Parks & Gardens September ENews

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

Take a Child Outside Week is September 24-30th
Take a Child Outside is an international movement celebrated annually that began right here in North Carolina at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences.  The program is designed to encourage children and adults to spend time together outdoors.  There are many benefits to getting outdoors including connecting children to nature, helping kids focus in school and reducing the risk of obesity.  Our county parks provide the perfect opportunity to get outdoors with your family.  Below are a few of the fun free activities you can do in our parks.  Visit the Programs page on our website for information on these programs and MORE!

Geocache Challenge:  A real-world outdoor treasure hunting game that uses a handheld GPS- enabled device to find geocaches (containers) hidden in different locations.  Click here to download the GeoChallenge passport and instructions.

Kids in Parks TRACK Trail (pictured above):  An outdoor adventure at Smith Creek Park using informational brochures to learn about nature while walking around the park. 

Parks Stars:  Become a "Parks Star" by completing a fun-filled activity book while learning about our county's parks.  Click the following links to download the workbooks:  Twinkle Stars (ages 0-5) or Junior Stars (ages 6-12)

Storywalk:  Interactive story book pages located along the walking trails at Hugh MacRae and Smith Creek Parks that encourage family literacy and physical activity.  

Guided History Walking Tours of Airlie Gardens Are you interested in the history of Airlie Gardens?  Every Thursday in September one of our garden guides will lead a walking tour throughout the gardens discussing Airlie's history, horticulture and ecology.  Tours begin at 10am, last about 2 hours and are included in garden admission.  Be sure to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.   More Information

Wellness Walk at Hugh MacRae Park Join us Sept 10th at 9am for our free monthly guided walking program.  We are excited to have Dr. Ada from Elite Chiropractic as our guest speaker!  Wellness Walks take place the 2nd Saturday of every month and begin with a brief talk by a guest speaker from the health & wellness community.  After the talk, participants take a walk around the park's walking trail. Great for walkers of all ages and fitness levels. No registration is required- just meet at picnic shelter #4. More Information

Fall Yoga Series at Airlie Gardens Our 6-week Fall Yoga Series in the garden with Longwave Yoga is back!  These drop-in classes will take place 8-9am on Tuesdays from September 6th to October 11th.  The cost is just $10/class for Airlie Members and $15/class for all others. No pre-registration is required- just check in and pay at the front desk upon arrival.  Participants must be at least 16 years of age and bring your own mat or towel.   More Information

6th Annual Park(ing) Day Join us on Friday, Sept 16th in downtown Wilmington from 11am-5pm for the 6th Annual Park(ing) Day.  Park(ing) Day is a worldwide event where metered parking spaces are transformed into temporary public parks in order to highlight the importance of public parks and open space.  New Hanover County's Library, Cape Fear Museum, Arboretum, Planning and Health Departments will also be there.  More Information

September Events

Every Tuesday (through Oct 11):
Fall Yoga Series at Airlie Gardens:  8-9am (fee)

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
Guided History Tour of Airlie Gardens:  10am-12pm (free for Members & with garden admission)

9/2          Summer Concert Series at Airlie Gardens:  6-8pm (free for Members/fee for all others)

9/4          NHC Residents FREE Day at Airlie Gardens:  9am-5pm

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

9/14        Bird Hike at Airlie Gardens:  8-9:30am (free for members & with garden admission)

9/16        Park(ing) Day in Downtown Wilmington:  11am-5pm (free)

9/16        Summer Concert Series at Airlie Gardens:  6-8pm (free for Members/fee for all others)