Volunteer Opportunit ies

This week we had a one-

time large group of volun-

teers at Reedy Creek who

we want to thank.

100 store managers from

Starbucks met for a morning

volunteer effort.

After having a coffee tasting,

Park and Recreation em-

ployee Penny Frankie sent

them out to work within

Reedy Creek.

Volunteers mulched part of

the disc golf course path.

They also removed a short

split-rail fence that was not

working in two parking lots.

More Pictures on Back Page

Outdoor Swimming Pools Reopened Last Weekend Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Depart-

ment’s outdoor swimming pools and spraygrounds

will open for the summer season just in time for

Memorial Day weekend! Pool admission is $1 and

spraygrounds are FREE.

Spraygrounds open Friday, May 25 and remain

open through Labor Day. Pools open Saturday,

May 26 and will be open every weekend through

Labor Day. Pools will be open on weekdays after

school closes (June 8). Park and Recreation’s out-

door pools are: Cordelia Pool, 2100 N. Davidson

St., 704-336-2096 and Double Oaks Pool, 1200

Newland Rd., 704-336-2653.

Regular operating hours for swimming will be Sat-

urdays 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sundays 1 - 5 p.m., Mon-

day–Friday (including Memorial Day Monday) noon

-6 p.m. Lean more .

Dress for Success Charlotte Teams Up With Horticulture Dress for Success Charlotte and the Horticul-ture Team partnered to provide a gardening class for Seniors at Betty Rae Thomas Recreation Cen-ter On May 23, 2012. Horticulture Specialists Ken Carlson and Randall Orozco taught a compost class by actually building a compost pile for the 30 seniors who attended. Dress for Success representatives also at-tended. In addition, North County Jail vegetable plants were provided to start the new vegetable garden. It was an excellent and successful collabo-ration and outreach event.

this issue Park News P.1

Enterprise Services P.2

Nature Preserves & Nat Resources P.3

Community & Recreation Center Services P.4

I S S U E

J u n e 1 2 0 1 2

44 WEEKLY

NEWSLETTER OF THE

PARK AND RECREATION

DEPARTMENT FridayFridayLetterLetter THE

Download the Aquatics Sec-tion of the Park and Rec Get Going Guide

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Goes for the Gold

At a time when it faced unprecedented budget cuts be-

cause of the recession, they managed to be named a

finalist for the National Gold Medal Award for the third

consecutive year. The award is presented annually by

the American Academy for Park and Recreation Admini-

stration and the National Recreation and Park Associa-

tion to honor excellence in management and planning of

parks and recreation agencies.

(Continued on Page 2)

Summer Baseball Tournaments

Nations Baseball “Bat Wars” Premier Super Re-gional Tournament

On May 19th -20th youth boy’s

baseball games were held at Hor-

nets’ Nest Park and Renaissance

Park. In addition to the tourney

games, 2000 participants and fans

were treated to a home run “bat

wars” demonstration sponsored by

Eastbay & Baseball Magazine at

Renaissance Park. Twenty-One

teams (10, 9 & under) played at

Renaissance Park. Twenty-Two

teams (9, 8 & under) played at

Hornets’ Nest Park. Twenty teams

(13 & under) played at South Char-

lotte Middle School (Davie Park).

Teams traveled from across North

Carolina, Virginia and South Caro-

lina to play in these tournaments.

All games began at 9am.

Top Gun Sports Youth Girls Spring World Series Championships Fastpitch Softball Tournament

Also over the week, youth girl’s

softball games were held at Nevin

Youth Boys and Girls Teams

Engage in Fun, Healthy,

Competition Sports—

Revolution Park Sports Academy: Teen Club Events For The Month Of June — School is about to be out and

summer has officially begun

here at Revolution Park Sports

Academy. Come join the Revo-

lution Park Sports Academy

Teen Club this coming summer

as we continue to “Recreate all

year!”

Activities for the month of

June include a Michael Jack-

son Experience Wii dance off,

fitness center orientations, an

introduction to the game of

golf, field trips and much more!

The Revolution Park Sports

Academy Teen Club has a

huge summer planned, so

don’t miss out.

For more information on the

Revolution Park Sports Acad-

emy Teen Club or a complete

calendar of events please

contact Revolution Park Sports

Academy at 704-432-4963.

Park. One-hundred thirty two

teams participated in this regional

tournament, playing a total of 342

ball games over two days.

Seven teams (14 & under “B”) and

seven teams (14 & under “BB”)

competed and battled it out for

CHAMPIONSHIP RINGS which

were presented to the winners in

both divisions. Teams

traveled from areas all

over North Carolina. All

tournaments games

started at 9:00am on

Saturday and Sunday.

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Boxing Program:

The Charlotte Boxing Academy in

partnership with Mecklenburg

County Park and Recreation has

outstanding team members that

have been selected to represent

the USA Boxing Team this sum-

mer in Russia for competition fin

the Junior Olympic World Champi-

onships. The team also has a

member that has earned a spot on

the USA Boxing team for the 2012

Olympics in London. Great job and

good luck Academy!

For more information, please con-

tact Coach Al Simpson at the

Revolution Park Sports Academy

for this and other boxing opportuni-

ties call 704 432-4963.

“Summer sports is

a great way to

keeps youth active

over the summer”

"I'm very proud of the work and

professional dedication of our staff

and volunteers to earn this recogni-

tion," said Jim Garges, Director of

Mecklenburg County Park and Rec-

reation Department. Park and Rec-

reation will compete in the Class I

category (population 250,000 and

over) against the City of Henderson,

Nevada, the Maryland-National

Capital Park and Planning Commis-

sion, Riverdale, Maryland and the

Plano, Texas Parks and Recreation

Department.

Green Invaders

NATURE SCENES McDowell Nature Preserve

Orchard Oriole at

McDowell Nature

Preserve

Latta Nature Preserve

Flat Branch Nature Preserve

species, and helped remove an invasive species, Japa-

nese Stilt Grass, from the trail.

Environmental Education

Green Invaders Video

Green Invaders Study Guide

Green Invaders Activities

Green Invaders Wanted Poster

Charlotte Regional Environmental Network

Cooperative Extension Services

Eating Local in the New South

On Tuesday, May 15, 2012 the Levine Museum of the New South hosted, "Eating Local in the New South",

promoting the local foods movement. The event began with a southern meal and select wines prepared by

Mert's Heart & Soul, located in uptown Charlotte. Kristin Davis, Extension Agent with Mecklenburg Coopera-

tive Extension/Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, joined Cassie Parsons, chef and owner of Harvest

Moon Grille at the Dunhill Hotel, for a open discussion on local foods in Mecklenburg County. Davis shared her

personal journey to becoming a locavore and pescetarian, as well as details about her local foods initiatives

with Mecklenburg Cooperative Extension/Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation. Parson shared informa-

tion about the history of agriculture in Mecklenburg and how she built a $1.5M food business. Nearly 200

guests attended the event.

On May 23rd and 24th students from Davidson Elementary

School worked with staff from Latta Plantation Nature

Center and the Nature Preserves and Natural Resources

Division to remove invasive species from the school’s

ECO Trail.

The ECO Trail is used by the school and Latta Plantation

Nature Center staff for a number of different lessons

throughout the school year. Students watched the Green

Invaders Video, learned about dangers of invasive plant

Recreational News from Mecklenburg Communities

Anti-Bullying Event

On Friday, June 15, 2012, the

Revolution Park Sports Academy

will be hosting “Bullying Stops

Now” starting at 6pm. Bullying

Stops Now is being planned and

organized by our very own Rec-

reation Employment Corp partici-

pant Makalya Bowe. Makalya has

a great event planned with the

Revolution Royalty Step Team

performing and discussing the

issues bullying causes to-

day. Kevin Thomas of Motiva-

tion Through Struggle will be

speaking as well, so come out and

support Makalya and the Revolu-

tion Royalty and help stop bullying

now!

For more information about

Revolution Park Sports Acad-

emy (1225 Remount Road) or

Bullying Stops Now please con-

tact us at 704.432.4963.

Central Corridor —

Citizen Engagement in Composting 101 Class

Central Corridor Citizens and

educators engage in learning

more about the “how’s” of

composting and its benefits.

COMPOST

Compost can be rich in nutri-

ents. It is used in gardens,

landscaping, horticulture, and

agriculture. The compost itself

is beneficial for the land in

many ways, including as a soil

conditioner, a fertilizer, and as

a natural pesticide for soil.

“From Trash to Golden” Composting 101 at Bette Rae Thomas Recreation Center:

The Professional Women’s

Group, Dress for Success and

the Park Operations Division

presented the 2012 Community

Action Project - Composting 101.

The event taught steps to creating

your own composting unit and tips

related to gardening. Kenneth

Carlson and Randall engaged

participants in a lively discussion of

the benefits of composting. Each

participant was given a plant to

enhance an existing garden or the

participant could plant it alone and

use their skills just learned about

the wonderful world of

horticulture.

One lucky winner walked away

with products to make their own

compost. Dress for Success also

donated a compost maker to the

Recreation Center. For more

information about this program

and others offered at Bette Rae

T h o m a s , p l e a s e c a l l

704.432.3083

Bette Rae Thomas Senior Arts and Crafts:

Seniors channeled their inner artist

by painting beautiful stain glass

containers. This make and take

craft went home with them to share

with family and friends.

For more information about this

and other programs at the Bette

Rae Thomas Recreation Center,

please call 704-432-3048.

Senior Arts Participant

Seniors on the Move:

Arbor Glen Senior Advocate Club

ended their year by taking an out-

ing to the Harvey B. Gant museum

and Captain Steve’s Fish

Camp. The seniors were able to

enjoy great art, lunch, and each

other. For more information on

Senior Programs and others at the

Arbor Glenn Recreation Center,

please call 704.432.1531.

“National statistics

suggest every seven

seconds a child is

bullied”

More Central Corridor News

It’s All About INVOLVEMENT.

Getting citizens from various

demographics involved in the

community and helping them

become advocates for Parks,

Natural Resources and Com-

munity Recreation Services is

a great way to create citizen

involvement.

Citizens from the Korean

Senior Center

Don’t Forget to… SMILE.

Park and Recreation Staff go

the extra mile, with a smile!

Community Resource & Health Fair:

The Wallace Pruitt Recreation Center partnered with

the Greater Enrichment Program to host a Community

Resource and Health Fair on Saturday, May 19, 2012.

The community event was free thanks to the many

donations and services of partners and local area busi-

nesses. Over 200 children and parents came out to

support the event. Parents were very thankful for the

event and are looking forward to future community

events at Wallace Pruitt.

For more information on programs and events at

the Wallace Recreation Center, contact Blanche

Penn 704.432.6775

Wallace Pruitt District VIII Country Fair:

On Friday, May 18, 2012 the Wallace Pruitt Recreation

Center hosted the District VIII Country Fair. In attendance

were approximately 80 seniors. The Seniors had much fun

going from table to table purchasing items from other

groups in attendance. The food was delicious and door

prizes were given away.

For more information, contact Blanche Penn,

Recreation Specialist 704.432.6775.

Karaoke with the Korean Senior Center

Arbor Glen’s Korean Senior Center and Staff enjoyed

singing karaoke and dancing. A mixture of Michael Jack-

son, The Bee Gees, and Korean Songs were sung.

For more information on Senior Programs and others

at the Arbor Glenn Recreation Center, please call

704.432.1531.

LIVE LIFE. HAVE FUN. HELP OTHERS.

Community & Recreation Center Services

After School Programs at Tom Sykes

Tom Sykes Recreation Center just

completed all their non-traditional,

staff directed after school pro-

grams for the 2011-2012 school

year.

The programs offered included Art

Adventures, Fantastic Fridays,

Interactive Gaming, Lego Engi-

neering, and Sizzling Sports After-

noons. For this school year, this

program reached over 1,600 par-

ticipants!

If you would like more information

about any of these programs,

please contact Joel.Kent or

704.432.4806.

Race Week at Mallard Creek Recreation Center:

Preschoolers participated in a race car craft class. Some

of the children sported racing attire and as class began

they talked about their favorite race car drivers. Following

the race car theme, the children made sun catchers, a

key chain and created their own motor sports logo sign.

While it was exciting to create race cars they shared what

their number would be if they were a real race car driver.

For more exciting programs like Race Week, please

visit the Mallard Creek Recreation Center website at

www.parkandrec.com and then click on “Rec Cen-

ters”.

Traditional Summer Camp Parent Orientations:

This week, staff at Hickory Grove, Berewick and Mallard

Creek Recreation Centers will be hosting the World Ad-

ventures Summer Day Camp Parent Orientations. These

events provide parents and campers the opportunity to

meet with staff and tour the facility as well as obtain a

parent manual while completing necessary paper-

work. Enrollment began February 1 and all three camps

are full, however, registration is still available at Wallace

Pruitt and Methodist Home Recreation Centers. Staff is

eager to begin camp!

For additional information on Summer Camps, visit

www.parkandrec.com call 311 or visit you closest

Beneficial Programming. Developing Character. Enriching Lives.

Park & Recreation Volunteerism

On Wednesday, May 23, nearly 250 High School stu-

dents, CMS teachers and Job Coaches enjoyed a Volun-

teer Appreciation Pizza Jam at Camp Greene from 10:30

until 1:30. Throughout the school year, these CMS volun-

teers worked on maintenance projects that various park

department crews set up for them and their efforts helped

enhance the appearance of our parks. The Volunteer Coor-

dinator and team thanked everyone with an end of the year

bash that included a 3 on 3 basketball tournament, a dance

contest and an Art Show. Thanks again to the following

High Schools for supporting Park and Recreation volunteer

needs throughout the year: Hopewell, Morgan , Providence,

Hough, West Charlotte, Grainger, Vance, Harding, Ardrey

Kell, Hopewell, Rocky River and Independence High

Schools.

This past month the volunteer coordination team has also

hosted volunteer groups from the following Community Part-

ners; IKEA, Duke Energy, Wells Fargo, Camden Proper-

ties, Selective Insurance, US Bank and the Charlotte

Association of Health Underwriters. We rely on and

truly appreciate the support of all or our volunteers.

Community & Recreation Center Services

Recreational News from Mecklenburg Communities

Reading Rocks! So Does Naomi Drenan Recreation Center’s “Sky Hy Steppers!”:

The Sky Hy Steppers performed at Cotswold Elementary

School on May 18th for the school’s kick off program that

encourages youth to read during the summer. Over 100

students ages 7-12 gathered in the gymnasium to enjoy a

stunning performance of stepping and drumbeats.

Four students that attend Cotswold Elementary and are members of the Sky Hy Step Team were able to strut their skills

as their peers and teaches cheered them on. For more information about programs at Naomi Drenan Recreation

Center please us at NaomiDrenanRecreationCenter@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 704.432.5231.

(Left) Members of the Sky Hy Steppers of Naomi

Drenan Recreation Center pose for a picture.

2nd Annual Anti-Bullying Soul Stepping Competition:

On May 26th, Naomi Drenan Recreation Center’s Sky Hy

Steppers Drill Team participated in an Anti-Bullying Step

Competition at the Johnston YMCA. This event was

hosted by “Diamonds-N-Da’ Ruff” Step Team, and

provided a platform for area step teams to showcase their

talents and creativity, also raising awareness of the anti-

bullying initiatives in our communities. The teams were

judged on precision, synchronization, creativity, appearance, transition and a theme based performance on bullying. With

a presentation that was out of this world, the Sky Hy Steppers represented themselves and the department very well.

Marion Diehl 4-H Home School Club:

On May 25th at Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 10 club members delved into the creative art world of Paper Mache.

Before starting the project, a history lesson was given on the origin of Paper Mache and the vast ways to convey and

interpret different meanings of the art form. Participants constructed various molds to use as a foundation for their crea-

tions followed by the application of newspaper strips to said mold with a flour & water paste to complete the 1st stage. The

project has a few more steps before completion in which the youth will then be able to showcase their “creative master-

p ieces” . For more information on this and other programs offered, contact

Ivan.Cohen@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704.432.4335.

South Corridor —

Senior Games Silver Arts Performance: On Thursday, May 3rd, over 20

groups competed at the Levine

Senior Center for the Senior

Games Silver Arts Perform-

ance.

Participants, ages 55 and

better performed dance

routines, sang their musical

favorites, cheered, performed

drama skits and various line

dances.

Gold Winners included

the McCrory YMCA Praise

Dancers & African Drum-

mers, Brookdale Dazzlers

and Lil Dis-N-Dat.

Over 150 people enjoyed a

Broadway style performance,

including a family visiting from

St. Louis, Missouri and New

Hampshire to see their grand-

mother do high kicks and

cheers to reach for the Gold.

For more information about

Senior Games visit

www.cmseniorgames.org.

Upcoming Events

ALL-STAFF Meeting

June 6, 2012—Sugaw Creek Recreation Center

PRC Meeting

June 12, 2012—Mallard Creek Recreation Center

Submissions for the Newsletter

Please submit all news for the

Friday Letter to your Division

Director for review and routing.

Park Partners may contact

Kesha Meads at

Kesha.Meads@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

for publication assistance.

The Friday Letter Issue 44 June 1, 2012

Thank You Park and Recreation— From Tyvola Senior Center

Park and Recreation employee Tony

Blackmon stands near a recently installed

bench to provide rest for Senior Citizens

as they near the Tyvola Senior Center.

Mecklenburg County

Park and Recreation

Senior Leadership Team

Jim Garges, Director

Michael Kirschman, Deputy Director

James Alsop, Enterprise Services

Renea Barber, Human Resources

Mario Chang, Budget Administration

Lee Jones, Capital Planning

Lola Massad, Community Services and

Recreation Centers

Jeff Robinson, Park Operations

5841 Brookshire Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28216 (704) 336-8840

Volunteer Services

Once again, thank you to the Starbucks

management team who volunteered to help

at Reedy Creek Nature Preserve.