Public Spaces

Uptown celebration successful with few arrests

Submitted by Ron Lee on Tuesday, July 5th, 10:06 am

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Thousands of people enjoyed the Fourth of July celebration in uptown Charlotte with very problems from troublemakers Monday night.

As of 1 a.m. Tuesday, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department reported that only four adults were arrested compared to 21 adult arrests in 2010.

The arrests were for trespassing, drug possession, illegal display of fireworks, and disorderly conduct.

The CMPD said 11 juveniles were found in violation of the city's curfew ordinance.

The lack of criminal activity Monday night was in sharp contrast to what some describe as a melee which occurred in center city during the Memorial Day weekend.

During that incident, shots were fired and two men were struck by bullets during a large crowd fight outside the transit center. One of the men who was shot, later died from his injuries.

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Fewer Mecklenburg inmates put new jail in question

Submitted by WBTV Web Staff

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011, 10:11am

CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) - The number of inmates at the Mecklenburg County Jail has dropped so much that plans for a larger detention center are being reconsidered.

The lower inmate populations have prompted county commissioners to consider setting aside plans to build a $240 million, 1,700-bed permanent jail in north Charlotte.

The new jail was planned as the county's inmate population peaked at 2,900 inmates in 2007. Space had become so tight that hundreds of inmates slept on cots.

Existing jail facilities have 2,700 beds. Mecklenburg was housing fewer than 2,000 inmates last week.

Officials say lower crime rates and justice system reforms have led the drop in the number of inmates.

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Operation Dry Water will target impaired boaters on June 24-26

Submitted by Chris Dyches

Tuesday, June 7th, 2011, 1:09pm

Operation Dry Water will target impaired boaters on June 24-26

NORTH CAROLINA - Law enforcement officers from local, state and federal agencies will be out in force June 24-26 for Operation Dry Water, an annual campaign focused on the detection and enforcement of boating while impaired. A secondary objective is to raise awareness among all boaters that it is unsafe, as well as illegal, to operate a boat under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

This year in North Carolina, Operation Dry Water is incorporated into the state’s “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign.

“Impaired boat operators pose the same risk for injuries and fatalities as does impaired drivers,” said Maj. Chris Huebner of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and the state boating safety coordinator. “No matter what you drive, be responsible. Penalties for boating while impaired can include fines up to $1,000 and jail, but the greater peril is having an accident. Nearly one in three boating-related fatalities are alcohol related.”

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Tartuffe

Submitted by Susan H.

Friday, June 3rd, 2011, 4:48pm

CHARLOTTE - The Charlotte Shakespeare Festival, one of the area's most anticipated summer events, presents a classical comedy from France's greatest playwright Jean-Baptiste Moliere. Join in the fun and see how far one family will go to save their home and their honor from one of literature's greatest con men - Tartuffe. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and a picnic and enjoy live theatre under the stars. There is no admission charge, but a $5 per person donation is encouraged.

Event Details
Dates: June 2nd - 19th
Time: 8pm * Sunday Matinees at 6:30pm
Admission: Free * $5 Donations Requested
Venue: The Green
Address: 400 S. Tryon Street in Charlotte

Need more information? Please click HERE or call 704.625.1288.

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Outdoor pools, spraygrounds to open in time for Memorial Day

Submitted by Alison Hill, Community Web Producer

Friday, May 20th, 2011, 3:24pm

Outdoor pools, spraygrounds to open in time for Memorial Day

MECKLENBURG COUNTY - Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department’s outdoor swimming pools and spraygrounds will open for the summer season just in time for Memorial Day weekend! Pool admission is $1 and spraygrounds are free.

Spraygrounds open Friday, May 27 and remain open through Labor Day. Pools open Saturday, May 28 and will be open every weekend through Labor Day.

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236th Anniversary Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence

Submitted by Susan H.

Thursday, May 19th, 2011, 2:10pm

236th Anniversary Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence

CHARLOTTE - Come out and celebrate this annual commemoration in the Center City. We'll celebrate the signing of the declaration, the spirit of our community and the distinct and rebellious history that binds our community. Highlights include reenactors, a colonial village and a wreath-laying at Settler's Cemetery.

Event Details
Date: Friday, May 20th
Hours: Noon to 1pm
Free Admission
Venue: Disc Plaza
Location: The Square at Trade and Tryon Streets in Uptown Charlotte

Need more information or want to learn more about our Speaker Series? Please click HERE, send an EMAIL or call 704.332.2227.

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Park and Rec named Gold Medalist Finalist for 2nd year in row

Submitted by Chris Dyches

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011, 11:55am

Park and Rec named Gold Medalist Finalist for 2nd year in row

MECKLENBURG COUNTY - Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department has been named one of four finalist agencies in competition for a 2011 NRPA Gold Medal Award. The award is presented annually by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) to honor excellence in management and planning of parks and recreation agencies. This is the second year in a row the department has been named a finalist for the award.

Recreation professionals consider the Gold Medal Award as the top national recognition of excellence in their profession.

"I'm very proud of the work and professional dedication of our staff and volunteers to earn this recognition," said Jim Garges, director of the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department.

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