JULY IS PARK AND REC MONTH
Celebration showcases 'essential' part of the community
NFL running back Rico Dowdle (back row, right of center) poses with Frank Liske Park campers, ALP staff and CIVIC staff.
CABARRUS COUNTY
CONCORD — Each July, Cabarrus County celebrates Park and Recreation Month by showcasing its world-class parks and programs.
From scenic parks and miles of trails to summer camps, nature programming and special events, Cabarrus County Active Living and Parks (ALP) enriches the lives of residents of all ages through recreation, fitness and lifelong learning.
Whether it's sinking a putt on the miniature golf course, casting a line at one of several fishing spots, dancing away in Zumba class or making new friends at summer camp, Cabarrus County residents continue to embrace Active Living and Parks in record numbers.
During the past 11 months, ALP welcomed 5,606 miniature golfers, 3,617 paddle boat riders, 5,563 pool guests, 5,229 fitness class participants and 990 campers, while offering more than 6,000 programs designed to keep residents active, engaged and connected.
"Those numbers represent more than attendance; they represent children discovering new interests, neighbors meeting one another, families spending time together and older adults finding ways to stay active," says Active Living and Parks Director Byron Haigler. "Creating those opportunities is at the heart of what we do, and that's why parks and active living centers are such an essential part of our community."
This year, ALP's Park and Recreation Month celebration culminates with a free, family-friendly event at Frank Liske Park on Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Registrants can enjoy a variety of complimentary activities, including a water slide, water games, miniature golf, paddle boats, kayaking, fishing, live animals, a scavenger hunt and more.
Registration is required for the celebration. To register, visit https://secure.rec1.com/NC/ cabarrus-county/catalog, select "Parks Programs," select "Special Events — Parks" then select "2026 Parks and Rec Month Celebration."
Follow the prompts on the event page to complete registration.
Campers meet NFLer Rico Dowdle
While the July 25 celebration is the signature Park and Recreation Month event, excitement began building in late June when former Carolina Panthers running back and current Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle visited summer campers to speak about the importance of financial literacy and making smart financial decisions at a young age.
Dowdle's visit gave campers the opportunity to learn about financial literacy, ask questions and receive autographs. As a spokesperson for CIVIC Federal Credit Union, he visited through a partnership between CIVIC and ALP aimed at promoting financial education in the community.
Behind the scenes, Park Program Supervisor Jonathan Poole helped make the event even more special. Poole designed custom laser-engraved metal trading cards for campers to have Dowdle sign, ensuring every child had a unique keepsake. He also created a custom-engraved commemorative plaque honoring Dowdle's visit.
For Poole, whose own childhood was filled with memories at Frank Liske Park, creating meaningful experiences for today's campers is one of the most rewarding parts of his role with Cabarrus County.
Poole oversees summer camps, adult athletics, special events and recreational programming. His passion for creating memorable experiences aligns with Active Living and Parks' mission to enrich the quality of life for all.
Throughout Park and Recreation Month, Cabarrus County celebrates Poole and the entire ALP team, whose dedication helps serve nearly 1.4 million visitors each year.
Explore your parks and recreation
Celebrate parks and recreation year-round by exploring one of Cabarrus County's five parks or three active living centers:
County parks:
• Frank Liske Park (4001Stough Road, Concord) – Paddle boating, mini-golf, pickleball, fishing and more
• Vietnam Veterans Park (760 Orphanage Road, Concord) – Basketball courts, shuffleboard courts, exercise stations, dog run and more
• Virginia Foil Park (1111 N. Washington St., Mt. Pleasant) – Fitness trail, playground and walking trail
• Camp T.N. Spencer Park (3155 Foxford Road, Concord) – Public pool, cabins, tent sites and fishing ponds
• Rob Wallace Park (12900 Bethel School Road, Midland) – Fishing, mountain biking, picnic shelters and nature play areas
County active living centers:
• Concord Active Living Center (331 Corban Ave. SE, Concord)
• Mount Pleasant Library and Active Living Center (1111 N. Washington St., Mt. Pleasant)
• Afton Library and Active Living Center (6095 Glen Afton Blvd., Concord)
To view the department's July–August Session Guide, visit cabarruscounty.us/ alp.
