Alumni, their children, grandchildren and hundreds of people from the community gathered to celebrate Second Ward High School’s 100th anniversary on July 15, 2023. As Charlotte’s first high school for Black students, the school opened its doors in 1923 during a time of segregation. Although most of the original school no longer stands, the spirit and impact of Second Ward High School continue to resonate within the community.
Continue ReadingYour child’s birthday party is approaching. You’re searching for kid-friendly themes, activities, foods and gifts. The list of to-dos is long. Why not let Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation help? Make the next birthday a splash by throwing a party at one of our aquatic facilities!
We offer affordable packages and convenient locations, and our online reservation process is simple and stress-free. So, follow this step-by-step guide to throw a party to remember.
Continue ReadingSmall businesses often struggle for the resources and support they need. This is especially true when starting up or when it’s time to grow. Business owners rarely have the skills needed for their special service or product AND the skills needed to run a successful business.
You probably know the Mecklenburg County Office of Economic Development helps large businesses come to our area. Fortunately for you, they also help smaller businesses at every stage of growth.
Continue ReadingEvery 68 seconds, someone in the United States is sexually assaulted.
Monique Harris knows that reality all too well. Thirteen years ago, she became a victim of sexual assault at the hands of her own husband.
Continue ReadingWritten with Elizabeth Stuart, Senior Administrative Support, Historic Landmarks Commission
Historic preservation helps tell the present the story of the past. Literally. When we preserve a landmark, we help save the story it holds. I mean, what’s cooler than being able to SEE history?
Historic preservation preserves, conserves and protects buildings, objects, landscapes or other places with historical significance. Since 1973, our Historic Landmarks Commission has preserved more than 360 landmarks in the County! Here are five facts you might not know about historic preservation.
Continue ReadingWritten By Hope Marshall, Criminal Justice Program Manager
Reentry is an important part of helping people released from prison get a second chance. Our prison and jail populations have decreased in the last 10 years. That’s a good thing! It also means we need a plan to help them stay out and off the streets.
Continue ReadingEating healthy? Check!
Exercising (at a Park and Recreation greenway, recreation center or fitness center)? Check!
Getting plenty of rest? Check! (Sometimes.)
Up-to-date immunization?
If you and your family are making great strides at living your best and healthiest life, make sure your immunization records are part of your health checklist.
You might be thinking “I never get sick,” or “I just don’t have the time.” However, it’s important to remember that immunizations not only protect you, they also protect those you spend time with the most. And if you have children, North Carolina law requires that students show proof of certain required vaccines within the first 30 days of the school year.
Continue ReadingHere are some words of wisdom: DON’T TOUCH A RACCOON, FOX, BAT OR ANY OTHER WILD ANIMAL. I don’t care if the bat reminds you of a superhero or if the baby raccoon batted its eyes at you.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s talk rabies. Why? Because somewhere out there, there’s someone who thinks it’s safe to play with these fake friends.
Continue ReadingThere’s nothing like Sunday dinner with a table full of veggies fresh from the garden.
Growing up in western North Carolina, I recall frequent visits to my grandparents’ farm in the mountains. In addition to grazing cattle, haylofts for us to play in and endless acres to romp through, across the road and down by the creek was the garden.
Tended by my grandmother, every summer it yielded baskets of tomatoes, squash, corn, beans, onions, beets, potatoes, and much more. All wound up on the summertime table or in canning jars to last through the winter.
Continue ReadingIf you’ve visited one of Mecklenburg County’s full-service recycling centers, you know we take electronics, household hazardous waste, yard waste and more. Now add foam, books and shredded paper to your in-person recycling drop-off list!
Continue Reading