Before you go there, this has nothing to do with what you normally think of when you think of bathing. Now follow me into the forest. (That wasn’t supposed to sound ominous, but I hear it now.) With Park and Recreation managing more than 8,200 acres of nature preserves, there’s a good chance there’s a forest near you just waiting for you to explore.
Continue ReadingIt’s time to have a lot of fun this summer, whether you have a few weeks or a few months to fit it in. One of our favorites every year? Summer Break with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library! And a lot of activities around the County count toward finishing the program, including making a summer bucket list! We’ll help you get a head start.
Continue ReadingAnywhere it rains, it can flood. However, there is one place where that’s actually a good thing: greenways.
Yep, you heard me correctly. Not only do greenways connect people and places as well as provide transportation and fitness opportunities, they also help reduce the risk of flooding for neighboring properties.
Continue ReadingWant 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.
Continue ReadingPhotos by John Mackay
In spring 2019, with just about a week to go before the start of construction of the highly anticipated extension of McAlpine Creek Greenway (Sardis Road to Providence Road), Mecklenburg County staff and a contractor gathered on site for what should have been a final pre-construction walkthrough.
With all the boxes on their to-do list nearly checked off, there was nothing that could have delayed the start of construction – except for some amazing birds.
How could birds lead to the delay of greenway construction?
Well, to fully understand why, we need to go back even further, to the winter of 2018.
Continue ReadingHeaded to the park? Looking to do a little shopping? Need a new route to school or work? Forget driving, take the greenway!
Park and Recreation is helping to connect you to the places you love to visit through its 52-mile greenway system. And the best part is, it’s growing! Check out the department’s accelerated greenway development plan.
Continue ReadingWhat’s summer fun if you have to leave your dog at home? Well, you don’t. There are a number of places throughout Mecklenburg County that would love to have you both for a visit. All you have to do is leash-up and BYOB – that’s Bring Your Own (Poop) Bag, of course! Let’s countdown the best of them so you can soak up the sun and get some steps in with your furry BFF this season.
Continue ReadingThe birds are chirping, the sky is blue, and the sun is bright and warm. If you’re like me, that means any excuse to be outside. Scratch the gym, I’m going for a run! Want to meet me for dinner? As long as it has a patio, I’m in.
It’s nice to pretend that the winter weather is over, but we know that even as we inch closer to spring, there’s always a chance it can come back. The good news: it doesn’t matter the weather or the season – our parks and greenways are there to help you enjoy the outdoors year-round. But, you may notice a few features are unavailable until the temperatures rise for good.
Continue ReadingIf 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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