Mecklenburg County Blog

Category: Recreation

Health and Safety Recreation Resources

Play and Stay Water Safe in Four Easy Steps

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As the weather is warming up and I’m planning my pool day, all I can think about is floats, sunscreen, waterproof speaker, snacks, extra sunscreen…safety? Wait, did I latch that pool gate before I left this morning? I wonder if I ingested too much chlorine this weekend. Yikes, I thought I saw something green in the water as I was walking by this morning? Was it a leaf or bacteria?

If you are a worried bod like me, well here are some safety tips for preventing illnesses and injuries when you swim, play and relax in the water — this summer and all year-round.

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Recreation

Island Living for Rent Right in Your Backyard

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Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale,

a tale of a fateful trip.

“Gilligan’s Island” Theme Song

Maybe you can’t afford a trip to a tropical island but there’s an island right here in Mecklenburg County THAT YOU CAN RENT. Color me surprised, too! And you won’t get lost there if you go on a three-hour tour. (That’s a “Gilligan’s Island” reference.) Here’s what you need to know about Copperhead Island before your next event.

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Recreation

Eastway Regional is the Best Way to Have Fun and Recreate

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Written with Daniel Leatherman, Eastway Regional Recreation Manager 

Eastway Regional Recreation Center is open! The indoor facility is one of the newest in Mecklenburg County. It’s already a big hit and we’ll show you why. 

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Animals and Wildlife Around Town Recreation

Latta Nature Preserve: What’s There to Do? (A Lotta!)

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Get it? Latta, a lotta? 

The real story is not about my bad pun but how many fun activities there are available at Latta Nature Preserve in Huntersville. It’s actually one of my favorite nature preserves in the County. Warning: Siri or Google Maps may try to trick you. When you get there, you want to go through the big gate, not the private drive.  

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Around Town Arts & Culture Environment Give Back Recreation Resources

Staycation Activated

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Written with contributions from the Public Information Department 

staycation  

n. a vacation spent in one’s home country rather than abroad, or one spent at home and involving day trips to local attractions. 

I know what you’re thinking. “I’ve avoided travel for a year and I’m ready to GO!” Me too, reader. Me too. BUT if we’re going to be here, let’s make the most of it. I’ll give you a money back guarantee right here, right now if you’ve done everything on this list.* 

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Careers Recreation

Parks By Design: Profile of Director W. Lee Jones

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Written by Amy Rogers

Growing up in urban Richmond, Va., Lee Jones couldn’t have imagined the path that would lead him to a career in architecture and ultimately, the directorship of the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department.  

As a boy, he noticed the concrete buildings around him were cold in winter and hot in summer. In middle school, he was selected to take part in “A Better Chance,” a government program that sought out promising minority students and funded their education at the country’s most exclusive college preparatory schools. Jones chose Groton School in Massachusetts. 

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Recreation Resources

The Future of Park and Rec is Now

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Want to time travel with us? We’re looking into the future at what Mecklenburg County Park & Rec can and should look like 10-15 years from now! In our office it’s called the comprehensive master plan, but you’ll see us calling it “Meck Playbook” in the community because it’s essentially our playbook for the next several years. The best part? YOU get to be a part of it. 

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Careers Recreation Resources

Play is More Than Fun… It’s THERAPEUTIC!

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This blog was updated on March 7, 2023.

Let’s face it: You can be five or 95…at any age, playing is fun. But, for some people, it’s much more. 

Did you know that Mecklenburg County’s Park & Recreation department has Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation Services? I didn’t – and I had to ask what it means. Here’s what I found out: recreational therapists use activities to help those with illnesses or disabling conditions participate fully and independently in chosen life pursuits and goals. 

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Around Town Arts & Culture Recreation

Your Fairy Tale Starts HERE!

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Have you and your family been looking for ways to celebrate the magical whimsy of fairies? Then come out to the Fairy House Festival at Latta Nature Preserve.  You’ll be enchanted by what you see!

There’s a lot to choose from so, when you get to the event, where do you start? Here are our top five “must-do” attractions to get you going when your flock of fairies lands.

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