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.

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Family Fun Night at Airlie Gardens

Join us on Saturday, July 15th from 5-8pm for a celebration of Families, Friends and Everybody's Favorite Goose Dog - Reilly!  Family Fun Night is a special after hours event where you can enjoy:

-Games, Crafts & Face Painting
-Nature Activities
-Live Musical Entertainment by Mr. Mark
-Meet & Greet with Reilly, our working Goose Dog
-Inflatable Slide
-Port City Gymnastics Flip N' Fun Bus
-NC Aquarium's "Sea Turtle 911"
-Food, Ice Cream & Drinks for sale from P.T.'s Grille & Granny Niece's Ice Cream Truck
-Much MORE!

Tickets for this event are just $5/person in advance and $9/person on event day.  Children ages 3+ must purchase a ticket.  Tickets may be purchased online at www.airliegardens.org or on-site in the Gift Shop.  

All proceeds from this event will benefit the care of Reilly, the Goose Dog of Airlie.  Reilly was adopted from Carolina Border Collie Rescue in September of 2012 and "hired" by Airlie to help manage a growing Canada Geese problem.  Since Reilly's arrival, he has worked hard to keep the geese out of the gardens and his hard work is paying off.  Learn more about Reilly here.

Smith Creek Park Preserve Take a walk on our newest trail at the Smith Creek Park Preserve!  The Park Preserve is located adjacent to Smith Creek Park at 633 Shenandoah Drive in Wilmington.  The one-mile nature trail can be accessed from the existing trail around the lake and will be open from 8am-sunset each day.  The preserve is a natural habitat for many plants and animals.  While in the preserve, it is important to remain on the designated trails, stay aware of your surroundings and do not disturb any plants or animals.  More Information

"Imagine" Summer Art Exhibit Plan a visit to Airlie Gardens from July through September to experience Imagine, a vibrant and whimsical display of sculptures created by Virginia artist, Matthew J. Leavell.  These large scale installments consisting of colorful florals and a variety of artistic creations will spark your curiosity and leave you feeling inspired.  The exhibit is included with garden admission and free for Airlie Members.  Kids can participate in a scavenger hunt to win a prize.  Airlie Gardens is open Monday-Sunday 9am-5pm.   More Information

National Park & Recreation Month Since 1985, Americans have celebrated Park & Recreation Month in July to promote the importance of parks and recreation in health and wellness, conservation and social equity, and to recognize the thousands of park and recreation employees that maintain our nation's local and community parks.  This July we're celebrating the power of play.  Play is a vital part of our mental well being, physical health and person interactions and parks are places where all people can play and have fun!

Make a Healthy Splash! Do your summer plans include cooling off in the splashpad at Hugh MacRae Park?  The splashpad is the perfect way to beat the summer heat, but we need your help to keep it clean and healthy.  Here are a few things to remember: -Don't drink the water.  It is recirculated and could contain germs. -Don't use the splashpad if you are sick, have open sores or diarrhea. -Swim diapers are required for children under 4 years of age. -Don't change diapers within 6 feet of the splashpad area. -Take bathroom breaks every 60 minutes.   For more information: CDC's "Make a Healthy Splash" NHC Parks & Gardens Splashpad Rules

Paint the Airlie Oak Join us for a special evening on the Oak Lawn at Airlie Gardens Thursday, July 13th from 4-7pm!  Guests will enjoy a guided tour of the gardens from 4-5pm and then paint the beautiful Airlie Oak tree with guidance from a Wine & Design instructor.  Painting will start at 5pm.  The cost for this program is $45/person and includes all painting supplies.  Guests must pre-register and pay online at wineanddesign.com.

What's New in Parks & Gardens? Hugh MacRae Park:  The basketball court has lights!  Now you and your friends can shoot hoops until 10pm every night.   Ogden Park:  The tennis courts are currently closed while we are resurfacing and making repairs.  The crew is making progress and we plan to re-open them early this month.   Follow us on facebook for the latest updates & information!

July Events

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

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

7/2         NHC Residents FREE Day at Airlie Gardens:  9am-5pm (last admission is 4:30pm)

7/7         Airlie Gardens Concert Series- The Wilmington Big Band:  6-8pm (free for Airlie Members)

7/11        Butterfly Release at Airlie Gardens:  2-2:30pm (free with garden admission)

7/12        Bird Hike at Airlie Gardens:  8-9:30am (free with garden admission)

7/13        Wine & Design at Airlie Gardens:  4-7pm ($45/person; must register in advance)

7/15        Family Fun Night at Airlie Gardens:  5-8pm ($5 in advance; $9 on event day)

7/18        Butterfly Release at Airlie Gardens:  2-2:30pm (free with garden admission)

7/20        Educator in the Garden at Airlie Gardens:  2-4pm (free with garden admission)

7/21        Airlie Gardens Concert Series- L Shape Lot:  6-8pm (free for Airlie Members)

7/25        Butterfly Release at Airlie Gardens:  2-2:30pm (free with garden admission)