Category: Recreation

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January 18, 2019 7:09 pm

Not only is it sweater weather, it’s jacket, gloves and hat weather too. Let’s face it folks, it’s cold outside. But hey, it’s winter, it’s supposed to be that way!

However, if you’re not a fan of temperatures struggling to get above 55 (this is the south, that’s cold!), wind gusts that could possibly knock you down on your way to your car, or the constant chance of freezing rain or snow, don’t worry, I have you covered.

From sports to the arts and everything in between, Mecklenburg County offers many fun things that you can do INDOORS either solo or with friends and family. Here are eight great activities.

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Recreation

Trail and Error: Find the Best Local Hike for YOU!

Shannon Calabro

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September 20, 2018 6:27 pm

There are a lot of things to love about living in the state of North Carolina, but something we love most is the weather. Even though we get some cold months where it’s better to stay inside, most of our year can be spent outdoors! Thanks to our Park and Rec department, we have a lot of opportunities to explore nature in Mecklenburg County. There are our parks, of course, but then there are also our greenways, nature preserves, and programs like mountain biking and sailing.

But let’s focus on our trails for a minute. When was the last time you went for a hike? With over 50 miles of paved trails and several nature preserves with trails, we have something for hikers of all levels. Here are some of our favorites that we encourage you to check out.

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Recreation

Things to Know Before You Go To the Greenway

Leo Caplanides

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August 14, 2018 3:20 pm

If you are like me, you love getting plenty of exercise while spending time outside. And what better way to achieve this than with a nice bike ride, stroll or run on one of our beautiful greenways?

Here in Mecklenburg County, we have more than 50 miles of paved trails, with more being added all the time. (View Park and Recreation’s greenway map)

No matter where you live, you are sure to be near a greenway entrance, allowing you to easily get out and enjoy the great outdoors. But before you lace up your shoes and head out the door, I would like to share some tips to help everyone have an enjoyable experience on the greenway.

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Recreation

Get Hooked on Fishing in Mecklenburg County

Shannon Calabro

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August 10, 2018 4:38 pm

This is an update to a 2018 blog by Bill Carroll.

“Are there really any fish in there?”

That’s what a young passerby asked me, skeptically, as he temporarily paused during his jog around Freedom Park. I had just gotten myself comfortable in a fold-out camp chair and cast my line into the still water.

“Sure,” I responded – “Lots of them.” In a made-for-TV instant later, my line jerked down and I started reeling in what turned out to be a fine three-pound channel catfish, the largest one I’d ever caught at Freedom Park Lake.

Yes, there are fish in there!

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Recreation

Big News: Your Local Government Has a Tiny House

Nicole Nolen

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July 17, 2018 4:18 pm

What comes to mind when you think about a tiny house? Downsizing, simple living, composting toilets? That show on HGTV (how do they fit the camera crew in there anyway)? Would you believe us if we told you that Mecklenburg County government has a tiny house of our own? The tiny house phenomenon is not a new one, but it’s definitely a novel idea in local government.

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Recreation

5 of the Best Spots to Exercise in Mecklenburg County

Shannon Calabro

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July 6, 2018 1:26 pm

We’re sure we’re not the first to tell you that exercise is important. After all, it can improve your overall wellbeing. Plus it reduces your risk for many chronic diseases. But despite knowing the benefits that physical activity can bring, people often find themselves going days, weeks, or even months without getting the exercise they need. Sound like something you’ve experienced before?

One of the first steps to meeting your health and fitness goals is to know where you can go to exercise. Lucky for you, we have several fitness facilities and tons of programs that can help you on your fitness journey. Here are a few of our favorites.

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Recreation

4 Low-Cost Places to Cool Down This Summer

Shannon Calabro

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June 22, 2018 6:23 pm

We know…it’s HOT out there! While the change from cold to warm weather is typically welcomed, we could all still use a spot to cool down when temperatures get too high. Where’s your favorite place to go?

For our residents and visitors, we have several low-cost (some are even FREE!) facilities to help beat the heat. Here are some great spots for you to check out.

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Recreation

Come Sail with Us on Lake Norman!

Leo Caplanides

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April 11, 2018 1:56 pm

Year-round sailing programs offered for the entire family at Blythe Landing

Greenways? Check! Nature centers and preserves? Check! Parks? Check! Recreation and aquatic facilities? Check! Sailing? We have that too! Park and Recreation offers so many great ways for you to stay active, including an outstanding community sailing program located at Blythe Landing Park on Lake Norman, 15901 NC Highway 73 in Huntersville.

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Recreation

6 Park and Rec Summer Camps You Must Know About

Leo Caplanides

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February 1, 2018 9:00 am

Although it’s the middle of winter, Park and Rec is already planning for those hot summer months. Yes, that means summer camps! From nature center camps to rec center camps, aquatics camps and so much more, Park and Rec is offering a variety of activities for children of various ages and interests. But since we know there are a lot to choose from, we’ve compiled a list of six camps your kids are sure to love.

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Recreation

Your One-Stop-Shop for All Things Park and Rec

Leo Caplanides

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January 19, 2018 1:20 pm

Between all of our parks, greenways, nature preserves, and recreation centers alone, there are an endless amount of opportunities to get out there and recreate (and then there’s our picnic shelters, aquatic centers…the list goes on and on). But we get it – finding these opportunities can be tough when there’s so much to look for.

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