Parks & Gardens October ENews

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

Improving Community Health at Ogden Park
If you've been to Ogden Park lately, you've probably noticed a few changes.  The paved one mile walking trail around the pond and athletic fields is now complete and we've added a new exercise station to go along with it.  Walking trails are one of our most requested parks amenities and we're happy to give the community another opportunity to get healthier!  Walking is one of the simplest ways to get and stay active and is a great way to improve cholesterol, lower blood pressure, maintain your body weight and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.  The new exercise station provides opportunities for strength and resistance training.  The American Heart Association recommends strength training at least twice per week in order to build muscle, strengthen bones and lower your risk of injury.  Schedule some exercise time at Ogden Park into your weekly routine- it's like a gym without the membership fees!

We're Gaga for Gaga Ball! Have you tried Gaga Ball yet?  It's a fun game, similar to dodgeball, played inside an octagonal pit and now you can play at Arrowhead Park!  In this fast-paced, high energy game, players try to hit opponents with a ball below the knee while trying to avoid getting hit themselves.  All you need in order to play is two or more people and a ball.  Click here for "How to Play Gaga Ball."

Pokemon Go in the Gardens  Back by popular demand!  Airlie Gardens is hosting another Pokemon Go event on Sunday, October 9th from 4-6pm.  This event is for all ages and advance tickets are only $15/carload.  There are 14 pokestops and one gym located inside Airlie.  We will be dropping lures throughout the event and you can visit each pokestop to get 50XP.   Click here to purchase tickets

Library Story Park Grand Opening On Tuesday, October 11th at 9am, the New Hanover County Public Library will hold a grand opening ceremony for the much anticipated Story Park at 201 Chestnut Street.  The Story Park will offer a range of interactive & educational features for visitors of all ages.  Activities for children & families are scheduled from 9am-noon during the grand opening and regularly scheduled story times will take place inside the library.  More Information

Bird Bonanza at Airlie Gardens Join us on Wednesday, October 12th from 8am-12pm for a Bird Bonanza!  The event includes a bird hike at 8am, birding expo from 9am-noon and a 30-minute Fall Migrant Workshop with Jill Peleuses from Wild Bird & Garden.  Wild Goat Waffles will have breakfast and lunch items for sale.  All Bird Bonanza events are FREE for Airlie Members and included with regular garden admission for all others.  More Information

Airlie Gardens Oyster Roast Tickets are selling fast for the annual Oyster Roast at Airlie Gardens!  The event will be held on Friday, October 21st from 6-10pm and proceeds benefit Airlie's environmental education programs.  Tickets are $85/person and include BBQ dinner from Middle of the Island, steamed oysters from Elijah’s Restaurant and live entertainment by The Band of Oz.  For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.airliegardens.org.

Food Truck Rodeo The New Hanover County Parks Conservancy is presenting their 6th Food Truck Rodeo on Sunday, October 23rd from 12-5pm at Hugh MacRae Park!  We have a record number of trucks scheduled for this event, serving everything from hot dogs to gourmet treats!  Boba Funk will provide live music and proceeds from this event will go towards adding special touches to the state-of-the-art skatepark currently being constructed at Ogden Park.  More Information

October Events

Every Tuesday (through Oct 11):
Fall Yoga Series at Airlie Gardens:  8-9am ($10/class for Airlie Members & $15/class for all others)

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

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

10/2        NHC Residents FREE Day at Airlie Gardens:  9am-5pm

10/8        Wellness Walk at Hugh MacRae Park:  9-10am

10/8        Guided History Tour of Airlie Gardens:  12:30-2pm (free with garden admission)

10/9        Pokemon Go at Airlie Gardens:  4-6pm ($15/carload in advance)

10/11       Story Park Grand Opening at the Main Library:  9am-12pm

10/12       Bird Bonanza at Airlie Gardens:  8am-12pm (free with garden admission)

10/21       Oyster Roast at Airlie Gardens:  6-10pm

10/23       Food Truck Rodeo at Hugh MacRae Park:  12-5pm