Opportunities From: Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation

Don’t miss out on Challenger Flag Football (CFF) this fall! This exciting program is offered through Park & Recreation's Therapeutic & Inclusive Recreation Section, in partnership with the Carolina Panthers. The CFF league gives participants ages 6-12 (Junior League) and 13 and up (Senior League), with a disability, the opportunity to improve sportsmanship, experience teamwork, and enjoy football!
*This is a 7-week program - we are looking for energetic Volunteers who can attend every week!

The season runs from September 3 through October 18, with practices on Wednesdays (5:30-6:30pm) and games on Saturdays (9am-12:00). 

Volunteers will assist with leading football drills and skills as well as coach teams and encourage and assist players on the field as needed. Wear athletic clothing and closed-toe shoes; hats are OK!

*You must be at least 18 years old to help with Adaptive Sports programs - all Coaches/CFF Volunteers must have a current application/background check on file. Contact VolunteerServices@MeckNC.gov if you need to apply or check your status. 

QUESTIONS? Contact Migdalia Mena@MeckNC.gov or 980-748-6475 for more information. 

It's time for FUN in the Fall! Programs for Seniors at the Northern Regional Recreation & Senior Center are always a big hit, and we LOVE having Volunteer help! Volunteers should be at least 16 years old - please dress in comfortable clothing (no tank tops, please) and wear closed-toe shoes.

BINGO Volunteers will assist with calling numbers and/or checking winning cards.

*Volunteers may register for any or all listed dates/shifts! 

If you have questions or if your plans change, please contact Elise.White@mecklenburgcountync.gov or call 980-314-1479

Come and help to maintain the Quest garden as the fall season approaches - Lots of weeding, watering (if needed) and pruning to make the landscape look great! Please wear weather appropriate clothing (long pants, garden boots) and bring a pair of gardening gloves if you have them - No experience is necessary! Please bring a refillable water bottle!

QUESTIONS? Contact Kerri Hable at kerri.hable@mecklenburgcountync.gov or 980-314-7878 (Quest main line)

Come celebrate Homecoming with us as we host a day party for the West Charlotte High School students! Wear your maroon and gold to welcome the Lions to the celebration with lots of school spirit!

VOLUNTEERS are needed to help with final setup for the event (2:30-5:30pm), greeting and monitoring the students during the event, distributing food and drinks, and cleanup as the event closes. 

QUESTIONS? Contact Miles.Judson@mecklenburgcountync.gov or call 980-502-3522.

Welcome to the Fall season! "Project Captain" Bruce Chapman leads Volunteers in caring for James Boyce Park and restoring natural habitat by removing invasive plants. We will cut and/or pull up invasive English ivy, privet and autumn olive, giving native plants a better home to grow. Pre-registration is REQUIRED for all Volunteers!

Use the listed address for the Park - 300 Boyce Road, 28211 - and meet by the kiosk, near the restroom building in the last parking area. 

QUESTIONS? Contact Karen Howard at 980-314-1046 or Karen.Howard@MeckNC.gov 

Join us for the BIGGEST world-wide Volunteer effort of the year! On this date Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation and Keep Charlotte Beautiful work alongside the Sharon South community and other neighbors to help clean up litter from Little Sugar Creek Greenway and the surrounding neighborhood streets!  

THANK YOU for choosing to Volunteer with Park & Recreation and our partners, and for participating in the "WORLD CLEANUP DAY 2025" initiative! Volunteers may choose to clean up on the Greenway, or join the neighborhood streets cleanup crew. Litter pickers and trash bags will be provided. NEW: You are welcome to save and bring the plastic bags from jumbo-packs of paper towels, bath tissue, etc. to use for collecting trash!

Below are a few tips and reminders for a SAFE & PRODUCTIVE Volunteer experience:

QUESTIONS? Contact the Volunteer Coordinator: Karen.Howard@MeckNC.gov or 980-314-1046 - Mobile: 704-200-7074

Help us care for the Lincoln Heights Community Garden! During the Fall season, tasks may include: cleaning out garden beds, filling with extra soil and covering for the season; weeding the aisles in the gardens; organizing the tool shed; raking the shade garden; clearing out growth on the fences, etc. We'll also be giving the gardens and Park a thorough clean-up, time permitting. 

All materials and supplies will be provided! Below are some additional instructions for a safe and productive Volunteer project day:

QUESTIONS? Contact Karen.Howard@MeckNC.gov / 980-314-1046 OR Garden Captain India Solomon at india.d.solomon@gmail.com

Don’t miss out on Challenger Flag Football (CFF) this fall! This exciting program is offered through Park & Recreation's Therapeutic & Inclusive Recreation Section, in partnership with the Carolina Panthers. The CFF league gives participants ages 6-12 (Junior League) and 13 and up (Senior League), with a disability, the opportunity to improve sportsmanship, experience teamwork, and enjoy football!
*This is a 7-week program - we are looking for energetic Volunteers who can attend every week!

The season runs from September 6 through October 18, with practices on Wednesdays (5:30-6:30pm) and games on Saturdays (9am-12:00). *GAME DAYS: Junior League - 9:00am-10:00am; Senior League - 10:00am-12:00.

Volunteers will assist with leading football drills and skills as well as coach teams and encourage and assist players on the field as needed. Wear athletic clothing and closed-toe shoes; hats are OK!

*You must be at least 18 years old to help with Adaptive Sports programs - all Coaches/CFF Volunteers must have a current application/background check on file. Contact VolunteerServices@MeckNC.gov if you need to apply or check your status. 

QUESTIONS? Contact Migdalia Mena@MeckNC.gov or 980-748-6475 for more information. 

Join us for a FALL Early Bird Workday at Winterfield! Get a dose of nature and an opportunity to demonstrate your gratefulness for the EARTH by caring for one of the most special community spaces in our county. Gather a group of friends for the workday, and make plans to eat afterwards at one of East Charlotte’s wonderful eateries. WE can provide some recommendations!  

Various tasks include:

Weeding - Learn how to minimize these aggressive plants in your garden. 

Mulching - Learn the importance of covering and building your soil.

Planting - Learn about transplanting cold weather crops.

We will provide a cooler of water - please bring a refillable water bottle. 

PARKING: Use the listed address for GPS - 3105 Winterfield Place, 28205 - the Garden is on the right directly across from Winterfield Elementary School. Park on the street in front of the Garden's main entrance, or in the school parking lot. 

QUESTIONS? Contact Carla Vitez at carlavitez@gmail.com 

All skill levels are welcome as we break down the basics of kicking, running base to base, catching, teamwork and scrimmaging too! 

VOLUNTEERS will provide assistance as needed to help participants with disabilities to be successful during skills and drills and/or game play. This is an 8-week program - we are asking Volunteers to attend weekly!

Register for any or all shifts - Mondays, 5:30-6:30pm

QUESTIONS? Contact Jackie.Williams@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 980-314-1306/704-607-7879 (mobile)

Need an application or to check your status? Contact Karen.Howard@MeckNC.gov

Sign up today to help keep your favorite park or greenway clean and healthy by picking up litter! A great way to spend an hour AT LUNCHTIME by getting outdoors and helping in your community. We return to our "regular" time for the Fall season.

Park and meet at Ray's Splash Planet, at the address listed here. Look for Park & Recreation signage and staff - the Greenway entrance is just off the parking lot. 

Below are a few tips and reminders for a SAFE & PRODUCTIVE Volunteer experience:

If you have questions, or if you have a group who would like to help on a different day, please contact the Park & Recreation Volunteer Coordinator at Karen.Howard@MeckNC.gov or 980-314-1046 (office).

This Vegas-themed prom night invites guests to dress in red and black and enjoy an evening of elegance, fun, and celebration! The event will feature a live DJ, dancing, a delicious catered meal, themed photo opportunities, and the crowning of prom royalty. To add to the excitement, guests will have the opportunity to win awards in three fun categories: Best Dressed, Most Creative Attire, and Most Vegas Flair, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners recognized in each.

VOLUNTEERS are needed to help with setting up for the event (moving tables and chairs and setting the tables), decorating, check-in, serving food, assisting with activities, tear-down of the event.

2 shifts are available: 1:00-5:00pm and 3:30-8:00pm. Volunteers may sign up for 1 shift or for BOTH shifts.

QUESTIONS? Contact Katrina.Williams@mecklenburgcountync.gov or 980-314-1469

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with a McDowell Nature Center educator! Help keep our lands clean and beautiful by cleaning up litter and debris on the shoreline and throughout the Nature Preserve. Volunteers will be equipped with litter pick-up sticks and/or gloves. Be aware that trash will be located off trail over uneven and muddy ground. We may walk a cumulative 1-2 miles over uneven terrains. Anyone under the age of 16 MUST be accompanied by a parent/ adult. Pre-registration is required, no walk-ups will be accepted!

The instructor will contact all Volunteers a few days before each date to confirm all details.

QUESTIONS? Contact Ariel.Lowery@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704-517-2657.

Celebrate National Public Lands Day with a McDowell Nature Center educator! Help keep our lands clean and beautiful by cleaning up litter and debris on the shoreline and throughout the Nature Preserve. Volunteers will be equipped with litter pick-up sticks and/or gloves. Be aware that trash will be located off trail over uneven and muddy ground. We may walk a cumulative 1-2 miles over uneven terrains. Anyone under the age of 16 MUST be accompanied by a parent/ adult. Pre-registration is required, no walk-ups will be accepted!

The instructor will contact all Volunteers a few days before each date to confirm all details.

QUESTIONS? Contact Ariel.Lowery@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704-517-2657.

It's National Public Lands Day, and activities are happening around the county and across the USA! If you're looking to give back to the community and help beautify a beloved park, grab your work gloves and meet at McAlpine Creek Park for a spirited trash clean up. Be aware that trash may be located off the path, over uneven and muddy ground. Anyone under the age of 16 MUST be accompanied by a parent/ adult.

QUESTIONS? Contact Matthew.Morgan@mecklenburgcountync.gov or call 704-517-3105

Come and help to maintain the Quest garden as we enter the Fall season - Lots of weeding, watering (if needed) and pruning to make the landscape look great! Please wear weather appropriate clothing (long pants, garden boots) and bring a pair of gardening gloves if you have them - No experience is necessary! Please bring a refillable water bottle!

QUESTIONS? Contact Kerri Hable at kerri.hable@mecklenburgcountync.gov or 980-314-7878 (Quest main line)

Sign up today to help keep your favorite park or greenway clean and healthy by picking up litter! A great way to spend an hour AT LUNCHTIME by getting outdoors and helping in your community. We return to our "regular" time for the Fall season.  

Park and meet at Clarks Creek Community Park, at the address listed here. After turning into the Park from Hucks Road, continue straight to past the dog park to park in the "loop" near the barn-shaped restroom building. 

Below are a few tips and reminders for a SAFE & PRODUCTIVE Volunteer experience:

If you have questions, or if you have a group who would like to help on a different day, please contact the Park & Recreation Volunteer Coordinator at Karen.Howard@MeckNC.gov or 980-314-1046 (office).

Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month in style with this uplifting senior fashion event!

Watch our models strut their stuff, many of whom are breast cancer survivors or walking in honor of a loved one. Dress in any shade of pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Participants will be treated to a delightful menu, a guest sharing insights on Breast Cancer Awareness, a dance performance, and a round of Think Pink Bingo with themed prizes. This empowering event promotes awareness, celebrates resilience, and builds community through fashion, education, and fun!

VOLUNTEERS are needed to help with setting up for the event (moving tables and chairs and setting the tables), decorating, check-in, serving food, assisting with activities, tear-down of the event.

2 shifts are available: 1:00-5:00pm and 3:30-8:00pm. Volunteers may sign up for 1 shift or for BOTH shifts.

QUESTIONS? Contact Katrina.Williams@mecklenburgcountync.gov or 980-314-1469

"Project Captain" Bruce Chapman leads Volunteers in caring for James Boyce Park and restoring natural habitat by removing invasive plants. We will cut and/or pull up invasive English ivy, privet and autumn olive, giving native plants a better home to grow! Pre-registration is REQUIRED for all Volunteers!

*On this date, we partner with St. Stephen's UMC on their Mission Day, taking care of the earth! Litter cleanup throughout the Park will also be available - litter pickers and trash bags will be provided. 

Use the listed address for the Park - 300 Boyce Road, 28211 - and meet by the kiosk, near the restroom building in the last parking area. 

QUESTIONS? Contact Karen Howard at 980-314-1046 or Karen.Howard@MeckNC.gov 

Come and help to maintain the Quest garden as the fall season takes hold - Lots of weeding, watering (if needed) and pruning to make the landscape look great! Please wear weather appropriate clothing (long pants, garden boots) and bring a pair of gardening gloves if you have them - No experience is necessary! Please bring a refillable water bottle!

QUESTIONS? Contact Eva.Kinney@mecklenburgcountync.gov or 980-314-7878 (Quest main line)

Join Project Captain David Molinaro to take care of the Park by completing maintenance tasks, weeding the native garden areas and cleaning up trash around the Park! Bring your own work gloves, pruners and small shovels - extra tools will be provided.

QUESTIONS? Contact Stephen at david_molinaro@hotmail.com 

"Project Captain" Brian McCready gathers energetic Volunteers on one Saturday each month at 9616 Radner Lane, Charlotte, 28277, to trim trees and weeds; pick up trash; and clear branches and debris from the Four Mile Creek Greenway path.

*NOTE THE SEASONAL TIME OF 9:00AM-11:00AM!

The listed address will provide directions to the Radner Lane entrance - a full map of Four Mile Creek Greenway can be downloaded from www.parkandrec.com  > Greenways (Lower McAlpine Creek, McMullen Creek & Four Mile Creek Greenways: Pineville-Matthews Rd. to Rea Rd.)

QUESTIONS? Contact Karen Howard at 980-314-1046 or Karen.Howard@MeckNC.gov 

Blind Sports Day is an annual event put on by Therapeutic and Inclusive Recreation Services (TIRS), in partnership with various community agencies serving those with visual impairments. Blind Sports Day is an annual event that celebrates White Cane Awareness Day [October 15] and the abilities of participants ages 6 and up, who are blind and/or visually impaired. Sports/activities will include but are not limited to goalball, yoga, tandem running, tandem cycling, darts, beep ball, and more!

ACTIVITIES will take place at Tyvola Senior Center, at the address listed here, and at Marion Diehl Recreation Center & Park, across the parking lot on the same campus. 
VOLUNTEERS will assist by pairing up with participants to guide them through the various sports/activities, leading a sport/activity, set-up/break down, check-in, etc. Wear athletic clothing and closed-toe shoes; hats are OK! Lunch is provided for Volunteers.
*You must be at least 18 years old to Volunteer with this program!

QUESTIONS?  Contact Natasha Reese@mecklenburgcountync.gov or 980-314-1226

Come and help to put the finishing touches on the Pavilion area at McDowell Nature Preserve, just before the annual Nature at Night event! VOLUNTEERS will clean up any litter, fallen limbs, etc. and make sure that the large Pavilion and all areas around the Nature Center are ready to welcome kids, adults and families to Nature at Night on Saturday, October 18. 

Park and meet at McDowell Nature Center, at the address listed here. After turning into McDowell Nature Preserve from South York Road, continue past the Campground and several maintenance driveways. Follow signs to turn right into the Nature Center parking lot, and park as directed by Park & Recreation staff.

*A chance of a shower won't stop a litter cleanup, ponchos will be available - if needed, we have a rain date set for the next day, but the project will be cancelled in case of extreme/stormy weather. 

Below are a few tips and reminders for a SAFE & PRODUCTIVE Volunteer experience:

QUESTIONS? Contact Karen.Howard@MeckNC.gov or 980-314-1046 (office) or 704-200-7074 (mobile).

Welcome to the Fall season! "Project Captain" Bruce Chapman leads Volunteers in caring for James Boyce Park and restoring natural habitat by removing invasive plants. We will cut and/or pull up invasive English ivy, privet and autumn olive, giving native plants a better home to grow. Pre-registration is REQUIRED for all Volunteers!

Use the listed address for the Park - 300 Boyce Road, 28211 - and meet by the kiosk, near the restroom building in the last parking area. 

QUESTIONS? Contact Karen Howard at 980-314-1046 or Karen.Howard@MeckNC.gov 

Help us care for the Lincoln Heights Community Garden! During the late Fall season, we'll be "putting the gardens to bed" for the winter - tasks may include: final cleaning out of garden beds and covering for the season; weeding the aisles in the gardens; organizing the tool shed; raking the shade garden; etc. We'll also be giving the gardens and Park a thorough clean-up, time permitting. 

All materials and supplies will be provided! Below are some additional instructions for a safe and productive Volunteer project day:

QUESTIONS? Contact Karen.Howard@MeckNC.gov / 980-314-1046 OR Garden Captain India Solomon at india.d.solomon@gmail.com

Visit our themed and decorated trunks for some special treats and a few toys or tricks from staff members and local vendors! We will have free games, activities, crafts and popcorn! KIDS, come dressed in your favorite costume in a family-friendly, safe environment. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved indoors.  

VOLUNTEERS may help with set-up for the event, including decorating their cars' trunks if able. Kid-friendly kits can be purchased separately or provided by the facility - the facility will provide candy and prizes. Volunteers may be asked to operate a game/activity station. The event takes place 6:00pm-8:00pm - extra time is needed to assist with final preparations! 

QUESTIONS? Contact Jalen.Hinkson@mecklenburgcountync.gov or call 980-314-1311.

Celebrate all things nocturnal during McDowell Nature Center's Annual NATURE AT NIGHT FESTIVAL! This fun-filled, educational event shines a spotlight on what nature has to offer after the sun goes down! The evening includes live animals, crafts, night hikes, wagon rides, s’mores, interactive booths and much more! Food Trucks will be on site for meals to purchase separately. This event is rain or shine. Please dress in layers to be outdoors during Fall weather. Goodie bags, snacks and water will be provided for all Volunteers. PLEASE CHOOSE 1 SHIFT ONLY WHEN SIGNING UP!

Day/Setup shift – 10AM-2PM: Set up of tables/chairs, tents, exhibits, etc.

Evening/Event shift – 3PM-9PM: Assist Park & Recreation/Nature Center staff with live animal stations, crafts, games, information tables, wagon ride, hikes, etc.

QUESTIONS? Contact Melissa.Olenick@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 980-722-2245 (mobile)

Learn how leaves can turn into gold for the garden! Bring a bag to contribute to our compost...Get a dose of nature by caring for one of the most special community spaces in our county. Gather a group of friends for the workday - and make plans to eat afterwards at one of East Charlotte’s wonderful eateries. WE can provide some recommendations! We will provide a cooler of water - please bring a refillable water bottle. 

PARKING: Use the listed address for GPS - 3105 Winterfield Place, 28205 - the Garden is on the right directly across from Winterfield Elementary School. Park on the street in front of the Garden's main entrance, or in the school parking lot. 

QUESTIONS? Contact Carla Vitez at carlavitez@gmail.com 

Come and help to maintain the Quest garden as the fall season takes hold - Lots of weeding, watering (if needed) and pruning to make the landscape look great! Please wear weather appropriate clothing (long pants, garden boots) and bring a pair of gardening gloves if you have them - No experience is necessary! Please bring a refillable water bottle!

QUESTIONS? Contact Kerri Hable at kerri.hable@mecklenburgcountync.gov or 980-314-7878 (Quest main line)

Halloween is around the corner, and it's time to have some fun! Our annual Halloween dance is a time for participants ages 13 and up, with a disability, to dance, socialize with their friends, and have a "howling" good time! 

Wear your best costume to the HOWL-O-WEEN dance! We need Volunteers to decorate the trunks of their cars for "Trunk or Treat" and hand out candy to participants. Bring some candy, please, and we will provide extra treats for Volunteers. After Trunk or Treat (6pm-7pm), Volunteers will come inside, enjoy pizza and assist with the dance by monitoring the dance floor, socializing with participants, and helping with clean up.

Dress: Halloween costume or a Halloween-themed shirt with comfortable pants and closed-toe shoes. 

*You must be at least 18 years old to Volunteer with this program. 

QUESTIONS? CONTACT Jackie.Williams@mecklenburgcountync.gov or 704-607-7879 (direct/mobile) for more information.

Make a splash this Halloween at our Monster Mash Splash - a SPOOK-TACULAR family event filled with frightfully fun swimming, creepy-cool crafts, ghoulishly good pool toys, and plenty of sweet treats!

VOLUNTEERS are needed to help with set-up and final decorations, greeting visitors, face painting, craft/photo/snack stations, and/or supervision of bounce houses (adults only). Family-friendly costumes are encouraged - closed-toe shoes are required. You MUST be at least 16 years old to help with this event! The Monster Mash Splash runs from 4pm to 7:30pm - 2 shifts are available for Volunteers, you may sign up for either shift, or for BOTH:

QUESTIONS? Contact Diana.Correa@mecknc.gov or call 704-617-9055.

Don't have a garden of your own? Looking to get your hands dirty? Come and see what it takes to maintain a native plant garden! On this final date for this year, be prepared to weed, mulch or prune the Quest landscape while enjoying the company of like-minded plant people. Please wear weather appropriate clothing (Fall layers, garden boots) and bring a pair of gardening gloves if you have them - No gardening experience is necessary! All tools provided. Please bring a refillable water bottle!

QUESTIONS? Contact Christine.Lawson@MeckNC.gov or call 980-314-7878 (Quest main line)

"Project Captain" Brian McCready gathers energetic Volunteers on one Saturday each month - to trim trees and weeds; pick up trash; and clear branches and debris from the Four Mile Creek Greenway path.

*NOTE THAT THE MEETING LOCATION THIS MONTH IS DIFFERENT, due to a known need for cleanup under the Johnston Road bridge, close to where Four Mile Creek Greenway joins with Lower McAlpine Creek Greenway! 

The listed address will provide directions to the parking lot on Johnston Road - Carpooling is strongly encouraged.

QUESTIONS? Contact Karen Howard at 980-314-1046 or Karen.Howard@MeckNC.gov