Rock Hill officials have closed certain trails and river access points due to safety concerns following flooding from Tropical Storm Debby. The closures are in place until conditions are safe.

KC and the Sunshine Band are performing a free concert at Village Park this Saturday with lawn seating; parking shuttle and food available, but no outside alcohol, smoking, or pets allowed.

Gaston County reports its fifth rabies case of 2024 after a dead raccoon tests positive for the virus. Officials emphasize pet vaccination importance.

The article highlights the Schweinitz's sunflowers and their conservation at Cane Creek Park's Andre Michaux Prairie Restoration Site, emphasizing the park's varied amenities and the role of local agencies in protecting this threatened species.

Charlotte County has partially reopened parks to the public, with some amenities like playgrounds and boat ramps remaining closed. Open spaces include Ainger Creek Park and Allapatchee Shores Park, with restrictions on certain sports facilities.

Tiny Picassos is a new art program for toddlers at Harold Avenue Regional Park Recreation Center in Charlotte County, starting mid-December for $25, fostering creativity and motor skills through crafting.

Carowinds plans to debut a record-breaking water ride in 2026, following its merger with Six Flags and as part of a $1 billion improvement initiative to enhance guest experiences.

Centennial Park pool in Port Charlotte will close from Dec. 6-8 for a swim meet, reopening on Dec. 9, with inquiries directed to Kristen Huber at 941-764-4102.

Centennial Park pool in Charlotte County will close early on December 14 at 5 p.m. for Winter Wonderland festivities, with regular hours resuming December 15.

Charlotte County's Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park Recreation Center is extending its hours starting December 9, 2024. The gym remains closed for repairs, but other facilities are available.

Mecklenburg County promotes Joanette Freeman to HR director and hires Nick Walker as Park and Recreation director, both taking their new roles in January and February respectively.

A free REC2U Party in the Park event is set for January 25 at William R Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park in Port Charlotte, featuring games, arts, and music for families.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department's 2024 report shows a 3% decline in overall crime, with initiatives like CORE 13 and JADE contributing to the reduction.

Bayshore Live Oak Park's eastern parking lot has reopened, offering limited access to the park while full amenities remain closed, signaling a gradual return to normalcy for Charlotte County.

Lincoln County, NC encourages residents to explore outdoor areas and use the "GET HEALTHY" map of local parks and trails, despite a faulty link in their social media post.

Cane Creek Park opens its beach for the Memorial Day Weekend, signaling a return to normal operations after being affected by lifeguard shortages in past seasons.

Hillsborough County promotes using native plants for economical and ecological garden benefits, ideal for the local climate and supporting local wildlife.

Byron Haigler, promoted to director of Cabarrus County's Active Living and Parks, seeks to continue improving community services using his life experiences, including overcoming cancer and a bear encounter.

Hickory's Public Art Commission unveils an 8.5 feet tall sculpture "FREEDOM: An Homage to Harriet Tubman" in Taft Broome Park to honor the historical figure’s legacy.

Cane Creek Park in NC is getting greener with water willow plants to boost aquatic life and attract bass, supported by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

A harmful algae bloom (HAB) of cyanobacteria was discovered in a Lake Wylie cove by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services staff. Residents are advised to avoid contact with the water.

Mecklenburg County officially reopened Albemarle Park in Charlotte, with new features like trails and a playground, part of a $1.1 million renovation aimed at community wellbeing.

Mecklenburg County experienced a year without unhealthy pollution levels, meeting strict air quality standards. This achievement was credited to favorable weather and pollution reduction efforts.

Concord's park renovation projects progress with construction updates shared via Facebook, including Caldwell Park's new facilities and Ramseur Park's terrain leveling.

Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation highlight sites honoring Black history, including parks and greenways named after influential African Americans, promoting awareness of local Black heritage.

Three Rivers Land Trust and landowner Terry Sharpe placed 90 acres near Ellerbe into a permanent easement to protect longleaf, pollinators and a rare wetland seep.

Park leaders say repairs will reopen the Blue Ridge Parkway’s closed sections in North Carolina by the end of 2026; phased work and detour maps aim to steer visitors back to gateway towns.

A $6.26 million Mallard Creek restoration near Kirk Farm Fields will reshape banks, slow flows and cut sediment — but expect intermittent greenway closures during the one-year build.

A contractor struck a low-pressure sewer line on March 12 and about 100 gallons of wastewater reached Lake Norman near Cornelius. Charlotte Water contained the leak and urged residents to report signs of contamination.

York County closed the swim area at Ebenezer Park after an elevated E. coli reading; follow-up tests are expected this week.

Rangers and partner agencies handled 38 emergency calls in March — including hoists and rope rescues — and officials warn hikers to plan for swollen streams and unstable trails.

Mecklenburg County paid about $10 million for two parcels that add roughly 30 acres to Idlewild Road Park in Matthews, setting up a proposed skatepark and new trail links.

More than $4 million in state grants will fund 11 western North Carolina parks damaged by Hurricane Helene, supporting repairs from boat launches to ballfields.

Mecklenburg County has set aside $9.6M to reshape Bryant Park in West Charlotte with a skatepark, greenway connections and upgrades to historic features.

A 12-foot alligator sat peering through a Southport family's storm door Tuesday before wildlife crews captured and relocated it to a safer area.

Mecklenburg County is banning grills, campfires and other open flames in county parks starting May 4 as drought and a statewide burn ban raise wildfire risk.

Three Rivers Land Trust is racing to buy up to 4,000 acres around Tuckertown Reservoir to keep shoreline and boat ramps public.

Copperheads are turning up near homes across North Carolina as snake season ramps up. Experts and poison control explain when they’re active and how to reduce encounters.

Six black bears were killed in Buncombe County after repeated home break‑ins tied to food‑conditioned animals. State necropsies found human‑related waste in most of the bears.

A 9-foot alligator wandered through Southport lawns and driveways on Memorial Day before specially trained officers captured and relocated it to a less-populated area.

Mecklenburg County's new 91‑acre Ezell Park opened in Mint Hill with a sprayground, pickleball courts, trails and public art.

A black bear wandered into Statesville's Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Police and wildlife officials advise giving the animal space while officials monitor the sighting.