Parks & Gardens June ENews

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

Northern Regional Park

The dedication of Northern Regional Park (formerly Castle Hayne Park) took place on May 21st. Phase one of the park expansion added a new, more visible park entrance on Castle Hayne Road, two new lighted multi-purpose fields, lights to the existing multi-purpose fields and a new half basketball court. For highlights from the dedication ceremony and more information about the park, check out this Top of the Hour video, produced by NHCTV. 

Ribbit the Exhibit & Family Fun Night Hop on over to Airlie Gardens for Ribbit the Exhibit- featuring more than 20 larger than life frog sculptures by local artist Andy Cobb.  The exhibit is included with garden admission and there is a scavenger hunt for the kids!   Also, save the date for Family Fun Night!  This year's celebration of friends, family and fanciful frog sculptures will take place on Saturday, July 30th from 5-8pm.  Tickets are just $5/person in advance (ages 3+ need a ticket).  More Info...

Pollinator Party at Airlie Gardens Fly over to Airlie Gardens for a Pollinator Party on Saturday, June 4th from 10am-2pm!  Activities will include:  -Family-friendly booths with the Cape Fear Museum, NHC Library, NHC Beekeepers Association and Bee City USA -Native plants & food for sale -A butterfly life cycle talk at 11am in the Butterfly House Activities are FREE with garden admission.  More Info...

Summer Kayak & SUP Demo Day Join Hook, Line and Paddle Canoe and Kayak Outfitters at Smith Creek Park on Saturday, June 11th from 11am-3pm for the Summer Kayak and Paddleboard Demo Day!  The event is FREE and participants will be able to test out various styles of kayaks and standup paddleboards.  Smith Creek Park is located at 633 Shenandoah Street.  More Info...

Butterfly Releases at Airlie Gardens Airlie's educators will give a short talk on the butterfly's life cycle and release approximately 10-15 newly-emerged butterflies into the Butterfly House each Tuesday at 2pm this summer from June 14th through August 16th.  These events are FREE for members and with garden admission with all others.  More Info...

Construction Updates Hugh MacRae Park The 5-12 year old playground has been removed.  The toddler playground removal and splashpad installation will begin once the new accessible playground is complete. Expected completion of the project is summer 2016.

Ogden Park Skatepark:  Grindline Skateparks began work on the new skatepark on May 31st and the construction of both phases of the project is expected to take 6 months to complete.  Walking Trail:  Construction on the one mile trail will start in June and will take about a month to complete.  The trail will connect to the existing trail by the pond and extend around the athletic fields by Eaton Elementary School. Like us on facebook or visit our website for updates on these projects and more!

June Events

Every Wednesday:
Farmers' Market at Ogden Park:  8am-1pm
Volunteer Opportunity-  Park Beautification at Hugh MacRae Park  10am-12pm

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

6/3          Summer Concert Series at Airlie Gardens:  6-8pm (free for Members/fee for all others)

6/4          Pollinator Party at Airlie Gardens:  10am-2pm (free with garden admission)

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

6/7          Summer Yoga Series at Airlie Gardens:  8-9am (fee/every Tues through June 21st)

6/8          Bird Hike at Airlie Gardens:  8-9:30am (free for members & with garden admission)

6/11        Wellness Walk at Smith Creek Park:  9-10am

6/11        Summer Kayak Demo Day at Smith Creek Park:  11am-3pm

6/14        Butterfly Release at Airlie Gardens:  2pm (free with garden admission/every Tues through August 16th)

6/17        Summer Concert Series at Airlie Gardens:  6-8pm (free for Members/fee for all others)