The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department will be a primary beneficiary when park enthusiasts from across the region gather for a major fundraising dinner. The dinner celebrates the tenth anniversary of Partners for Parks, which raises money to support and expand public parks.

The event will be held at Myers Park County Club, 2415 Roswell Avenue, at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 1.

Robert G. Stanton, former Director of the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Interior, will be the keynote speaker. Stanton will examine how parks and greenways impact our quality of life. Attendees will also meet Jim Garges, the new director of Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation. Garges recently arrived from Cincinnati, OH.

A recent study by Texas A& M University found that properties adjacent to a passive park had 20-percent higher property values. Another study by consulting firm KPMG found that quality of life has a major impact on job attractiveness.

The dinner intends to raise private and public contributions to support parks and open space in Mecklenburg County and across the region. Sponsorship packages are available. Dinner tickets are $150 per person. For tickets or to receive further information, contact Partners for Parks at 704-336-8844 or click here.