Parks & Gardens August 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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2017 Solar Eclipse Party at Airlie Gardens

On Monday, August 21st, North America will be treated to an eclipse of the sun!  Those in the path of totality, from Oregon to South Carolina, will see a total eclipse, where the moon will completely cover the sun. Observers outside the path of totality will experience a partial eclipse.  If you can't make it down to South Carolina for the total eclipse, come over to Airlie Gardens from 12:30-3:30pm for our Solar Eclipse Party!  We are teaming up with the Cape Fear Museum, NHC Public Library and the National Weather Service (Wilmington Office) to bring you:

-Partial eclipse viewing (with solar eclipse glasses provided by UNCW CESTEM and Carolinas Solar Eclipse Party)
-Family-friendly games and educational activities
-KONA Ice cold treats for sale
-MORE!

The Solar Eclipse Party is included in general garden admission:  $9/adults, $5/NHC Residents & Military (with ID), $3/children (ages 4-12) and FREE for Airlie Gardens and Cape Fear Museum members - please bring your membership card to show upon arrival.  The Eclipse Party is first come, first serve and once the parking lot is full, additional vehicles will not be able to enter.  There is no pre-registration or advance ticketing for this event so come early.  More Information

No matter where you decide to view the eclipse, be sure to do so safely!  It is never safe to look directly at the sun, even if it is partially blocked. Visit the links below for important safety information:

-How to view the 2017 Solar Eclipse safely
-Build your own Solar Eclipse viewer for at-home use

New Playground at Northern Regional Park We are getting ready to begin construction on the new playground at Northern Regional Park!  The playground will combine familiar favorites from the original playground at Hugh MacRae Park with some new elements that will make the playground more accessible and more FUN for everyone!  Follow our facebook page for updates.

Ogden Skatepark Receives National Recognition The Ogden Skatepark was one of six New Hanover County programs to receive an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) in July.  The awards program recognizes innovative county government programs that result in improving the quality of life for residents.  The skatepark project was our first attempt at leveraging public and private dollars to add a much needed amenity to our parks system and it was a huge success thanks to everyone involved!  Click here to watch the skatepark video..  Visit our Parks Conservancy website to learn more about how you can help with future projects.

Airlie Gardens Summer Concert Series There are just four more concerts left in the 2017 Summer Concert Series: Aug 4th       Signal Fire (Reggae) Aug 18th     The Midatlantic Band (Folk/Americana) Sept 1st      Boba  Funk (Funk/R&B) Sept 15th    Jim Quick & Coastline (Beach Music) All concerts run from 6-8pm each evening and are open to the public.  Tickets must be purchased in advance.  Concerts are always FREE for Airlie Members.  More Information

Become a Parks Star! What is a Parks Star?  Parks Stars are those who recognize the value of New Hanover County parks to our community and take the added step of volunteering their time and efforts to improve our parks.  Through their work, Parks Stars enhance the beauty of our parks and help provide additional amenities for the public to enjoy.  Becoming a Parks Star is easy - all you need is a desire to improve your community and a willingness to roll up your sleeves and get to work!  Visit www.nhcparksconservancy.org to learn more about becoming a Parks Star.   Our next volunteer opportunity is coming up on Sat, Sept 9th from 9-11am.  The Trash Mob will be meeting at Parkwood Park to pick up trash along Harris Road.  We hope you will consider joining us!

August Events

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

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

8/1         Butterfly Release at Airlie Gardens:  2-2:30pm (free with garden admission)

8/4         Airlie Gardens Concert Series- Signal Fire:  6-8pm (free for Airlie Members)

8/6         NHC Residents FREE Day at Airlie Gardens:  9am-5pm (last admission is 4:30pm)

8/8         Butterfly Release at Airlie Gardens:  2-2:30pm (free with garden admission)

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

8/15       Butterfly Release at Airlie Gardens:  2-2:30pm (free with garden admission)

8/17       Educator in the Garden at Airlie Gardens:  2-4pm (free with garden admission)

8/18       Airlie Gardens Concert Series- The Midatlantic Band:  6-8pm (free for Airlie Members)

8/21       2017 Solar Eclipse Party at Airlie Gardens:  12:30-3:30pm (free with garden admission)