Park Road Park only had a … “But we need our numbers to continue to move in the right direction, and that means we need our community to continue to do the right thing.”. The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department is home to 230 parks and facilities located on more than 21,000 acres of parkland throughout Mecklenburg County. For those who decide to drive their vehicle and park at the gate, their car will be towed, officials said. Mecklenburg County residents are still allowed to use the parks, as in here at Freedom Park, but social-distancing is expected. The appointments are for dates through April 12. This is a chance to share your input on the Mecklenburg County FY2022 budget before it’s finalized. Police officers and Parks and Rec staff are out at all parks now trying to educate people on the order. Summer programs are all closed. While we do not collect your curbside recycling (that’s a … As of July 1, 2008, pooch passes are no longer sold or required. Wali Alston, The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department says all parks are now closed to vehicles except bicycles. “I come here every day and I was surprised that the greenway gates were locked,” she told Channel 9. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. For questions related to Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation tennis facilities contact: Nicholas Fortier, (980) 216-0915, Nicholas.Fortier@mecklenburgcountync.gov Click here to view the weekly use schedule for Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation tennis courts. Everything you need to know about the day's news in Charlotte, direct to your inbox Monday-Friday. Group 5, any adult who wants a […] CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - This past week, Mecklenburg County Commission members decided to shut down vehicle access to all of the parks in the area after there were complaints that visitors were crowding together and not obeying the social … Coronavirus trends in and around Charlotte have steadily improved since January, after holiday celebrations promoted a deluge of infections, hospitalizations and deaths. Harris pleaded with residents and businesses to stay safe this weekend, saying the responsibility cannot fall solely on law enforcement agencies or the county’s COVID-19 ambassadors. This will be the last weekend for Double Oaks. “If you have an opportunity to get a vaccine, you should get a vaccine,” Sullivan said, stressing vaccinations so far have resulted in mostly minimal side effects. People who want to go to the park must walk to it and not drive. All recreation, senior and nature centers, along with indoor shelters, are also closed. Partners for Parks aims to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Mecklenburg County and the surrounding region by preserving, promoting and enhancing the parks, greenways, open spaces, active play and recreational opportunities within our community. Not surprisingly, there were fewer people out on the greenway Wednesday afternoon than there have been -- and that’s the point. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (FOX 46 CHARLOTTE) – Additional COVID-19 vaccine appointments are set to open Tuesday morning for Groups 1-5 in Mecklenburg County. Learn about the budget process, engage in interactive discussions, and hear from Mecklenburg County Manager Dena R. Diorio. Greenways are not impacted @wsoctv. This web site (not a part of Mecklenburg County) will provide you with additional information and options for your donations to the Partners for Parks Foundation. Mecklenburg County health officials are encouraging residents to be active and county parks remain open, but they’re also reminding people to observe social distancing. But when announced, Harris’ directive caused confusion and angst — including for K-12 public and private schools and universities. “Utilize full-virtual options for work, school, and any other activity where in-person activity is not required,” the directive read. County driving ranges reopened Saturday and golf courses, parks and greenways have also been open. Mecklenburg County Park and Rec will loosen restrictions on park and greenway use, including reopening parking lots, opening some boat ramps and allowing tennis again. There have been 49 deaths in the county, and 24 of them are connected to outbreaks at 12 long-term care facilities. ‘A huge deal.’ Charlotte area bars, restaurants, sports sites cheer looser COVID rules, All adults will be eligible for COVID vaccine soon. We want the openings to be something that is sustainable as we move forward,” Harris said. Mecklenburg’s directive was initially designed to span three weeks, from Jan. 12 to to Feb. 2. By Ron Lee | April 11, 2020 at 10:22 PM EDT - Updated April 12 at 10:11 AM. Every park in Mecklenburg County has a gate and sign up, just like this one at Park Road Park, informing drivers that parking lots are closed to the parks. Mecklenburg County announced Phase 2 of its reopening plans for Parks and Recreation on Tuesday. Testing demand has plummeted following Christmas, but testing is still widely available and free throughout Mecklenburg, Harris said. You may be missing out on $335 in COVID relief. Parks are open sunrise to sunset. Officials said the gates leading to county parks will be closed. “I have seen amazing things from the citizens here, from the businesses and the churches that are really stepping up and doing the things they need to do during this time,” said CMPD Deputy Chief Jeff Estes. To date, 1,528 County residents have tested positive for … CHARLOTTE, N.C. (News Release) — Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is loosening some restrictions tomorrow as part of the County’s transition to North Carolina’s Stay at Home Proclamation. Even residents vaccinated against COVID-19 must keep wearing masks and practicing social distance, among safeguards, health officials say. Community budget workshops are coming up this month! Coordinates. Please note that the County's Full-Service Centers are closed on major holidays. “I want to make it clear: if any citizen, business or anyone else is asked by an officer, told by an officer, to comply and they don’t, they’ll be cited,” Estes said. She previously interned at The Boston Globe, The Hartford Courant and Hearst Connecticut Media Group, and is a Penn State graduate. On average, Mecklenburg’s is adding about 275 new cases each day, according to a Charlotte Observer analysis of state public health data. County Health Director Gibbie Harris says there are ongoing discussions this week looking at the possibility of closing county parks … [PAST COVERAGE: Mecklenburg County rec sports courts at parks shut down after warning from officials] People who want to go to the park must walk to it and not drive. Just over 100,000 first doses have been administered in Mecklenburg as of Wednesday, according to N.C. DHHS. Gov. Park gates will be open by 7:30am. Dog Parks are open from 7:30am until sunset seven days a week. COVID cases by Charlotte ZIP codes: Lowest rates in months. Diorio said the decision was a consensus between the city, county and its six towns. When Pamela Mann, a regular park visitor, pulled up to the gate Wednesday afternoon, she didn’t expect to see the gates closed. Thank you for following these rules to help keep our community safe! To support our commitment to public service journalism: Subscribe Now. Effective April 30, parking lots for parks, greenways, and nature preserves will reopen for vehicles, instead of simply walk-in and bicycle access. They had to close off the playgrounds with caution tape, but still people are ducking under or climbing over to play on the equipment. It reinforced preventive measures that health officials have encouraged since the start of the pandemic, including avoiding crowded venues, limiting nonessential activities, getting tested for COVID-19 and complying with contact tracing efforts to quell more virus outbreaks. Parks are still open in Concord and when Eyewitness News anchor Susanna Black stopped by some of the parks, people seemed to be keeping their distance. North Carolina on Friday reported zero counties experiencing “critical spread” of the coronavirus in the red zone. The parks are still open for walkers and bicyclist. In Mecklenburg County some parks are still closed for repairs. Senior centers remain closed to the public, and in-person tax payments are still suspended at the Valerie C. Woodard Center. Mecklenburg County Dog Parks are outdoor spaces, usually enclosed by a fence, that are used as a recreation area for pet dogs in Mecklenburg County, NC. Law enforcement will patrol parks to make sure people practice social distancing. Park gates are now closed to all vehicles except bicycles. The decision, Harris said, was partially based on research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that supports in-person learning for K-12 students as long as safety measures, such as masks and social distancing, are observed. All of the Mecklenburg County Parks facilities are open to walkers from sunrise to sunset. Since Jan. 12 in and around Charlotte, parks, greenways and nature preserves have closed at dusk to prevent people from gathering and potentially spreading the virus. CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mecklenburg County leaders could take stricter action to make sure people stay at home. The park gate closure is effective immediately, officials tell me. Double Oaks Family Aquatic Center will be open on Saturday, Sep 5 and Sunday, Sep 6. Officials tell me guidance has not changed on golf courses. If some members of the public still feel the need to gather, the county warned it will shut down all parks and greenways. >> We’ll bring you LIVE updates on Channel 9 Eyewitness News. Parks with lighted facilities such as ball fields and tennis courts will remain open while reserved or in … Mecklenburg County commissioners took new steps Tuesday to reduce the amount of people gathering at local parks as the number of COVID-19 cases in the county passed 800. Mecklenburg County parks must close at dusk and reservations of athletics fields are suspended. That is a nearly 62% decrease compared to this point last month. Dr. Meg Sullivan, the county’s medical director, said she is optimistic vaccine supply could increase once Johnson & Johnson’s one-dose regimen is authorized for emergency use. Mecklenburg County Parks Now Closed To Vehicle Traffic Amid COVID-19 Restrictions. pic.twitter.com/pMjgkEThY4. Mecklenburg County health officials reported on Thursday 1,612 residents confirmed to have coronavirus. We’re in charge of local recycling facilities. Mecklenburg County services have been operating at a limited capacity since March 18, 2020, due to COVID-19. Mecklenburg County is a county located in the southwestern region of the state of North Carolina, in the United States.As of the 2010 census, the population was 919,618.It increased to 1,110,356 as of the 2019 estimate, making it the second-most populous county in North Carolina (after Wake County) and the first county in the Carolinas to surpass one million in population. If you want to play disc golf, you will have to walk to the course @wsoctv. urged Harris to be more lenient on outdoor activities. Roy Cooper’s latest mass gathering limits are 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. The new Directive expires on Feb. 2, 2021.. Parks will remain open until dusk every day. A few parks to check out include: Freedom Park, Reedy Creek Park, Winget Park, Nevin Community Park, Frazier Park, Ramsey Creek Park, James Boyce Park, Hornets Nest Park, Rama Road Park . All Aquatic facilities will be closed on Monday, Sep 7. The county has logged 95,952 cases since the start of the pandemic, the state reported Thursday afternoon. Now, the county has ramped up the restrictions in another attempt to keep people apart. In Concord, officials are taking steps to make sure they don’t have to do the same thing. View the Mecklenburg County Park … Mecklenburg County closed the park parking lots, but it slow the crowds. About 6,000 people are on the county’s vaccine waitlist, with the vast majority falling under Group 3 for educators. “As we’ve all seen, our COVID-19 numbers are continuing to rise, and Mecklenburg County government wants to … According to Mecklenburg County Public Health, first-dose vaccination appointments at Bojangles’ Coliseum will open at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday. It’s time to take it seriously.”. The virtual workshops are free and open to the public. Here’s what’s being done, COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on April 2, Triangle COVID-19 numbers improve; NC, for the first time, reports no ‘red’ counties, CDC says vaccinated Americans don’t need COVID-19 tests, quarantine to travel, CDC eviction moratorium is extended, but renters have a bigger need, advocates say. Here’s where to get a shot in Meck, Support my work with a digital subscription, Fake COVID vaccine cards are a growing — and illegal — trend. Tennis courts and other fields will have lighting during “normal hours,” the announcement says, coming weeks after some county commissioners and dozens of residents urged Harris to be more lenient on outdoor activities. Get extended coverage on the free WSOC Now app on Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools followed that guidance and extended its remote learning period to Feb. 15. The virus could also have more opportunities to spread at establishments gaining flexibility with new state regulations, including bars allowed to reopen at 30% capacity and indoor arenas at up to 15% capacity. Parks and Rec staff said they have had some violations. Coronavirus trends in and around Charlotte, Patients want primary care doctors to give vaccine but find scant supply, NC doc says, COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in North Carolina on April 3. The Irwin Creek was one hard hit area, which flows through Frazier Park and Revolution Park in West Charlotte. “We want this to work. “People like me are going crazy because we’re stuck in our homes and can’t get exercise,” said cyclist Roger Thompson. CHARLOTTE — For weeks, people have been gathering at parks, ignoring social distancing guidelines. The Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center will open by reservation only, along with camping at McDowell Nature Preserve, officials said. Here’s the map. Are you a parent in North Carolina? Alison Kuznitz is a local government reporter for The Charlotte Observer, covering City Council and the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners. “While the number of cases has decreased and vaccine has become available, that does not mean we are out of the woods yet,” Harris said in a statement. Full-Service Centers will accept Credit Cards only, no cash. But parking gates did close for disc golf courses. Many parks have open space amidst shade trees and unique facilities. The positivity rate and hospitalizations are also nearing pre-Thanksgiving levels. Coronavirus-related restrictions at Mecklenburg County parks will ease next week — just days after the governor’s modified stay-at-home order lifts as a result of improved health trends. Since March, she has also reported on COVID-19 in North Carolina. Mecklenburg County's Full-Service Drop off Centers are open regular hours which are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday. You may contact the Dog Park for questions about: Dog-friendly parks … On Tuesday, Mecklenburg County officials announced two more people died from COVID-19 in Mecklenburg County. The SkatePark at Naomi Drenan Recreation Center will also reopen. In contrast to other public parks, Dog Parks typically allow dogs to be off-leash. The additional reductions include, among others: Public Health – Various programs and clinics may be rescheduled or delayed. “Everyone must continue to practice the 3 Ws and avoid gatherings with individuals they do not live with to continue the improvement in metrics and keep our community healthy and safe.”. [PAST COVERAGE: Mecklenburg County rec sports courts at parks shut down after warning from officials]. In addition to providing dogs open space for exercise activity, Mecklenburg County off leash Dog Parks are intended to provide opportunities for dogs to socialize with each other. The expiration of Mecklenburg Public Health Director Gibbie Harris’ directive means more outdoor Park and Recreation service will resume on Monday, county officials announced Thursday morning. Harris’ public health directive had largely echoed a directive from Dr. Mandy Cohen, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. We don’t have any choice. For more coverage, sign up for our daily coronavirus newsletter. Harris later modified and extended the directive to the end of the month, but she removed the language about virtual learning. “If they continue not to comply then they’ll be arrested. Posted: Mar 30, 2020 / 10:57 PM EDT / Updated: Mar 30, 2020 / 10:57 PM EDT. Call the Public Health Hotline at 980-314-9400 for COVID-19 information and visit MeckNC.gov for updates on … WSOC TV facebook feed(Opens a new window), WSOC - TV Public File Contact / Program Director, WAXN - TV Public File Contact / Program Director. Considerations. April 8, 2020. But, they said they need residents to help keep the parks open so they don’t have to take measures like Mecklenburg County. So far, police said they have not had to fine or arrest anyone in parks for breaking the stay-at-home order. More than 56,000 second doses — equating to 5.1% of the county population — were deployed. Use of county dog parks is now free. Large gatherings were spotted in local parks and even golf courses over the weekend. Park and Recreation will accept reservations for athletic fields, plus indoor and outdoor shelters, as long as capacity requirements are met. . This is a pandemic. This article has Unlimited Access. Parks in Mecklenburg County come in all shapes and sizes ranging from small neighborhood parks to large regional parks. People should still get tested once they’ve been in large group settings, the health director said. Crews say it could take several weeks until some parks reopen. Park Hours. The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is expected to announce expanded services in the next few days, a spokeswoman said. Two Mecklenburg commissioners want county officials to reconsider new COVID-19 restrictions that have temporarily closed parks at dusk and … Enhancing community wellness through recreation, open space, and natural resources. Harris has warned the public must stay vigilant as new, more transmissible coronavirus variants circulate in the community. They did make eight arrests and issue a dozen citations at a protest outside a women’s clinic over the weekend, and Estes said they will do the same if someone challenges them in the parks or anywhere else. The message city officials want to get out now is you wouldn’t cross the caution tape at a crime scene or a fire, so don’t cross it at the park either. Feb. 2 are connected to outbreaks at 12 long-term care facilities to know about the budget process, engage interactive! 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