Parks & Gardens February ENews

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

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Parks & Gardens 10-Year Master Plan

New Hanover County’s Parks & Gardens 10-Year Master Plan Update was presented to the Board of County Commissioners and adopted on January 23, 2017.  This plan will guide the efforts of Parks & Gardens over the next ten years.  Parks staff worked closely with nationally-known parks and recreation management consulting firm Greenplay, LLC to complete the Master Plan.  The process included gathering input from the community through focus groups, public meetings and a statistically-valid survey, as well as, conducting a facility inventory. level of service analysis and needs assessment.  Greenplay used this information to provide recommendations with goals, objectives and an action plan.  Click here to access the entire Master Plan document.

Birding Events at Airlie Gardens Bird Hike:  Wed, Feb 8th 8-9:30am Join Airlie's educators on the 2nd Wed of every month for a Bird Hike from 8-9:30am.  Airlie offers some of the best birding in New Hanover County with nearly 200 species recorded.   Educator in the Garden:  Thurs, Feb 16th 2-4pm Using binoculars and a scope, educators will teach participants how to spot & identify native birds on the water.  Kids will also have the chance to play bird bingo.   Both birding events are FREE for Airlie Members & with garden admission for all others.  More Info

Discovering Airlie...  the Volunteer Experience Current and future Airlie Gardens volunteers are invited to join us for a 2-day experience in which you will "blossom" with the knowledge of Airlie's history, horticulture & ecology.  Dates are Mar 8th & 9th 9am-2:30pm.  Participants must register in advance and must be at least 16 years of age.  To register or for more info, email Flo Berry or call (910) 798-7566.

Vote for Hugh MacRae Park Hugh MacRae Park has been nominated as an American Planning Association- NC Chapter "Great Public Space!"  Great Public Spaces are gathering spots within the public realm that help promote social interaction and a sense of community.  Voting is open now until 5pm Feb 24th.  You must have a facebook account to vote and you can vote once every 24 hours.   Click here to vote!

February Events

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

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

2/5         NHC Residents FREE Day at Airlie Gardens:  9am-5pm (last admission is 4:30pm)

2/8         Bird Hike at Airlie Gardens:  8-9:30am (free with garden admission)

2/16       Educator in the Garden at Airlie Gardens:  2-4pm (free with garden admission)

2/18        Run n Roll for Ray at Ogden Park:  9am (registration required- click here to register)

*Airlie Gardens is currently operating on its Winter Schedule through March 13th:  Open Tuesday-Sunday 9am-5pm (Closed Mondays).  Check the online calendar for the Winter Tram Schedule or call (910) 798-7700.