Tag: Park and Recreation

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June 13, 2019 7:24 pm

There’s no denying it – we talk about our Park and Rec department a lot. And in doing so, we use terms like “parks” and “nature preserves” pretty often. What we’ve found, though, is that over time people have started to use these terms interchangeably. But they are NOT the same thing! They may (sort of) be similar in the way they look, but the truth is that parks and nature preserves have their own identities and serve their own purposes. Let’s compare.

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Environment Health and Human Services Recreation Resources

Best Kept Secrets in Mecklenburg County

Leo Caplanides

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March 29, 2019 5:32 pm

Whether you realize it or not, there are many things you probably know about Mecklenburg County government. For starters, you are probably aware that the County is governed by the nine-member Board of County Commissioners. You may also know that Mecklenburg’s day-to-day operations are managed by County Manager Dena R. Diorio. Chances are you are also familiar with a few County services such as Public Health, Department of Social Services or Park and Recreation.

That doesn’t come close to being everything about us, though. There’s so much more that we do and within all of our departments there are so many programs and initiatives that it can be hard to list them all out. But, we do have a few “best kept secrets” that we think you should know!

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Recreation

Better to Burst Your Bubble Than Our Pipes

Nicole Nolen

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February 7, 2019 5:23 pm

The 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.

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Around Town Recreation

Putting the Cold on Hold: 8 Things to Do Indoors on a Winter Day

Leo Caplanides

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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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Animals and Wildlife Environment

We Didn’t Start the Fire… or Did We?

Nicole Nolen

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January 11, 2019 8:34 pm

“Remember… Only YOU can prevent forest fires!”

The sound of Smokey Bear’s voice declaring this memorable message of fire prevention still conjures a sense of responsibility in me. Can you hear it? Visualize his furry finger pointing right at YOU? The wildfire prevention campaign began in 1944 and is the longest-running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history (and is based on a real-life bear)!

Thanks to Smokey, we all know the devastation that fire can bring to any natural area. But, did you know that prescribed fire is an important part of maintaining diverse and healthy ecosystems? Believe it or not, they’re a tool we use right here in Mecklenburg County and I got to tag along for one at Latta Plantation Nature Preserve.

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Resources

4 New Year’s Resolutions You Can Start Working on Right Now

Christine Edwards

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January 4, 2019 4:31 pm

A fresh New Year calls for new goals and new habits. Each January, we get 365 more chances to better ourselves and many of us walk into the New Year with great intentions and a set of lofty resolutions. Let us help you get closer to achieving your goals with some simple resolutions you can keep by using the resources right here at your fingertips in Mecklenburg County.

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Give Back

Small Acts Making a Big Difference: Volunteers Wanted

Nicole Nolen

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October 10, 2018 12:01 pm

Are you civic-minded and looking for a new volunteer opportunity? There is never a bad time to give back to your community — and you don’t have to work for your local government to do it. We often hear from residents on social media who want to lend a helping hand but don’t know where to start. Everyone is passionate about something! If you’re interested in supporting and supplementing the work that our staff is doing to make Mecklenburg County a great place to live, check out some of the opportunities we have for volunteers.

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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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