15 / 24
Summer 2016
• RECRE8-NC 15
HOT TOPICS
Cary Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources recently opened its very first artificial
turf multipurpose fields at Thomas Brooks Park. These two artificial turf fields,
recently completed are the first of five the Town is installing at three separate parks.
The artificial fields replace existing natural surface fields at all locations. The fields
were funded by a combination of bond funding and funding from several long term
agreements with area soccer clubs. The Town of Cary and its citizens look forward to
the benefits that artificial turf fields can provide for heavy year round use.
Keith Jenkins, Sports Venue Coordinator
Cary Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources
Exciting Things are
Happening in
Jacksonville!
WITHOUT LEAVING MECKLENBURG COUNTY
Enjoy a Day at the Beach
Amanda Griffith, Recreation Operations Coordinator
Jacksonville Recreation & Parks
Patsy E. Houston, Administrative Support Supervisor
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation
Spring 2016 has brought about a lot of new facilities
for Jacksonville Recreation and Parks. Construction
has begun on the City’s first splash pad, an
amphitheater, a new walking trail with outdoor fitness
equipment and water access at a recently purchased
marina. In partnership with the Community
Development Division, a walking trail is being
installed along the perimeter of Georgetown Park,
which will also feature several stations of outdoor
fitness equipment.
This park is situated in an area of the City with
pedestrian travel and a safer, alternate route was
needed. While addressing the safety problems, the City
realized there was an opportunity to incorporate fitness
stations and provide an alternative to the typical gym
experience. A total of nine pieces of outdoor fitness
equipment will be placed in various stations along the
trail and will offer workouts for different areas of the
body such as arms, legs and abs. The City’s first splash
pad is currently under construction, with plans to hold
an opening day in late May. The splash pad will be
located at the Jack Amyette Recreation Center and has
a play area of over 2,000 square feet while offering 25
spray features.
Along with a splash pad to enjoy this summer, the
community will also be able to enjoy water access
along the New River. Due to the recent purchase of a
marina in the downtown area, the Department will be
offering kayak and stand up paddle board rentals.
If you live in Mecklenburg County, a trip to the beach generally requires a long car
ride. Not anymore.
Thanks to a special partnership between Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation
and Duke Energy, the Ramsey Creek Park Beach on Lake Norman is now officially
open. Individuals and families planning a trip to the beach will be able to visit daily
between 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Lifeguards will be on duty during beach hours. In
addition to the beach, Ramsey Creek Park also includes a dog park and boat.
Artificial
Turf Fields