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8 RECRE8-NC •
Summer 2016
The Partners for Parks Board of Directors oversees community-
centric projects from memorial park benches and newly planted trees
to new structures that grace the trails and greenways of Mecklenburg
County. Each year, they work with the Mecklenburg County Park and
Recreation staff to host exciting recreational programs and events to
bring citizens together to support community causes. One example
is the annual Hats Off To Parks. Held each Spring, this year marks
the fifth year for this celebration of parks. Music, food and a silent
auction bring together park supporters to raise funds for park projects
that otherwise may not be funded. “Partners for Parks has continued
to be great advocates and funding partners in many of our programs
and capital projects”, stated Jim Garges, director, Mecklenburg County
Park & Recreation.
The people behind Partners for Parks have a love for parks and
recreation. For them, each park and project is a legacy they leave behind
for future generations. Each effort is an investment in the natural beauty
of their region. Partners for Parks is the pathway to a healthier and more
livable and natural future that encourages all to experience the joy of
parks, nature and recreation.
This summer, Partners for Parks is will host the 2016 U.S.
Paralympic Team Trials – Swimming and Track & Field in Charlotte,
as well as the 2016 U.S. Paralympics Cycling Time Trial and with
the assistance of several other community organizations will serve as
the local organizing committee. When asked about the importance of
hosting these games, President Doug Youngbloood responded, “This
is the opportunity of a lifetime to showcase Paralympic sports and the
amazing athletes that will be participating, reaching for the opportunity
to go for even greater things. As the first time in the United States that
three Paralympic sports Trials are being held in one place and at the
same time with the availability for public viewing was just too great
to let pass without trying to bring this to North Carolina. It will bring
more awareness and hopefully support to the Paralympic program and
therapeutic recreation in general, nationally and in Charlotte and the
Carolinas. Partners for Parks, an all-volunteer non-profit organization,
is proud to be able to host this major national event and we will be
using only volunteers to stage the local effort without the expense of
any paid personnel.”
Originally created to work with Mecklenburg County Park &
Recreation, Partners for Parks has expanded their focus to assist other
towns in Mecklenburg County along with those in the surrounding
area and now the state. Partners for Parks assists community groups
interested in funding parks and recreation programs and park capital
improvements. Their model of being the nonprofit partner for a local
agency or interested citizens group assists in the receiving of donations,
contributions and grants that can be held for specific projects. Awards
have been made to numerous agencies outside of Mecklenburg County,
including, but not limited to: Hickory, Statesville, Troutman, Indian
Trail, and Rock Hill, SC.
While some park and recreation agencies in NC have a friends
group, there are many without one and they don’t have the resources