Happy New Year from Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation!  This monthly e-newsletter describes many programs and activities we offer for your fun and good health. We also invite you to visit our website at www.parkandrec.com to see many more facilities and programs.

KEEP YOUR RESOLUTIONS AND GET IN SHAPE FOR THE NEW YEAR AT PARK AND RECREATION FITNESS CENTERS

Mecklenburg Park and Recreation runs eight fitness centers. Many have fitness instructors available for consultation. Come visit and get in shape!  Special offers now available. Contact the fitness center nearest you for January promotion details. Centers are in:

• Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center

   

• Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center

   

• First Ward Recreation Center

   

• Mallard Creek Recreation Center

   

• RAY's Splash Planet

   

• Southview Recreation Center

   

• Tuckaseegee Recreation Center

   

• West Charlotte Fitness Center 

NEW DRAIN COVERS REQUIRED BY FEDERAL LAW HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AT PARK AND REC POOLS  

Park and Recreation installed special drain covers in December required by a new federal law at its indoor pools and aquatic venues. Outdoor pools will be modified before they open for the summer season. The new, specially-made and certified drain covers cost a total of $53,000. The special covers and associated fixtures are mandated at public pools by the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. The law is named after a child who died in 2002 after suction from a drain trapped her under water. She was the granddaughter of former US Secretary of State James Baker III. The Baker family pushed this law in Congress.

NEW SIGN PACKAGE ON MALLARD/CLARK'S GREENWAY WILL SET STANDARD FOR NEW SIGNS ON WHOLE GREENWAY SYSTEM

Park and Recreation begins installing new signs Jan. 5 on Mallard Creek/Clark's Creek Greenway in the University area. This greenway runs more than seven miles and will be the first one to get the new signs.  Many users asked for better signage to help them understand the system and find their way. Installation on Mallard/Clarks will take a few weeks.

The new sign "package" includes markers every 1/4 mile, names on neighborhood entrances and exits, kiosks to display maps and notices, rules, regulations, cautions, etc. Designing the signs began two years ago with citizens who helped select colors, shapes, sizes, and placement standards.
 

SAILING AND ROWING CENTER COMING THIS SPRING TO BLYTHE LANDING ON LAKE NORMAN

Park and Recreation has entered into a partnership with North Carolina Community Sailing (NCCS) to build and operate a community sailing and rowing center on Lake Norman at Blythe Landing in Huntersville.The property will be upgraded in the next few months, and the center plans to open next spring. Small sailboats and rowing shells, and training in how to use them, will be available at the center for a fee.  For more information or to make a contribution, visit www.nccommunitysailing.com or contact Larry Vitez at (704) 366-0466.

PHOTOGS INVITED TO CAPTURE BEAUTY OF PARK AND RECREATION IN 2008-09 "NATURE OF MECKLENBURG" CONTEST AND EXHIBITION

If you like to take pictures, don't forget the Partners for Parks and Carolinas' Nature Photographers Association's 2008-2009 "The Nature of Mecklenburg" Photography Contest and "juried photography exhibition" to benefit Park and Recreation and Partners for Parks. Photographs may be taken by amateurs or professionals in any of our parks, nature preserves, playgrounds, or greenways. They must be taken by July15, 2009. Photos may be entered in categories of Plant Life, Landscapes/Scenic, People in Parks, and Wildlife for cash prizes and gift certificates.  Park and Rec may use the photos to promote our activities. For complete details, check  www.cnpa-charlotte.org or www.partnersforparks.org.

PARK AND REC OFFERS ADULT RUGBY, A GREAT SPORT FOR COMPETITION AND CONDITIONING!

Join one of the fastest growing sports in the country, Rugby! Park and Recreation has started its own adult recreation rugby team for ages 18-35. Team will compete in the USA Rugby division III league, playing teams from surrounding cities.  The 2009 season runs Feb-Jul. Practices at Frazier Park on Mons & Weds, 7pm-9pm starting Jan. 5. Cost: $100 per player. For more information call 311 or contact Derichard McCoy via e-mail or 704-353-1250.

PARK AND RECREATION OFFERS GREAT PROGRAMS FOR KIDS FOR OUT-OF-SCHOOL DAYS THIS WINTER

Our uptown Aquatic Center  invites kids to Out-of-School Cool Days for Youngsters, ages 8-13, when CMS schools are out, 8:30am-4:30pm, cost: $30 each day. Bring lunch and snack. Pre and post camp supervision available.  Cool Days include:  

• Jan. 19 - Snow tubing at Hawks Nest in Banner Elk, NC, includes van trip. Barcode # 36638.

   

• Jan. 23 - Snorkel in the morning, bowl in afternoon. Barcode # 36639.

   

• Feb. 16 – Swim in the morning, rock climb in afternoon at Inner Peaks . Barcode # 36640

   

• Mar. 27 - NASCAR Speedpark. All day trip includes race cars, laser tag, and climbing wall. Barcode # 40981

   

Register at www.parkandrec.com, click on Eparks and use course barcode numbers or call 311…. Also Jan 19, 23 and Feb. 16 at other facilities:

• NO SCHOOL DAY CAMP at Ray's Splash Planet. Get ready for pool time, arts & crafts, and sports. Cost: $20 a day.  Details at 704.432-4RAY.   

   

• Kids ages 8-12 can attend programs at Tom Sykes Rec Center during the day for only $20. When school is out – FUN is in. Call 704. 432-4803 for details.

   

AFTER-SCHOOL ARTS AND CULTURE ACADEMY OFFERED AT ALBEMARLE ROAD RECREATION CENTER ; SIGN-UP NOW

Park and Recreation presents a multicultural arts and fitness after-school academy at Albemarle Road Recreation Center. It is offered school days now through June 10, 2-6pm, Mon-Fri, for children ages 5-15. Participants may join any time. Programming includes creative arts, drama, healthy living, recreation and 4-H programs. Cost: $176 a month. Register at the front desk of Albemarle Road Recreation Center or call 311 or 704 567-1941 for details.

 "ALL I NEED IS ONE MIC:" UNDERSTANDING HIP-HOP:  WORKSHOPS IN JANUARY AT WEST CHARLOTTE REC CENTER

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E-PLANT TIPS FOR WINTER FROM THE NC COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE

In Mecklenburg County , the Cooperative Extension Service is part of Park and Recreation and offers the following tips for gardeners in January:

• Fertilize broad-leaved evergreens in the winter or spring. Fertilizing in the late summer induces late-season growth that is susceptible to winter injury.
• Winter is the time to apply dormant oil sprays to kill overwintering mites, aphids, and scale on deciduous trees and shrubs. Spray oils when temperatures are above 40 F, but not within 24 hours of a freeze. Because the oil kills insects by suffocation, avoid spraying on windy days to ensure that all surfaces of the plant are covered.
• Some plants that should be pruned in later winter or early spring are hydrangea, butterfly bush, Rose-of-Sharon, hibiscus and other summer-flowering shrubs that flower on new growth.