Active Living and Parks (ALPs) uses fitness, wellness and education to improve the quality of life for Cabarrus County residents. The County operates four parks and two active living centers, each with unique amenities. Features include the area’s first mountain bike course and skills trail, tennis courts, miniature golf course, paddle boats, softball and soccer fields, swim pool, nature and bike trails, outdoor fitness equipment and fishing ponds.
The County also offers a variety of classes and clubs for all levels of activity. There are also special events just for those who are 50-plus, including dances with live bands, holiday celebrations, health screenings, talent shows and educational sessions.
Rent one of our facilities, which include athletic fields, community rooms, dog run, climate-controlled cabins, tent sites, group camping sites, shelters and a two-story barn facility.
Cabarrus offers many low-cost classes, camps and workshops year round. Connect with the outdoors while participating in hands-on programs geared toward nature, conservation, sustainability and environmental stewardship education.
The junior ranger program offers free nature education to local students in the classroom and through field trips to our parks. Scout troops are also encouraged to ask about merit badge programs at our parks.
In addition to one-time classes, ALPs offers spring break and summer day camps.
⭐ Program Highlights
FY24 Highlights (July 2023 to June 2024)
Cabarrus County Active Living and Parks, led by Londa Strong, received the 2023 Ernest Messer Award. This award recognizes a community or community-based organization that has excelled in addressing the needs of its older citizens.
Cabarrus County Active Living and Parks has worked diligently with County leadership to purchase land and build two new library/active living centers. Currently under construction, the centers will provide senior programming and support in two areas of the county. Having these two amenities under the same roof will alleviate transportation issues for older adults seeking a myriad of available services and will provide creative opportunities for multigenerational programming which will benefit older adults in many new ways. These facilities and dedicated staff will accommodate the growing 50 and better population, offering a safe place to exercise, socialize and recreate.
Notable Work
- Signed an Agreement with Berry Dunn to develop a Comprehensive Department Masterplan
- Designed the St. Stephens Church Road Masterplan
- Began planning programming for new Active Living Centers in the eastern and western parts of the County (under construction)
- Broke ground on the Mt. Pleasant Library/Active Living Center
- Began offering barn rentals at Frank Liske Park
- Held a Ribbon Cutting for the re-built Barn at Frank Liske Park
- Broke ground on the Afton Library Active Living Center
- Prepared for demolition of the Frank Liske Park Office and mini-golf course
- Broke ground and completed construction on Rob Wallace Park Phase II-B
- Developed educational materials with Communications and Outreach for the St. Stephens Church Road property (prescribed burns, educational value of natural amenities, timbering parcels)
Partnerships
AAA, Cabarrus Health Alliance, Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg Planning and Recreation department, State Senior Games, Athletic groups/organizations, NC Recreation and Park Association, Department of Social Services
Staff Accomplishments
- Jacob Wentink received his NRPA CPRP Certification
- Ian Sweeney received his NRPA CPRP Certification
- Internal Promotions to Full-Time Ranger
Grants Received
- NRPA Healthy Living Grant: $5,000
- Senior Center (SC) Ops Grant: $100,972
- SC General Purpose Grant: $7,438
- Virginia Foil PARTF Grant: $500,000
- ARPA: $18,000
- SHAPR: $5,000
Total Grants: $641,410
📅 Significant Dates
July: Park and Recreation Month
October: Pioneer Day, Touch-A-Truck, Jack-O-Lantern Jaunt
December: Active Living and Parks Holiday Party
February: Heart and Sole 5K at Frank Liske Park
April: Spring Break Camp
May: Roly Poly Fest
June: Silo Sprint 5K at Frank Liske Park
June-August: Summer Camp
August: Projected completion of the Frank Liske Park office/mini golf project