Recre8 North Carolina, Summer 2016

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14 RECRE8-NC • Summer 2016
HOT TOPICS
It’s served as the premier swimming destination in Mecklenburg County
for more than 20 years and has hosted national events that have drawn
world-class athletes such as Michael Phelps and Cullen Jones. Now, the
Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center has a fresh new look.
On June 1, 2016, the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation
Department reopened the Aquatic Center, located in the Second Ward
neighborhood of uptown Charlotte, after a yearlong renovation project.
The department worked with Balfour Beatty to remodel, resurface and
enhance the 50-meter competition pool and locker rooms, the fitness
center, the lobby and the parking lot.
“The Aquatic Center is one of Mecklenburg County’s greatest
recreational assets, said Park and Recreation Director Jim Garges.
“These improvements help ensure that the facility will continue to keep
its status as a state-of-the-art facility that everyone can enjoy.” To learn
more about the Aquatic Center and to view photos,
visit
The Groove and Move Everyday (G.A.M.E.) walking class members
have been grooving and moving Mooresville’s Cultural & Recreation
Services Department. This class has grown in popularity at the Selma
Burke Community Center because of the adult and senior citizen
participation. The class focuses on education and fitness with a strong
emphasis on promoting health and wellness. The class discussions
include presentations by partner agencies such as Lake Norman
Regional Medical Center, the Salvation Army and the North Carolina
State University Cooperative Extension Iredell County Center. The
discussions include information handouts on diabetes, vitamins,
relaxation techniques and community gardens just to name a few. After
topic discussions, the group which includes 16 participants walks laps
in the Selma Burke Gym. All participants are given pedometers and log
in laps completed. The Groove and Move Everyday walking class has
connected and created positive outcomes for all participants through
conversations, fun and fellowship. Participants are also encouraged to
walk at the War Memorial, another Town of Mooresville Recreation
Center that offers walking opportunities for all citizens every day.
Mooresville Cultural & Recreation Services
Gets Its G.A.M.E. On
Local talent was on full display at the Garner Showcase of Talent. Twenty performances featuring more than 100 singers, dancers, instrumentalists
and even martial artists showed off their skills to a full house of over 750 attendees. Notable acts from previous performances include Johna
Edmonds (Miss NC 2013), Arlie Honeycutt (Miss NC 2012) and 2011 American Idol winner Scotty McCreery. Participants are required to have
a Garner connection through residency, school, or be part of a group that meets in Garner. Originally called “The Gift” the Showcase of Talent was
created in 2006 to thank the people of Garner for their support of the renovations made to the auditorium. The building was originally part of the
former Garner High School and is now a hub for cultural arts in Garner. Following the show, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources staff treated
the audience to cake to help celebrate the Town’s recent recognition as a CAPRA nationally accredited agency.
Local Talent Takes the Stage at Garner Event
Kendrick Mayes, Marketing and Events Coordinator, Garner Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources
Barbara Johnson, Recreation Center Supervisor
Mooresville Cultural & Recreation Services
Mecklenburg County Park and
Recreation Makes a Big Splash
with Reopening of Aquatic Center
Patsy E. Houston, Administrative Support Supervisor
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation