndrome. A tiny metal band with a unique number code was then placed on the wing of each bat just before it was released.

All eight bats caught in the nets were of a single species, Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus). Fortunately, each bat appeared healthy and no signs of white-nose syndrome were detected. The last bat caught in the survey was a female pregnant with twin pups. Although not unusual, that was a nice surprise to end the night.

This mist-netting survey provided a great opportunity to learn more about the health, abundance and diversity of bats that live within the important protected natural areas of Mecklenburg County, such as Reedy Creek Nature Preserve.

Nature Preserve & Natural Resources

Nature Preserve & Natural Resources McDowell Maintenance Crew McDowell Nature Preserves maintenance crew spent Wednesday morning out on kayaks to pick up trash they could not grab from shore. Picking up the trash improves the quality of the water as well as the quality of the lives for the animals that live in and around the lake. As a bonus it enhances the natural beauty of Lake Wylie, making it pristine for the visitors and residents. Two full trash bags were collected by the four staff members during this adventure.

Community & Recreation Centers Tom Sykes Recreation Center: Summer Camp Art Week Tom Sykes started off its summer camp program with an art themed week- seeing 40 kids design all types of crafts, portraits, and discover different ways to express themselves throughout the week. Pictured below is our crew this past week in the heart of Charlotte after cooling off in Romare Bearden’s water feature, along with some camper’s sand art and hand designed Frisbees. At the end of the week we took all the art created and gave each child a chance to showcase their creations at our Art Show! Parents really enjoyed seeing the unique creations and we are excited for the 2nd week of camp.

To learn more about music lessons or any other programs at Tom Sykes Recreation Center, contact us at 980-314-1113 or email TomSykesRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation Services: Little Big Camp!

Little Big Camp is our Summer Day Camp for 6-9 year olds with a disability at Tuckaseegee Recreation Center. Each week, campers participate in arts and crafts, gardening, sports, cooking, music and other fun camp activities! We swim every Wednesday and travel to a different field trip once a week such as Lazy 5 Ranch, Carowinds, and Discovery Place Kids. Campers enjoy visits from Allegro Foundation, a balloon artist and the nature center! We are excited to sing, dance and laugh our way through the next few weeks of summer time!

Katherine.Culbreth@mecknc.gov

Community & Recreation Centers Albemarle Road Recreation Center: Summer Sports Camp Field Trip to Bank of America Stadium ARRC is in full swing with its Summer Sports Camp. Each week the campers are exposed to multiple sports such as football, soccer, volleyball, baseball, hockey, and basketball. There is a weekly field trip, with each trip having a sports connection. This week ARRC Sports Camp had the privilege of visiting Bank of America Stadium, Home of the Carolina Panthers. During the tour our campers were able to get right up to the playing field, the players tunnel, the press room, and the future home of the new Panthers Owner’s luxury suite.

For more information about programs at Albemarle Road Recreation Center Contact 980-314-1101 or email AlbermarleRoadRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Community & Recreation Centers Sugaw Creek Recreation Center: Summer Camp at the Creek Sugaw Creek Recreation Center has been action-packed since school let out!

Our recreation center is hosting a multitude of camps; including Urban Outdoor Connection, Safe Play and the YWCA Summer Reading Program. Last week over 20 campers between the ages of 6-12 gathered from Monday June 18th thru Friday June 22nd to participate in the Rising Stars Basketball Camp. The RSBC is an interactive basketball camp that emphasizes basketball IQ; as campers participate in game-like scenarios that enhances their ability to think through the game.

For more information regarding programs, events and outreach opportunities at Sugaw Creek Recreation Center call us at 980.314.1124 or email us at SugawCreekRecreationCenter@MeckNC.gov

Community & Recreation Centers TYSC Thursday Crochet Club Members of the Thursday Crochet Club worked diligently as they prepared blankets for military families. Because of the wonderful work that was completed last year, the group was asked to provide blankets for families this year. It was heart-warming to know that the blankets were for the comfort of many children. We are grateful for the giveback that the crochet club does on a regular basis.

For more information for upcoming programs at Tyvola Senior Center contact us at 980-314-1320 or TyvolaSeniorCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Shamrock Senior Center: Active Adult Summer Explorers Camp Last week was an exciting new adventure for some of the seniors at Shamrock Senior Center and Tyvola Senior Center. Every day, the seniors hopped on a bus and took off to different places around the Greater Charlotte area. Monday, we traveled to the Billy Graham Library, where participants were able to tour and explore the beautiful property. Later that afternoon, we ventured to the Charlotte Premium Outlets. Tuesday morning was spent at Ramsey Creek Beach and the afternoon at the Farmers Market. Wednesday and Thursday were days to cool off for the summer campers, and were spent at the Bechtler and Mint Museums as well as Concord Mills Mall. Finishing the week, we visited Reed’s Gold Mine. The seniors toured the historic mine as well as panned for gold. We spent that afternoon relaxing at Rocky River Vineyard. This was an excellent opportunity for our seniors to explore and travel around the Charlotte area.

For more information about upcoming programs and events, contact us at 704-531-9101, or at ShamrcokSeniorCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Naomi Drenan Recreation Center: Basketball Camp Basketball Camps are taking off at Naomi Drenan Recreation Center this week.

Boys and girls ages 7-16 years are enjoying a jam packed week of basketball skills, drills, and games along with learning the importance of teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship. Campers are improving their fundamentals as well as learning valuable ways to work together and problem solve.

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: Private Badminton Lessons Did you know that Badminton is not just a backyard game but a fast paced and exciting Olympic sport known throughout the world? These athletes do! Last weekend, youth and adults experienced “real� badminton on an indoor court.

They learned proper footwork, defensive and offensive stance, racket grip and stroke, and effective court positioning. The participants also enjoyed a friendly match after all the drills and hard work. So, what are you waiting for? Join us!

Have fun and be physically active!

To learn more about Tom Sykes Recreation Center programs, contact us at 980-314-1113 or email TomSykesRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Tyvola Senior Center: Thursday Crochet Club Members of the Thursday Crochet Club worked diligently as they prepared blankets for military families. Because of the wonderful work that was completed last year, the group was asked to provide blankets for families this year. It was heart-warming to know that the blankets were for the comfort of many children. We are grateful for the giveback that the crochet club does on a regular basis.

For more information for upcoming programs at Tyvola Senior Center contact us at 980-314-1320 or TyvolaSeniorCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Elon Recreation Center: “Adventure’s In Play” Summer Camp Week one of summer Camp for Elon Recreation Center consisted of Monsters & Mad Science. All campers had the opportunity to become scientist while studying the anatomy of a bubble. Campers had a chance to see how bubbles form by observing, investigating and experimenting; all great qualities of an expert scientist. Campers discovered that the outside and inside surfaces of a bubble consist of soap molecules. A thin layer of water lies between the two layers of soap molecules, sort of like a water sandwich with soap molecules for bread.

Watch out Bill Nye the Science Guy! These Scientist are on their way! By Friday they had a Monster’s Ball.

For more information regarding youth programming please contact Elon Recreation Center 980-314-1103 or email ElonRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Elon Recreation Center: “Adventures In Play”– Ride & Seek Week It’s Ride and Seek Week here at Elon Recreation Center. Week Two of summer camp is wrapping up and campers are having such an amazing adventure.

Campers spent this week learning about different forms of transportation and how they operate. They also participated in a nature scavenger/bug hunt.

Campers went out to seek the different types of creepy crawlies that lived outdoors around Elon Recreation Center. They were fearless as they turned over rocks and dirt to find the most creative living insect there is. Needless to say, campers were “digging” riding and seeking. These campers know how to bring the outdoors in.

For more information about Elon Recreation Center programs and events, contact Elon Recreation Center 980-314-1103 or email ElonRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Community & Recreation Centers Winget Recreation Center: “Adventures In Play” Summer Camp It’s week two of summer camp here at Winget and campers are having a blast.

This week is action packed and full of fun adventures. The theme for this week is “Ride and Seek.” But the adventure doesn’t stop there, from an ultimate kickball game to fun in the gym with a life size parachute, campers are enjoying every bit of their summer camp experience with Winget Staff. Campers had the opportunity to try and make the biggest parachute bubble and then collapse on top of it and Group 2 captured the team trophy by winning the kickball game.

Who has game next? I guess you will have to visit Winget “Adventures In Play” summer camp to see.

For more information regarding activities at Winget Recreation Center, email WingetRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980-314-1103 or 980-314-1106.

Community & Recreation Centers Berewick Recreation Center: Camp Adventure Summer Camp Week 1 Let the fun begin! Berewick Recreation Center is off to a great start with summer camp. Berewick finished their first week of camp with a full house of 48 campers. The campers had a week full of yoga, fun games, arts & craft activities, learning about nature and other activities from a Bounce House on Tuesday, swimming on Wednesday, Guest Speakers on Tuesday & Thursday and a field trip to Latta Plantation & Go U Program on Friday.

For more information about our youth programs, contact BerewickRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 980.314.1102.

Community & Recreation Centers West Charlotte: 2018 Xtreme Camp West Charlotte Recreation Center Recently completed the first two weeks of its 2018 Xtreme Camp! We had an amazing time with our campers as we visited a number of places. We partnered with Microsoft, Victory Lane Karting and Discovery place for plenty of adventure. We are excited to continue putting smiles on our campers faces!

For more information about our programs here at West Charlotte Recreation Center, call us at 980-314-1120 or email us at WestCharlotteRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Community & Recreation Centers Ivory/Baker Recreation Center: Cultural Festival In partnership with the Arts and Science Council, Ivory/Baker Recreation Center hosted a Cultural Festival this past weekend. Multiple countries were represented with a brief parade at the start. Then, festive dances were performed by various enthusiastic groups. One brave performer entertained the audience by getting inside of a giant loop and twirled around in the gymnasium.

For more information about our programs, please call 980-314-1112 or email: IvoryBakerRecreationCenter@MeckNC.Gov.

Sports & Fitness and GCC/ALMS American Legion Memorial Stadium: Star Spangled Spectacular On Wednesday, July 3rd, Charlotte Center City Partners and Regions Bank presents the “Star Spangled Spectacular�. This will be the largest firework display in the city! Celebration festivities begin at 6 p.m. for the 9:30 p.m. firework show.

There will be live music, food and drinks, and plenty of family-friendly activities for your Independence Day celebration! Grab your blankets (no lawn chairs) and claim a spot on the field for the spectacular fireworks show. Come early as seating is limited.

Grady Cole Center and American Legion Memorial Stadium For information on all upcoming events at the Grady Cole Center and American Legion Memorial Stadium, please visit us at: https://www.mecknc.gov/ParkandRec/Facilities/EventFacilities/Pages/ Events.aspx

Sports & Fitness and GCC/ALMS

Sports & Fitness and GCC/ALMS Adult Basketball Two summer basketball leagues kicked off this week with the highly competitive Men’s A-League and 35 & Over League. Tuesday the perennial powerhouse Blazers team, who won 4 titles in the Men’s 35 & Over League since the start of the 2017 calendar year, nearly came away with a win at West Charlotte Recreation Center as they played 4-against-5. Despite being one player down, the Blazers led nearly the entire game before relinquishing the lead in the final minutes for a 92-89 loss against 2 Up 2 Down. And Monday, the Blazers also started the Men’s A-League with a 9-point loss to 2-Hype. Expect both leagues to be filled with lots of action and intrigue this season.

For more information on our Adult leagues, visit www.parkandrec.com or connect with us by email at AdultSports@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or by phone at (980) 314-1117.

Sports & Fitness and GCC/ALMS

Volunteer Services/Commemorative Events VOLUNTEERS Come Uut in Force in June!

The heat is on…but that doesn’t stop GREAT groups of Volunteers from coming out to support our hard-working Park & Recreation staff! In June we have hosted groups from: Duke Energy, XL Catlin, Boy Scouts, BDO Financial, Elevation Church, Bank of America and more!!

Two awesome groups joined forces on June 28 at Reedy Creek Community Gardens – Volunteers from Eaton Corporation and Smartlink LLC shoveled 35 yards of mulch (that’s about a dump-truck-and-a-half!) to help combat weeds and water damage on the garden paths, and they even pitched in to clear out unoccupied plots and assist several Gardeners with weeding. A HUGE THANK YOU to all of our Volunteers!

Volunteer Services/Commemorative Events

Volunteer Services/Commemorative Events Little Sugar Creek Greenway/Cross Charlotte Trail Tyvola Road to Huntingtowne Farms Park is officially open!

The newest segment of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway/Cross Charlotte Trail officially opened on Saturday, June 23 - a gorgeous summer morning with more than 100 walkers, bicyclists, runners, neighbors and community members in attendance to celebrate! Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation hosted the event. Attendees were given blue ribbons to tie on to the bridge spanning Little Sugar Creek, in honor of Blue Cross Blue Shield’s generous support of the bridge project, and to signify how the Greenway “TIES THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER.” Comments were provided by the following: Ella Scarborough, Chair of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners Matthew Ridenhour, District 5 Representative, Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners Rick Winiker, Park & Recreation Commission Tom Okel, Executive Director of the Carolina Thread Trail Michael Restaino, Community Relations District Manager for Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC Lee Jones, director of Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation For more information on Volunteering for any of our programs or projects, or about any upcoming Commemorative Events, please contact: - Karen Howard at 980-314-1046 or Karen.Howard@MeckNC.gov - Pamela Thomas at 980-314-1059 or Pamela.Thomas@MeckNC.gov

Volunteer Services/Commemorative Events

5841 Brookshire Blvd.

Charlotte, NC 28216 (980) 314-1000

Recreate All Year!

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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 8 • Issue 24 • June 29, 2018

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 Lee Jones, Director Vacant, Deputy Director Renea Barber, Human Resources Liz Morrell, Strategic Planning and Evaluation Lorraine Bias, Sr. Fiscal Administrator Vacant, Capital Planning Terri Stowers, Community and Recreation Center Services Peter Cook, Park Operations Chris Matthews, Nature Preserves and Natural Resources