Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation

Therapeutic Recreation Section

Therapeutic Recreation Section

Contact Information
Karla Gray
TR Senior Manager
Karla.Gray@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
980-314-1314

Danielle Dobbs-Jackson
TR Specialist
Danielle.Dobbs@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
980-314-1309

Karen Howard
TR Specialist
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
980-314-1303

Melissa Johnson
TR Specialist
Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
980-314-1304

Ariel Kliem
TR Specialist
Ariel.Kliem@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
980-314-1306

Shannon Maxwell
TR Specialist
Shannon.Maxwell@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
980-314-1308
April Fun Facts:
Stacey Thomas
TR Specialist -The birthstone for April is the Diamond.
Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
980-314-1302 -The Zodiac Signs for April are Aries
Shawn Whitman (March 21-April 19) and Taurus (April 20-
TR Specialist
Shawn.Whitman@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov May 20).
980-314-1307
-The birth flower of April is typically the
Sweet Pea or the Daisy.
http://tr.charmeck.org

Therapeutic Recreation Wire-April 2017

 ProgramsYouth
Tumble Tots Pee Wee T-ball
For children ages 2-6 with disabilities For youth ages 2-6 with disabilities
Arts and Cultural Building, 109 S. Old Waymer Field, 14200 Holbrooks Rd. Huntersville
Statesville Rd., Huntersville NC, 28078 April 1-May 6 (Saturdays)
April 3, 17 and 24 (Tuesdays) 9:00 am 10:00 am
4:30 pm-5:30 pm $25.00
Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
$15.00
Ariel.Kliem@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Spend an energizing morning with your child
learning the basic skills needed to play tee ball!
Tumble Tots is a new and exciting introduction During the 5 sessions, children will have fun with
to gross motor skills. The weekly classes will their friends and work with their parents to
develop confidence and build strength, balance, develop skills related to T-ball. This is a great
and flexibility. Your child will make new friends opportunity for parents to interact with their
while enjoying pre-school and youth gymnastics children in a fun environment and to learn
equipment, obstacle courses and various teaching
techniques for teaching their children sports.
aids.
Adult participation is required. We will not meet
Registration Deadline: March 31
Saturday, April 15.
Fast Food & Flicks - Youth Registration Deadline: March 29
For ages 6-12 with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center
2219 Tyvola Rd
April 7 (Friday)
4:00 pm8:00 pm
$35.00
Danielle.Dobbs@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Come join us for a fun evening of movies and

food! Participants will be dropped off and picked
up from Marion Diehl. We will be headed to
AMC 22 Carolina Pavilion to see The Boss Baby
on Friday, April 7! After the movie, we will
head to Steak and Shake for dinner. The cost of
the program covers 1 ticket, Kids pack
(popcorn/drink/candy) and a participant meal!
Participants should be independent in self-care
and be able to sit through a two-hour movie.
Registration deadline: March 31

Therapeutic Recreation Wire-April 2017

 Programs Teens/Young Adults
Adapted Kayaking
For teens and adults ages 16 and up with physical
disabilities
Latta Plantation Accessible Boat Launch,
Huntersville
April 6-20 (Thursdays)
3:30 pm5:00 pm
$20.00
Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Spend your afternoon paddling on the beautiful
Mountain Island Lake! No kayaking experience
required. Participants must be comfortable in the
water and be able to sit up in the kayak. We will
teach all basic skills, and have tandem kayaks to
kayak with you!
Registration Deadline: March 31
Super Saturday Chefs
For teens to adults, ages 13 and up with
disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
April 22 (Saturday) Light for Spring
9:30 am12:30 pm
$15.00
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Teaching great cookingone Saturday at a time!
Join us for instructional cooking classes with a
"side order" of fun and conversation! Each 1-day
class has a different focus - in addition to learning
or improving basic cooking skills, participants
will learn about kitchen safety and hygiene;
making healthy food choices; and proper food
handling and storage practices. Please note the
new time for this program!
Registration deadline: April 19
TR: Big Time Bowlers
For adults ages 18 and up with a disability
10 Park Lanes, 1700 Montford Drive
April 6, 20 and 27 (Thursdays)
3:30 pm-5:00 pm
$30.00
Ariel.Kliem@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Need an afternoon full of fun? Join us for
bowling! Improve your bowling skills while
having fun with friends!
Registration Deadline: April 3
TR Dance Club
For individuals ages 15 and up with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
April 8, 22 and 29 (Saturdays)
$15.00
Ariel.Kliem@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Come out and show your moves with the Dance
Club Program. Dance Club will provide
individuals the opportunity to learn basic dance
moves, participate in group line dances and enjoy
plenty of free style and fun!!
Registration Deadline: April 5
Therapeutic Recreation Wire-April 2017
 Programs Teens/Young Adults
Schools Out Club Teens- Spring Break
For individuals ages 13-21 with disabilities, still in
high school
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
April 7 (Friday), April 10 (Monday), April 11
(Tuesday), April 12 (Wednesday), April 13
(Thursday)
$50.00 per date
Ariel.Kliem@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Shawn.Whitman@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Come spend your school break having fun and
learning new games with your friends!
All activities used to promote peer interaction &
appropriate social skills, physical activity and
independence.
Registration Deadline: April 5
Young Adults on the Go! April Outing
For teens ages 21 (out of high school)-40 with
disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Rd
April 8 (Saturday)
10:00 am-2:00 pm
$20.00
Shannon.Maxwell@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Join us as we venture to the Loch Norman
Highland Games to take in the sites and sounds of
History. We will get lunch at the festival! Lunch is
not included in registration fee. Must be
independent in self care.
Registration Deadline: April 5
Performing Arts Club-North
For teens and young adults ages 13-35 with
disabilities
Cornelius Arts Center
19725 Oak Street, Cornelius
April 24-May 22 (Mondays)
5:00 pm-6:30 pm
$40.00
Shannon.Maxwell@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Do you like acting and meeting new friends?
Come join us for the Performing Arts Club for
theater games, skits and more! Come meet new
friends and hang out with old friends as well!
Registration Deadline: April 21
Pokemon Go Spring Break Camp
For teens ages 13-18 with High Functioning
Autism and ADHD
*Must be independent in the community
*Must bring their own data & location enabled
cell phone with the current version of Pokmon
go installed
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
April 1011 (Monday and Tuesday)
9:30 am2:00 pm
$50.00
Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Start off spring break right with two days of
exploring Charlotte on a quest to be the very best!
New trainers and Pokmon masters will team up
to visit pokstops, catch pokmon, and work as a
team to take over gyms around the city. Campers
must bring their own lunch. Contact Stacey for
questions regarding diagnosis criteria.
Registration Deadline: April 5
Therapeutic Recreation Wire-April 2017
 Programs Teens/Young Adults
Yoga
For individuals ages 13 and up with disabilities
Crossfit Steele Creek
9301 Forsyth Park Dr, Charlotte, NC 28273
April 22 (Saturday)
1:30 pm-2:30 pm
$5.00
Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Join the Therapeutic Recreation Section for our
first Yoga class, hosted by Crossfit Steele Creek.
All equipment will be provided but feel free to
bring your own yoga mat if you have one. Please
wear athletic/comfortable clothing.
Registration Deadline: April 19
Learn to Ride
For all ages with disabilities
McClintock Middle School; 1925 Rama Rd, 28212
May 13 (Saturday)
10:00 am2:00 pm
Free
Danielle.Dobbs@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Come learn the mechanics to ride a bike during the
free Learn to Ride Program. The Learn to Ride
program provides bikes and helmets during the
event, but you are welcome to bring your own.
During this time, participants will be able to
schedule a time slot to work with a CTRS on bike
riding skills. Registration is required to ensure a
time slot for your participant.
Registration deadline: May 9
Zumba
For ages 16+ with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Rd
April 4April 25 (Tuesdays)
4:30 pm5:30 pm
$20.00
Danielle.Dobbs@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
This Latin-infused workout with get you moving,
energized and dancing! Participants will improve their
balance, coordination and fitness by participating in
this program.
Registration deadline: March 29
Fast Food & Flicks-North
For ages 16 and up with disabilities
AMC 12Northlake; 7325 Northlake Mall Dr, 28216
April 8 (Saturday)
1:00 pm5:00 pm
$35.00
Danielle.Dobbs@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Come join us for a fun day of movies and food! We
will meet at AMC 12 Northlake to see Power Rangers
on April 8! After the movie, we will head to the
food court to eat a late lunch. The cost of the program
covers 1 ticket, popcorn & drink, and a participant
meal! Participants should be independent in self-care
and be able to sit through a two-hour movie.
Registration deadline: April 5
Therapeutic Recreation Wire-April 2017
 Programs-Adults
Gifted Gardeners
For adults and seniors, ages 18 and up with
developmental disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
April 4-25 (Tuesdays)
10:00 am12:00 noon
$40.00 per month
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Spring is HERE! The Gifted Gardeners have LOTS
to do: starting vegetable and flower plants for the
spring season; preparing the gardens and caring for
houseplants at the Marion Diehl Center; and
crafting items using plant materials. Please dress
for the weather, as we spend part of each class
outdoors, weather permitting.
Registration deadline: March 31
Game Night North
For adults, ages 18 and up (out of high school) with
disabilities
Robert B. Blythe Building, 102 Gilead Road,
Huntersville
April 12, 19 and 26 (Wednesdays)
5:30 pm 6:30 pm
$15.00 per month
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
ITS GAME NIGHT! Each week we will learn and
play card games, bingo, dominoes, classic board
games and more. There will also be fun Minute to
Win It style games. Gather with your friends for this
FUN social and recreational opportunity!
Registration deadline: April 3
Total Wellness Club - North
For adults and seniors, ages 18 and up with
developmental disabilities
Torrence Lytle Center, 508 Dellwood Drive,
Huntersville
April 5-26 (Wednesdays)
10:00 am12:00 noon
$40.00 per month
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Come out for fitness and FUN! Improve your
Total Wellness through a variety of activities that
may include sport skills, line dance, chair exercise,
nutrition information, music & movement and
active games.
Registration deadline: March 31
Crafts & Cooking North
For adults and seniors, ages 18 and up with
disabilities
Torrence Lytle Center, 508 Dellwood Drive,
Huntersville
April 7, 21 and 28 (Fridays)
10:00 am12:00 noon
$30.00 per month
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Bring out your creative side! Join us for a variety
of art, craft and cooking projects with a festive,
seasonal theme. Healthy food choices and creative
expression are always part of the fun!
All materials are included in the program fee.
Registration deadline: April 5
Therapeutic Recreation Wire-April 2017
 ProgramsAdults
Adult Cooking
For adults ages 18 and up with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
April 3-24 (Mondays)
10:00 am12:00 pm
$40.00
Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Adult cooking is the place to learn various
cooking skills and to learn how to prepare
healthy recipes! We will discuss healthy eating
habits and prepare a different meal each class.
Well focus on hygiene, healthy alternatives to
unhealthy foods, and more!
Registration Deadline: March 29
Creative Arts
For adults ages 18 and up with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola
Road
April 5-26 (Wednesdays)
10:00 am12:00 pm
$40.00
Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Come express yourself in Creative Arts! We will
create several different art pieces in each class
while learning about different artists and
different artistic styles. Come express yourself
through art work!
Registration Deadline: March 30
Birds of a Feather
For adults ages 18 and up with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
April 3-17 (Mondays)
1:30 pm3:30 pm
$15.00
Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Learn about different local bird species as we
explore different greenways and natural areas in our
county! Spend Monday afternoons outside learning
about different bird habitats and learn different bird
calls. No experience needed! Drop off and pick up
is at Marion Diehl; participants need to dress for the
weather as we will be outside the entire time. We
will not meet on the 24th.
Registration Deadline: March 29
Wilderness Bunch
For young adults ages 18 to 40 with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
April 22-23 (Saturday and Sunday)
12:00 pm (Saturday)12:00 pm (Sunday)
$100.00
Melissa.Johnson@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Interested in learning more about the outdoors?
Already love the outdoors? Either way, Wilderness
Bunch is a fun program for you! We will learn how
to set up a tent, learn camping basics, and enjoy the
great outdoors. We will camp one night at
McDowell Nature Preserve, and spend the next day
exploring. We will go kayaking during this trip! No
experience required. Participants need to be
independent in self-care. Drop off and pick up will
be at Marion Diehl.
Registration Deadline: April 13
Therapeutic Recreation Wire-April 2017
 ProgramsAdults
Sports & More Adult Game Night
For adults ages 18 and up with disabilities For adults ages 18 and up with disabilities
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Marion Diehl Recreation Center
Rd 2219 Tyvola Road, Charlotte NC 28210
April 21May 19 (Fridays) April 324, 2017 (Mondays)
10:00 am12:00 pm 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
$50.00 $30.00
Shannon.Maxwell@mecklenburgcountync.gov Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Come one, come all! Join us for this exciting Its game night! We will learn and play card games, in
program focusing on building basketball skills, addition to trying our luck at some of the classic
soccer skills and more! favorites like UNO and Pictionary! This will be a
Registration Deadline: April 19 social and recreational opportunity to gather together
with your friends for fun!
Registration Deadline: March 29
Gifted Gardeners-North
For adults ages 18 and up with disabilities
Torrence Lytle Center, 508 Dellwood Drive,
Huntersville
April 4-25 (Tuesdays)
10:00 am12:00 pm
$40.00
Shannon.Maxwell@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov

Are you interested in learning more about

gardening and plants? If so, this program is for
you! Well learn about planting seasons and
plant many plants of our own!
Registration deadline: April 9

Therapeutic Recreation Wire-April 2017

 ProgramsAdults
VIP Fun Club VIP Travel Club
For adults and seniors, ages 30 and up, with a For adults and seniors, ages 35 and up, with a visual
visual impairment impairment
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Pick-up/Drop-off locations please specify when
Road registering:
April 10 and 24 (Mondays) Marion Diehl Recreation Center (MDRC), 2219 Tyvola
1:00 pm 3:00 pm Road
$10.00 per month Metrolina Association for the Blind (MAB),
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov 704 Louise Avenue
April 18 (Tuesday) JAARS Headquarters and Alphabet
nd th Museum, Waxhaw
Come out on the 2 and 4 Monday of each
Pick-up: MDRC @ 8:30 am, MAB @ 9:00 am
month for this FUN activity club! We will try
Drop-off: MAB @ 4:00 pm, MDRC @ 4:30 pm
out a wide variety of activities, including crafts, $40.00 lunch included
cooking, gardening, art, games and moreall in Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
a casual social setting.
Registration deadline: April 6 Enjoy a FUN social day with friends, while building
independence in the community. Learn about historic,
educational and recreation attractions in Charlotte and
surrounding areas. Please bring money for any extra
purchases.
Registration deadline: April 14

Therapeutic Recreation Wire-April 2017

 ProgramsParalympic
Paralympic Boccia Club
For teens and adults, ages 13 and older, with a
physical disability, CP, SCI, MS or stroke
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
April 3, 17 and 24 (Mondays)
5:00 pm6:00 pm
$15.00
Karen.Howard@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Test your strategy! The object of Boccia is to roll/
throw a game ball closest to the target ball. During
the ongoing Boccia Club program, players will de-
velop or improve sport skills while learning the
rules of the game. This program is part of Paralym-
pic Sport Metrolina.
Registration deadline: March 30
Paralympic Air Rifle Clinic
For adult disabled Veterans and injured/service
members with a physical disability
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
March 31 (Friday)
6:00 pm-7:30 pm
$FREE
Stacey.Thomas@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
The TR Section is excited to offer Paralympic Air
Rifle. The program focuses on accuracy, control and
marksmanship. The program will cover safety,
overview of equipment and rounds of shooting.
All equipment is provided.
Registration Deadline: March 28
Therapeutic Recreation Wire-April 2017
 ProgramsDances
Fiesta Party
For individuals ages 13 and up with a disability
102 Gilead Road, Huntersville NC
April 7 (Friday)
6:00 pm9:00 pm
$10.00 (includes dinner)
TRINFO@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Come join us for a fun fiesta and be sure to
wear BRIGHT colors! We will have dinner,
dancing and a fun activity!
Pre-Registration Deadline: April 6th
TR Dance: Superhero Dance!
For individuals ages 13 and up with a disability
Marion Diehl Recreation Center, 2219 Tyvola Road
April 21 (Friday)
6:00 pm9:00 pm
$10.00 (includes dinner)
TRINFO@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
Calling all Superheroes! Join us for a night of music,
food, and fun at Hero Headquarters. Dress up as your
favorite superhero and meet your fellow crime fighters
on the dance floor. Hero masks will be available to
protect your secret identity.
Pre-Registration Deadline: April 20
Therapeutic Recreation Wire-April 2017