Parks & Gardens July ENews

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

July is National Park and Recreation Month!
Since 1985, America has celebrated July as Park and Recreation Month to promote the importance of parks and recreation in health and wellness, conservation and social equity!  This July we're celebrating the super powers of parks and recreation and all the ways these local, community resources add value to our daily lives.  We're challenging everyone to discover your super powers at your county parks facilities whether it's walking a mile, building a new network of friends or finding your green thumb.  Follow us on facebook, twitter and instagram to learn more about the super powers of your county parks!  

Family Fun Night featuring Ribbit the Exhibit Join us Saturday, July 30th, 5pm-8pm for a celebration of Families, Friends and Fanciful sculptures! Family Fun Night, featuring The 2016 Summer Art Exhibit: Ribbit The Exhibit, is a special after hours event where both young and young at heart will enjoy an evening filled with fun: -Garden Tours with Exhibit Artist, Andy Cobb -Games, Crafts, & Face Painting -Nature Activities with our Educators -Entertainment by Mr. Mark -Food, ice cream and drinks for sale -Airlie Gardens Bug Zoo -Meet & Greet with Reilly -Much more!!! Tickets are just $5/person in advance and $9/person the day of event (ages 3 & up need a ticket) .  Tickets may be purchased on-site at Airlie Gardens or online here.

Frogs & Toads Oh My!!!! Come to Airlie Gardens on July 12th from 7-9pm and learn to identify local frogs and toads by sight and sound.  The NC Wildlife Commission and herpetologist Keith Farmer will showcase live amphibians and teach participants more about these fascinating creatures.  This workshop is for ages 16 & up and cost is $5/person.  Pre-registration is required and you can purchase tickets here.  Contact jeokeefe@nhcgov.com for more information.

Construction Updates Hugh MacRae Park The new inclusive playground is nearing completion!  Once the playground is complete, we will start removing the toddler playground to make room for the new splashpad!  Check out these videos for a sneak peek at some cool features of the new playground:  Rock N Raft,  Sky Runner,  Merry Go All *Upon completion of the playground, we will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 20th at 10am!

Ogden Park Walking Trail:  Construction has begun on the new one mile walking trail.  Completion is expected in late August. Like us on facebook or visit our website for updates on these projects and more!

July Events

Every Tuesday:
Butterfly Release at Airlie Gardens:  2pm (free with garden admission)

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

7/1          Summer Concert Series at Airlie Gardens:  6-8pm (free for Members/fee for all others)

7/3          NHC Residents FREE Day at Airlie Gardens:  9am-5pm 

7/9          Wellness Walk at Hugh MacRae Park:  9-10am

7/12        Frogs & Toads Oh My!!!! at Airlie Gardens:  7-9pm ($5/person;pre-registration required)

7/13        Bird Hike at Airlie Gardens:  8-9:30am (free for members & with garden admission)

7/15        Summer Concert Series at Airlie Gardens:  6-8pm (free for Members/fee for all others)

7/20        Hugh MacRae Park Playground Ribbon Cutting Ceremony:  10am

7/30        Family Fun Night at Airlie Gardens:  5-8pm ($5/person in advance)