Parks & Gardens March ENews

Parks & Gardens strives to maintain and operate parks and facilities that enrich the lives of the community and promote an overall healthier lifestyle.

Parks & Gardens Master Plan Update
New Hanover County is updating its Parks and Gardens Master Plan with help from nationally-known parks and recreation consulting firm Greenplay, LLC.  This project will guide the County in current and future parks and recreation provision to determine how the systems effectively serve the community.  There are currently three ways you can get involved and help us plan for the future:

1.  Take our online survey.  The results of this survey will provide critical information in determining community values, satisfaction levels, needs and priorities, and demographics for the County’s long-term planning efforts.  Questions will be asked about what types of programs, facilities, and services residents want in their parks system and where priorities should be placed.

2.  Give feedback through our online mySidewalk forum.  MySidewalk consists of polls and open-ended questions that give you the opportunity to interact with us and give more detailed information on your needs, wants and concerns.  

3.  Attend the Public Meeting on March 16th.  Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this visioning meeting to be held in the Oleander Room at the Executive Development Center from 6-8pm. The EDC is located at 1241 Military Cutoff Road, adjacent to the Northeast Library.  

The success of this project lies in the input we can obtain from the public.  We hope you will consider taking part in one, two or all three opportunities.  If you have questions regarding the Master Plan Update, please contact Tara Duckworth, Parks & Gardens Director, at 910-798-7620 or tduckworth@nhcgov.com.

Ogden Skatepark We are just $34,000 away from beginning construction of the New Ogden Skatepark!  There are two opportunities for you to help us meet the goal: 1.  Highway 55 on Gordon Road is holding a fundraiser on March 3rd.  They will donate 10% of sales from 4-7pm to the Skatepark. 2.  Check out the cool items in our online silent auction.  The auction ends March 4th at noon. For more information on how you can support the skatepark, contact Janine Powell at jpowell@nhcgov.com.

Wonders of Birds (rescheduled from Feb 7th) Come discover the Wonders of Birds with Cape Fear Audubon Society at Airlie Gardens on March 6th from 1 to 4pm. Activities include a bird walk and special guest appearance from a live bird. All Wonders of Birds activities are free with garden admission.  For more information contact Jennifer O'Keefe at (910) 798-7564 or jeokeefe@nhcgov.com.

Coming Soon to Hugh MacRae Park... Are you looking for a new place to shoot some hoops?  Then you're in luck...  We are adding a new basketball court at Hugh MacRae Park!   We are also getting ready to modify the existing playground and add new accessible play areas in order to make it more inclusive thanks to a Play Together Grant awarded by our friends at Trillium Health Resources! Like us on facebook for updates on these projects and more...

March Events

Every Wednesday:
Volunteer Opportunity-  Park Beautification at Hugh MacRae Park  10am-12pm

Every Thursday:
Volunteer Opportunity- Grounds/Gardening at Airlie Gardens  9am-12pm

3/3          Skatepark Fundraiser: 4-7pm at Highway 55 Restaurant on Gordon Road

3/6          NHC Residents FREE Day at Airlie Gardens:  9am-5pm 

3/6          Wonders of Birds at Airlie Gardens:  1-4pm  (free for members & with garden admission)

3/9          Bird Hike at Airlie Gardens:  8-9:30am (free for members & with garden admission)

3/9-10     Discovering Airlie:  The Volunteer Experience at Airlie Gardens: (must be pre-registered)

3/12        Wellness Walk at Hugh MacRae Park:  9-10am

3/16        Master Plan Public Meeting:  6pm at the Executive Development Center

*Airlie Gardens is currently operating on its Winter Schedule through March 14th:  Open Tues-Sun 9am-5pm (Closed Mondays)  Check the online calendar for the winter tram schedule or call 798-7700. Regular hours will resume March 21st:  Open 7 days a week from 9am-5pm.